Greg Olsen was second last year among tight ends with 1,008 yards, tied for the most on the team. He remains a primary option in the Carolina passing game and has developed nicely as a security valve for quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers have been prioritizing size in their receiving core to go with their huge quarterback, and Olsen fits right in as an athletic player who can move.
Fantasy Upside
Olsen has enough speed to stretch the seam and the ball skills needed to be a threat in the red zone even though he finished with only six touchdowns last year. Olsen puts up fairly consistent numbers at the tight end position and is coming off his best year as a pro, with career highs in both yards and receptions. With a healthy quarterback this year and another outside target in Devin Funchess to take the pressure off him, Olsen could be even better this season.
Fantasy Downside
While Funchess may take defense away, he might also take some targets. Additionally, Olsen won’t be likely to improve much on his touchdowns because of the way the Panthers operate in the red zone. Cam Newton tends to steal some scores in that area, and rookie Devin Funchess may excel as a red zone target as well.
Bottom Line
Olsen is a step below the Rob Gronkowski’s of the world, but he’s about as consistent as it gets year-to-year and can usually be had for a much better value pick than the elite players at the position. Other owners are getting wise to Olsen as a nice starter, so his ADP is inching up, but if you decide to wait on tight end and Olsen is sitting there in the sixth round, he’s excellent value as an every-week fantasy starter.
