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Spotlight - TE Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens

Posted on 7/1, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Mark Wimer's Thoughts

Todd Heap has been a model of consistent fantasy production during the past 2 years, regardless of whether Kyle Boller (2005) or Steve McNair (2006) was tossing him the pigskin. He saw 113 targets for 75/855/7 during 2005 (3^rd best fantasy TE), followed by 116 targets for 73/765/6 last year (4^th best fantasy TE). He's played 16 games per season in 4 of the last 5 years, and appeared in 16 games in both '05 and '06. In short, Todd Heap is a top fantasy tight end and should be a lock to land in the top 5 again this year -- he's currently ranked #3 on the Footballguys.com experts ranking poll.

There is some reason for concern regarding the QB position in Baltimore right now as Steve McNair is charged with a misdemeanor "DUI by consent" -- he was passenger in his vehicle while his brother-in-law drove under the influence. The case is continued until July 10^th, so right now we're not sure what punishment McNair may receive from the law, or from the NFL. Given commissioner Goodell's "get tough" policy with NFL miscreants, we'll just have to wait and see if McNair is going to miss any time once the legal case is over.

On the other side of the coin, the good news about McNair (assuming he escapes league sanctions) is that he'll be entering his second year playing in the Raven's offense, which could boost the passing game as a whole. That would be a good thing for Heap, who would be sure to benefit from a more prolific attack.

Positives

• Heap is a major part of the Raven's attack and figures to have plenty of targets again in 2007
• Heap has been very tough and durable over the last 2 years
• Heap doesn't have any challengers behind him for receptions at the TE position

Negatives

• The Ravens' QB situation could be unsettled to begin 2007
• Heap has a new RB in the mix on his side of the ball -- we'll see if McGahee upgrades the rushing attack or not. If McGahee bombs with the Ravens, the offense could falter
• In order to select Heap, you'll have to sacrifice a high-round draft pick

Final Thoughts

Todd Heap is a premier fantasy TE, and is one of the players who is a "sure thing" to perform as long as the injury bug stays away. It was a stretch for me to come up with 3 negative things to say about Heap -- he's simply a mortal lock for top-5 performance at his position.

Quotations from the Message Board Thread

BigRed:
If you don't like the idea of spending a high pick (or top $ for those of us in auction leagues) for Gates, Heap is a very dependable fallback option and in fact better value IMO. Should have another dependable, solid (but not amazing) year.

rzrback77:
Todd Heap missed a few games early in his NFL career and got the "injury prone" label. However, he has played in sixteen games in four of the past five seasons. Furthermore, he has ranked 1st, 3rd, 3rd, and 4th among tight ends in those four seasons. The Baltimore passing game seems to be improving with the development of young wide receivers and Derrick Mason is reliable. The middle of the field should open up even more for Hep in 2007. The past two years have been very consistent with 75 receptions for 855 yards and 7 TDs, followed by 73 catches for 765 yards and 6 TDs. I look for more of the same in 2007.

Ministry of Pain:
The development of Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, plus adding McGahee will only help this TE stud.

Todd Heap Projections