NEWSLETTER
The offseason signing of Mike Gesicki has fantasy drafters all out of sorts when it comes to Hunter Henry, and it’s hard to blame them. Though the Patriots famously have multiple seasons in which they supported two fantasy tight ends, that is ancient history and isn’t necessarily why there is a bull case to be made for Henry’s potential fantasy football sleeper ceiling.
Gesicki simply does not operate as a traditional in-line tight end and had such an extreme case in 2021 with the Dolphins (7.4% in-line snap rate) that he was barely a tight end at all in the traditional sense. On the other hand, Henry saw 43.3% of his snaps come from that position, and word out of camp is that he is absolutely the No. 1 TE on the team, which will solidify his snaps in both 1-TE and 2-TE sets.
Henry is coming off the board with an average draft position (ADP) of 17.11. As the TE27 in drafts, he has several ways to outkick his current ADP, making him a fantasy football sleeper in PPR and non-PPR leagues this season.
Fantasy Football Rankings
Hunter Henry TE Profile
Hunter Henry is shaping up to be one of the best-value TE2s on the board. He finished TE20 last season playing in defensive-minded Matt Patricia’s dysfunctional 2022 offense. The Patriots were 26th in total yards, 20th in passing yards, and 19th in passing touchdowns in Mac Jones’ second season after finishing 15th, 14th, and 15th, respectively, the year before. Jonnu Smith has been replaced by Mike Gesicki, which in theory should hurt Henry, but he’s reportedly playing leaner and faster, and he’s been Jones’ “go-to” player in the red zone in camp. There’s been a steady stream of positive buzz about Henry this summer.
Fantasy Football Sleeper: An ADP Bargain
The drumbeat has been steady for Henry all offseason, he’s part of an ambiguous (at best) pass-catching group, and he can be had as the TE27 off the board. He could smash this price with a mediocre year, let alone if he can increase his target share and become a consistent red zone target.
Per beat reporter Chad Graff,
“So far, however, Henry has been far and away better than Gesicki. You could argue Gesicki is still getting used to a new offense (though the whole team is) or he’s still getting settled in a new situation. But any way you look at it, it has been a tough first two weeks of camp for the former Miami Dolphin…A lot of the Patriots’ offensive plan revolves around two-tight end sets. But to use those formations, they need Gesicki to improve his play.”
*Check out 4for4’s Award-Winning Rankings Here*
You can check out John Paulsen’s full rundown of Tight End Sleepers, Values & Breakouts at 4for4:
What is a fantasy football sleeper?
A fantasy football sleeper refers to a player who is typically undervalued or overlooked during the drafting process but has the potential to exceed expectations and provide significant fantasy production.
Who are some running back fantasy football sleepers for the 2023 season?
Some running back sleepers for the 2023 fantasy football season include breakout candidates, rookie players who could have a significant impact, and players who are expected to take on larger roles in their respective backfields.
What factors should I consider when evaluating a fantasy football sleeper?
When evaluating a sleeper for fantasy football, you should consider factors such as their potential role in their team’s offense, their past performance and production, any changes in their situation (such as a new team or coaching staff), and their overall talent and skill set.
Gibson was selected by the Washington Football Team in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a dynamic player, excelling in both the running and receiving game. Gibson’s speed, agility, and versatility make him a valuable asset to his team, and he has already made a significant impact in the NFL. With his talent and potential, Antonio Gibson is poised for a successful career in professional football.
Is it a good strategy to target fantasy football sleepers in drafts?
Targeting sleepers in fantasy football drafts can be a good strategy, as it allows you to potentially find undervalued players who can provide significant fantasy production. However, it is important to also balance your roster with more established and consistent players.
How can I identify potential fantasy football sleepers 2023?
To identify potential sleepers in fantasy football, you can research players who have the potential for increased playing time, those who are in favorable offensive systems, those who have had strong performances in previous seasons, and those who may be flying under the radar due to various reasons.
Who is tight end Hunter Henry?
Hunter Henry is a talented tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 7, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Henry played college football at the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the San Diego Chargers (now known as the Los Angeles Chargers) in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, Henry showcased his skills and quickly became an important part of the Chargers’ offense. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses the ideal physical attributes for a tight end. Henry’s exceptional route-running and ability to catch difficult passes make him a reliable target for his quarterback. Despite suffering injuries that sidelined him for some parts of the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Henry has shown resilience and determination in his comeback.
Who is tight end Hunter Henry?
Hunter Henry is a talented tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 7, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Henry played college football at the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the San Diego Chargers (now known as the Los Angeles Chargers) in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, Henry showcased his skills and quickly became an important part of the Chargers’ offense. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses the ideal physical attributes for a tight end. Henry’s exceptional route-running and ability to catch difficult passes make him a reliable target for his quarterback. Despite suffering injuries that sidelined him for some parts of the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Henry has shown resilience and determination in his comeback.
Who are some current RB fantasy football sleeper candidates going outside of the top ten rounds?
Some options for fantasy managers might include Ravens RB Gus Edwards, Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson, or Jets RB Michael Carter.
Who are some other top fantasy football wide receiver sleepers in PPR leagues?
Some sleeper wide receiver picks for fantasy leagues include Michael Pittman Jr, Treylon Burks, Skyy Moore, or Houston Texans’ WR Nico Collins.
*Check out 4for4’s Award-Winning Fantasy Football Rankings Here*
