RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target in the mid to late rounds and pair with a more established TE for insurance.
CURRENT ADP: 180 STD, 165 PPR
ANALYSIS: Ladarius Green should benefit from the suspension of Antonio Gates with the potential to overtake the starting gig entirely.
With Antonio Gates suspended for the first four games of the season, tight end Ladarius Green will step right into fantasy relevance once the season starts. Green had received sleeper consideration two years ago when it appeared that Gates was slowing down but has since been forgotten from lack of production. His last two receiving yard totals of 226 and 376 don't jump off the page or anything but you're not giving him a look for what he's done or hasn't done, it's what to expect out of him going forward.
The San Diego Chargers have utilized the tight end position effectively, particularly over the last two seasons when you consider that Gates had over 800 yards in each. With target totals of 116 and 99, you should expect Philip Rivers to continue to look for his TE with frequency. Even prior to the suspension, offensive coordinator Frank Reich had talked up Green, suggesting that he would be playing a bigger role in the offense. Green will have four games to showcase his talents without the presence of Gates and prove Reich right.
If you're the type that likes to wait on tight end in a fantasy draft, why not pair Ladarius Green with a more established name to give yourself two shots at a starter? I'd trot him out week one and roll with his expected usage until Gates comes back. If he excels, there's always the chance he holds onto the job and besides, you'd have a backup waiting on your bench anyway. His ADP might be super low right now but expect it to increase soon. Green definitely possesses sleeper value toward the end of your draft and has a legit shot at being an every week starter in any league format.
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