2008 Fantasy Football Player Profile-Antonio Gates

TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

2007 Stats: 984 receiving yards, 9 TDs
Projected 2008 Stats: 940 receiving yards, 9 TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 6th Round
Tight Ends to be picked ahead of Antonio Gates: None

Fantasy Outlook:

Why you should draft Antonio Gates: Over the last four seasons, Gates has averaged 79 receptions, 993 receiving yards, and more than ten touchdowns.  Last season, Gates had four games where he hit triple figures in receiving yards, and he had multiple touchdowns in two contests. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Antonio Gates:  Gates sustained a toe injury in 2007 that caused his production to slide.  In fact, if you count the post season, Gates averaged just 25 receiving yards was held scoreless in his last six games. 

Bottom Line: Gates has been the premier fantasy tight end for the last few seasons.  If he can recover from his toe injury, he is certainly a No. 1 fantasy tight end again this year.