Troy Niklas
  • Troy Niklas

  • TE
  • ,
  • 32
  • 270 lbs
  • 6' 6"
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Scouting report

by Bob Harris

ARI TE Troy Niklas - 2017 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside

An impressive physical specimen at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Troy Niklas will once again make an effort to live up to his draft hype and size expectations. Every year, something happens to stop him in his tracks. So he's made some adjustments. According to the Arizona Republic, Niklas is a little lighter this year, which makes him faster at hitting his cuts and breaks. He’s spent more time fine-tuning his techniques, like learning how to improve his hand speed and placement. So far, head coach Bruce Arians loves what he’s seeing. “When he’s healthy, he’s another tackle that can run and catch,” Arians said.

Fantasy Downside

The words "when he's healthy" are the key here. This is only his fourth NFL season, and Niklas, a former second-round pick, has already undergone six surgical procedures. Niklas, 24, has almost had as many operations performed on him as he has career receptions (8).

2017 Bottom Line

Once again, the tight end isn't featured in Arians' offense. It's a block-first role. And Jermaine Gresham is the starter. It'll be interesting to see what the athletic Niklas can do if healthy, but nobody should be banking on fantasy production from him.

by Bob Harris

ARI TE Troy Niklas - 2016 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
In two seasons, Troy Niklas has caught seven passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were scored last season in Week 11 at Cleveland. He has played in 23 games, with four starts. In general, not an impressive body of work. So it's worth noting that Niklas drew high praise from head coach Bruce Arians, who said the third-year pro from Notre Dame is finally starting to "look like the player we drafted and wanted." Arians added: "He had all those injuries and that bad luck and knock on wood I didn't jinx him but he's where I want him to be right now. He's blocking extremely well. He's catching the ball well. He understands what he's trying to do much better."

Fantasy Downside
Niklas is still early in his development. He began his career at Notre Dame as a linebacker, before making the switch to tight end as a sophomore. In addition, the Cardinals offense has a plethora of viable downfield weapons at wideout and running back. Tight end hasn't been featured under Arians.

2016 Bottom Line
While the 6-6, 270-pound Niklas looks the part -- and might even be developing into a legitimate starter at his position, it's hard to imagine him being worth of draft capital in redraft leagues.

by Brandon Niles

ARI TE Troy Niklas - Week 7, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 7 – Troy Niklas vs. Oakland
Troy Niklas didn’t catch a pass last week and is splitting time behind starter John Carlson with veteran Rob Housler. Niklas has the talent to develop into a stellar starting tight end in the NFL, but for now he only has value in deep dynasty leagues as a stash option. He’s not threatening Carlson at the moment and until he seems to do so, fantasy owners should leave him on waivers.

by Brandon Niles

ARI TE Troy Niklas - Week 6, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 6 – Troy Niklas vs. Washington

Troy Niklas didn’t catch a pass last week against Denver and John Carlson seems to have a hold on the starting job for the time being, limiting the value of the rookie from Notre Dame. He’s also currently dealing with a high ankle sprain, and until we see something to indicate Niklas is ready to take on an expanded role in the offense, he should remain on waivers in non-dynasty leagues.

by Brandon Niles

ARI TE Troy Niklas - Week 5, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 5 – Troy Niklas vs. Denver
Troy Niklas looks better than Rob Housler so far this year, but neither player has stepped up enough to challenge journeyman John Carlson for the main job in Arizona at the TE position. Until we see the rookie Niklas get his big break in the offense, it’s hard to trust starting him, regardless of the matchup. He remains a dynasty league stash option only.

by Brandon Niles

ARI TE Troy Niklas - Week 3, 2014 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 3 – Troy Niklas vs. San Francisco

Rookie Troy Niklas caught his first NFL pass in the regular season against the Giants last week, going for 16 yards. He hasn’t fully passed Rob Housler on the depth chart yet, but the Cardinals will be looking for him to step up as the season progresses.

He remains behind Housler and starter John Carlson on the depth chart for now, and he’s not worth picking up off waivers at this point, but Niklas is an interesting player to keep an eye on as he learns that game and possibly expands his role in the offense. He has value in deep dynasty leagues as a stash for next year.

Troy Niklas news