They're not the stars of the Arizona Cardinals offense -- far from it actually -- but the Cardinals' tight ends could be their quiet weapon this year with a lot of attention paid to their talented receiving corps and deep backfield.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 192.9 yards, 2.1 TDs
Over or under: I’m taking the over on both of these despite tight ends not being a significant part of the Cardinals’ offense. Fells, especially, has big-play capabilities, because of his size and ability to box defenders out, channeling his skills from this time as a former professional basketball player. I’m not saying Fells will fly by these projections, but I think, as he has continued to develop as a football player, he’ll have a larger role in this year’s offense than he did last season and that will come with more yards and more than two touchdowns.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 188.1 yards, 1.8 TDs
Over or under: Like Fells, Gresham will be more involved in this year’s offense, in my opinion. It’s going to benefit Gresham greatly that he’s not only healthy but had an entire offseason to dive into the Cardinals’ playbook. Couple that with his previous relationship with quarterback Carson Palmer, and Gresham should surpass both projections and could be a secret weapon for the Cardinals’ offense loaded with talent at wide receiver and running back.
Who else could see time: Keep an eye on third-year tight end Troy Niklas. After two years of dealing with injuries, he has had an impressive training camp thus far, and if he stays healthy he could be an X-factor in the Cardinals’ offense.
