Fantasy Upside
Lance Kendricks reportedly left more money on the table in Atlanta to re-sign with St. Louis this offseason in part because the Rams told him he'd have a bigger role in the passing game. Kendricks is a better blocker than fellow tight end Jared Cook and thus more versatile. Despite catching just 27 passes last season, Kendricks found the end zone five times and was on the receiving end of a 26-yard pass from new QB Nick Foles on the Rams first play from scrimmage this preseason. Assuming new OC Frank Cignetti takes a page from Brian Schottenheimer's playbook, Kendricks will see plenty of goal line looks.
Fantasy Downside
Even if Kendricks has a bigger role in the offense, it's unlikely he'll see the amount of targets necessary to have fantasy relevance. The Rams operate a run-first offense and when they do put the ball in the air, Cook will still see the majority of looks at the tight end spot. The odds are against Kendricks improving much on his 27-259-5 stat line from 2014.
Bottom Line
Kendricks' fantasy value is tied to how many times he gets into the end zone. He could actually match or surpass the five touchdowns he scored last year because the Rams love to throw the ball to backs and tight ends in the red zone. Kendricks figures to max out between 20-25 receptions and 200-250 yards, however, and will give fantasy owners next to nothing in games he doesn't score. Kendricks currently ranks as our TE34 and is going undrafted in both 10 and 12-team leagues. If something were to happen to Cook, Kendricks might be a decent steaming option, but he figures to be off the fantasy radar again this year.
