Fantasy Impact: Todd Heap

July 17, 2008 at 7:36 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Fantasy Impact: Todd Heap Fantasy football draft guides and player rankings are definitely an important part of preparing for the upcoming fantasy football season - no question. However, it’s important to take an in-depth look at some players who may outperform where they are ranked. For the record, we believe Baltimore’s Todd Heap falls in that category.

The 28 year old Heap is in danger of being the forgotten man at the tight end position and dropping deep into the “mid-rounds” of seasonal fantasy football drafts this August. He missed all but six games in 2007 due to hammy, ankle and knee issues, and was basically useless in the games he did play.

But make no mistake about it, Heap can and will regain his form and become the 75 catch, 850 yard, seven TD tight end he was for the previous two seasons. Why?

Well, not only is he healthy once again, but the 6′5″, 252 lb. athletic pass catcher will likely be the centerpiece of the Ravens passing attack in 2008 under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Folks we’ve talked to close to the Ravens organization conquer that Heap will be the main option, as Cameron absolutely loves to throw to the tight end.

Critics may look at the situation and say that either undersized Troy Smith or rookie Joe Flacco will start under center, leaving Heap at a disadvantage. But if you look at the fact that he’s been catching balls from Kyle freaking Boller and a geriatric version of Steve McNair for the past several seasons, Smith and Flacco start to look mighty nice.

The bottom line is that Heap should be a great value in 2008 drafts, as owners who simply look at last year’s stat line will pass him over round after round. The longer he falls, the better the value he’ll be for you. Look to snatch him up in rounds seven through nine as your TE1.

For the record, we like Todd Heap in 2008.

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