Fantasy Football 2017: Preseason Week 3 rookie tight end preview

We take a look at the most notable rookie tight ends to watch in preseason Week 3.

With two games officially under their belts, the 2017 rookie class is starting to make their presence felt in the NFL. Most rookies will not see the field much in the regular season. However, there are a handful of rookies that will make an impact on the league and in fantasy right away.

This week teams prepare for preseason Week 3, the prelude to the regular season. Looking ahead to such a pivotal game, here are some tight ends worth watching and a preview of their fantasy impact.

Evan Engram, New York Giants

Engram’s production more than doubled in Week 2 of the preseason. The first-round pick caught three balls for 32 yards against Cleveland and has a total of four catches on six targets for 43 yards through two games. Engram has the flexibility to play as a tight end and wider receiver and the Giants have indicated he will be utilized as both, especially now that the team is short a receiver with Odell Beckham Jr. out with an ankle injury.

Engram has already been compared to former Giant great Jeremy Shockey. His touches will not be bountiful as Eli Manning has many weapons in the receiving core however, he has probably the most upside of any rookie TE this season. His versatility to play as a wideout helps his fantasy stock even more.

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

Njoku made his NFL debut Monday night against the Giants. He caught only one pass for a 1-yard gain in the outing before being sidelined once again with an ankle injury. He was targeted three times in the game.

Hopes were high for Njoku coming into camp because of his size and speed. Those hopes have fizzled tremendously since camp started. Struggling to hold on to the ball early in camp and now battling injuries, Njoku’s fantasy stock has taken a nosedive. He may become a starter before the season ends, but no need to draft him now in anticipation of a starting role coming to fruition.

O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Howard got on the board in the second game of the preseason after productionless NFL debut. His two catches for 28 yards were better than starter Cameron Brate who also caught two passes, but only gained 17 yards. The highest-picked tight end in the draft is still expected to have a bigger role as a pass blocker early on. As with many rookie tight ends, Howard will need time to develop before becoming a real pass-catching threat. Fantasy wise, there is not a lot of stock in Howard right now.

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams

Everett is one of the few rookie tight ends poised to make an immediate impact this season. The second-round pick has turned heads with his ability to gain extra yards after the catch. In total, he has caught six passes for 42 yards so far this season.

Everett’s potential is worth looks in fantasy. He is on a Rams team that is still finding its way, but with QB Jared Goff relying heavily on short passes so far, Everett is in position to work his way up the pecking order quickly. DFS owners should look out for ways to use Everett in favorable matches.