NFL

3 Tight Ends Who Can Outperform Their Fantasy Football Draft Cost

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Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts

All Dwayne Allen seemed to do last season was catch touchdowns. An insane 27.6% of his receptions (29) led to touchdowns (8), and that is certainly set for some regression, assuming he remains healthy for the majority of the 2015 season, but the three-year pro still offers a lot of scoring upside.

As a team, Indianapolis ranked third in the league in percentage of red zone touchdowns via the pass (82%) and fifth in percentage of red zone passing touchdowns to tight ends (44%), both very positive signs for Allen.

The addition of Frank Gore (a historically tough, between-the-tackles runner), yet another wide receiver in Phillip Dorsett, and the fact that Coby Fleener is still in town could all be seen as negatives for Allen’s 2015 prospects. But looking at our efficiency metrics, Allen finished last season near the very top at his position.

Among 33 tight ends with at least 25 catches, Allen’s 0.90 Reception NEP per target ranked third, ahead of Rob Gronkowski (0.86). His small target total (50) and large touchdown total (8) are why he was so efficient, but nonetheless, Allen was super effective when targeted last season.

The Colts are another offense that fantasy owners would be wise to target in their drafts, and Allen, currently coming off the board at the end of the 12th round, is a very cost-effective piece of that likely offensive juggernaut.