Saints fantasy position groups: Tight Ends

Jared Cook has been the best Tight End the Saints have had in their arsenal since trading away Jimmy Graham in 2015. He is joined by rookie Adam Trautman and veteran Josh Hill and technically by QB/RB/WR/TE/ST Taysom Hill, who was reclassified as a TE for the 2020 fantasy football season. So are any of them worth drafting besides Cook? Let’s find out.

Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images

Jared Cook

Jared Cook had a slow start to the 2019 fantasy season, but once he gained traction with Teddy Bridgewater, and once Drew Brees returned, Cook flourished. He scored in double figures in 8/10 games in which he played after week 4, and finished as the TE7 despite only scoring only 11 total points through week 4, and missing two games.

Cook projects to have another solid season in 2020, as Brees should once again play a full season and the addition of Emmanuel Sanders could potentially open the offense up for Cook to dominate between the hash marks. I would rank Cook as the TE6, between Zach Ertz and Austin Hooper.

In dynasty leagues however, Cook is much less valuable. The veteran TE is 33 years old and entering the final year of his contract in New Orleans. With an uncertain future ahead, you should plan on a replacement for Cook potentially as early as next year.

Position Ranking: TE6

ADP: 87-90

Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Taysom Hill

Swiss army knife Taysom Hill has recently been reclassified as a TE for the 2020 fantasy season. To quote Alabama All-American Forrest Gump “Taysom Hill is like a box of chocolates, you never know what position you’re gunna get.” Hill really did not start catching passes until last year, and with the addition of Emmanuel Sanders and Adam Trautman, it is possible he could be phased out of the passing game. As of right now however, I believe his role will be similar to that of last year and he should see consistent touches on offense both in the air and ground games.

Hill would have finished as the TE19 last season, despite barely being used when Teddy Bridgewater was the starting QB as he had to be protected as the backup QB. Playing a full season with Brees, and assuming his touches remain consistent with what they were last year, he could potentially be a top 15 TE. His questionable consistency could prevent him from being reliable enough to keep on a roster, but in a league of 14 or more teams he could be worth the slot in case his role continues to increase or as a handcuff to the aging Jared Cook.

Position Ranking: TE16

ADP: N/A

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Adam Trautman

Former Dayton Flyer Adam Trautman was the Saints 3rd round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He had a stellar career at Dayton and was named his conferences offensive player of the year in 2019, and could be a steal for the Saints sometime down the road.

This season however, I do not see him factoring into the offense as much. With three veteran options ahead of him at TE, there might not be room for the rookie this season barring everyone stays healthy.

In dynasty leagues however, Trautman is worth a pick. Taysom Hill is the youngest “TE” that caught a pass for the Saints last year at 29 years old, and he could potentially be moving to the full-time starting or backup QB position next year. Jared Cook is in the last year of his contract and Josh Hill has seemingly reached his ceiling. Trautman could be the starting TE in one of the most potent offenses in the NFL as early as next season. Draft him and hold on to him, even if he doesn’t see the field at all this year.

Position Ranking: Unranked

ADP: N/A

Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Josh Hill

2013 UDFA Josh Hill is actually coming off a career year, despite Brees missing time and Jared Cook’s arrival, Hill had a career best in yards and his 2nd best season scoring wise. However, this only totaled to 226 yards and 3 TDs.

Hill is a decent player but does not see a consistent amount of targets to be worthy of fantasy consideration. Even if there is an injury ahead of him, it is presumed the Saints will turn to Adam Trautman to get the rookie some experience in the offense. Hill may find the end zone every now and then and has been on the team longer than any other TE in New Orleans, but simply does not see enough action to warrant a draft pick or roster spot.

Position Ranking: Unranked

ADP: N/A

What do you think of fantasy outlook of the Saints TEs? Do you think Adam Trautman will see much action this year? Let us know in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @HaydenReel.