Jonnu Smith (TE, NE) - 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~110 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~126

ANALYSIS:  Everybody knows the Patriots love to use their tight ends because we've been hearing people talk about it for almost a decade now. So when the Patriots go out and sign a 26-year-old with elite run after the catch ability, I expected to see the draft price shoot up.

The only reason I can find is that the Patriots also signed Hunter Henry. However, Jonnu has been better than Henry in their careers up until now and has a run-after-the-catch ability that Henry simply doesn't have. As a 4.73 40 runner with 25th percentile burst and 3.4 expected yards after the catch, Henry simply can't compare in the open field to Jonnu and his 4.62 40, 94th-percentile burst score, and 4.8 expected yards after the catch.

Could Henry take some red-zone looks away from Jonnu? Sure, but last year, the Patriots threw the ball in the red zone 25.6% of the time to N'Keal Henry, who has been placed on IR, and then favored dump-offs to running backs with James White (15.4%) and Rex Burkhead (12.8%) being their second and third-most targeted players in close. I fully expect that hierarchy to change this year and think the entire Patriots target share could be in for an overhaul, which would leave room for both Smith and Henry.

Aside from my belief in Jonnu's talent, the biggest factor pushing me in his direction is the dearth of other options in the passing game. Jakobi Meyers and his team-leading 24.7% target share are back but with the departure of Julian Edelman, Damiere Byrd, Rex Burkhead, and starting tight end Ryan Izzo, the Patriots have to replace 58.9% of their team targets last year. Yes, they added Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, but neither one of those guys is a dynamic talent and neither works the middle of the field the way Jonnu does.

With the recent move away from Cam Newton and towards rookie Mac Jones, the entire offense should benefit. Rookie quarterbacks tend to also favor short passes and tight ends as safety blankets. I fully expect him to be a major asset for the Patriots this year and finish as a top-10 option at the position. At his current ADP, he is a great late-round draft sleeper to target for all fantasy football teams.

More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers

Will Dissly (TE, LAC) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 24% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly is the TE21 for the year, averaging six half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran tight end was a popular streaming option in Week 11 because of his matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. They […]

Mike Fanelli 3 days ago

Zach Ertz (TE, WAS) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 33% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has had a solid season. The veteran tight end is the TE11 for the year, averaging 7.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While Terry McLaurin has been Jayden Daniels' go-to target, Ertz has seen at […]

Mike Fanelli 3 days ago

Taysom Hill (TE, NO) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 54% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill is the ultimate do-it-all weapon. While he is listed as a tight end, the veteran’s fantasy value comes in the run game. He has had at least 14 rushing yards in every game this season. […]

Mike Fanelli 3 days ago

Elijah Moore (WR, CLE) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 8% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore has been a fantasy football bust for most of his career. The veteran wide receiver is the WR71 for the year, averaging 5.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he has played significantly better since […]

Mike Fanelli 3 days ago

Quentin Johnston (WR, LAC) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 12

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 41% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has had a breakout sophomore year after an awful rookie season. The former TCU star is the WR40, averaging 10.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite missing time with an injury. He has been […]

Mike Fanelli 3 days ago

Download Our Free Draft App

Like what you see? Be sure to also download our free fantasy football mobile app for iPhone and Android which includes more draft sleepers at very position, 24x7 player news, push notifications, injury alerts and daily articles.