‘The Read Option’ – S18 Best Value: Tight ends

Written By Josh Farnsworth
Images By Frank ‘The Franchise’ Wade

S18 Best Value: Tight ends

Stats are misleading.

Very misleading in some respects.

However, they do offer some insight into the raw production happening on the field, and in a sport with a strong cap on points, pitting that production vs. the contract cost offers a very interesting look at who got the best value from their players at certain positions. That’s why The Read Option will offer a breakdown of value by position based on my own really-good-but-still-somewhat-flawed-logic formula… or the far more catchy, RGBSSFLF. Rolls right off the tongue, right?

The stats are for regular season production only. For the purposes of clarity, they are measured in Value Points (VPs). Like I mentioned, stats are imperfect. For each position, I will be posting stat considerations as well to show you just how much I understand my homemade rating system is neato but never perfect. To be clear, this is not an MVP measure. I know some consider the MVP award a ruling for who had the greatest value – instead my VP ratings are intended to show who got the most bang for their buck…er ‘point’ contract.

Stat considerations

*Measures receiving tight end production only.* That means blocking – which has clear value to an offense – is unfortunately disregarded. Some TEs are in 1-TE offenses, while others go with two or three, splitting up the share of targets. Just the luck of the draw.

Top 5

5. Will Todd/Arizona- 1.671 VPs

One of Ashley Jackson’s favorite targets had a solid season in the desert. His 51 receptions and four touchdowns are personal bests. He helped an offense that lost significant firepower this season with the Hands’ departure.

4. Lloyd Graham Jr./Baltimore- 1.672 VPs

By 0.001 VPs, Graham edges out Todd for fourth place in the rating system. With dynamic receivers getting open often, this value speaks to just how well balanced the Vulture offense is – and perhaps how underrated Graham is on the league scene.

3. Adam Williams/Lone Star- 2.01 VPs

The 6’6”, 280-pound Williams is not the fun-est (taking poetic license with this word) to try and tackle in the open field. After a dip in production during Season 17, Williams bounced back with 64 catches, 728 yards and 5 TDs.

2. Jack Wall/Jacksonville- 2.15 VPs

This King always seems to have great hands when a third down catch is needed most. His eight touchdowns was a personal best for his five-year career and tied Mike Daggs for most end zone entries at the position this season.

1. Tybeerious Bovine/London- 2.25 VPs

Mr. Bovine – large contract or not – was relentlessly productive by any measure. The pass-happy offense helped as well. That said, 71 catches, 733 yards and 5 touchdowns is some serious output. Congrats, Tybeerious. You are the VIP VP producer at tight end for Season 18.

Top rookie

Scott Fowl/Las Vegas- 0.67 VPs

New players need time to work their way into the offense, as well as to build the necessary attributes to help put up Bovine-like numbers. Fowl, drafted 18th overall by Las Vegas, had a solid first season with 13 catches, 149 yards and 3 TDs. Nice work, rookie.

We hope you enjoyed the latest edition of ‘The Read Option’. Check out more by Josh Farnsworth on the News section of the SFL website.

‘The Read Option’ – S18 Best Value: Tight ends

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