Tony Scheffler

After receiving 72 targets in 2010, Scheffler returned to a backup role last season with Brandon Pettigrew healthy. Scheffler, who was targeted 43 times, still retained some value, though, as he scored six touchdowns. That’s nothing to gamble on for 2012, however, as Pettigrew likely will continue to grow in the starting role. Scheffler possesses the ability to get down field, as five of his 26 receptions went for 20-plus yards. He’s back for another year as Pettigrew’s understudy, but won’t have much value unless Pettigrew gets hurt.

Scheffler split time with Brandon Pettigrew last season, though the latter is clearly the top tight-end target in Detroit. Scheffler received 72 targets with a low 5.3 yards per target, thanks to erratic quarterback play. Scheffler isn't going anywhere, but Pettigrew has much more upside, and after his big year last season could get a larger share of the tight-end workload this season. In any event, it would take a Pettigrew injury for Scheffler to become fantasy relevant.

The Lions traded for Scheffler in April, a move to provide some depth while Brandon Pettigrew recovers from a season-ending knee injury. Scheffler was not a favorite of his former coach, Josh McDaniels, in Denver and was benched for his attitude in Week 17. Despite playing in two more games, he received 11 fewer targets than in 2008, likely the result of Jay Cutler and his tight-end tendencies leaving for Chicago. He also saw his 13 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2008 fall to just five last season. How much action Scheffler sees hinges on Pettigrew’s recovery (at press time, there’s no timetable for his return), but the tight end in Detroit’s offense could see a lot of opportunities with Calvin Johnson commanding doubleteams from opposing defenses.

Scheffler had a stellar year, amassing 645 receiving yards despite missing four games due to a groin injury. Unfortunately for his fantasy prospects, Jay Cutler will no longer be throwing his way, and Kyle Orton should be under center when the season begins. Scheffler led all tight ends with a lofty 16.1 yards per catch, which included 13 catches of 20-plus yards. It will be difficult for Scheffler to reproduce these kinds of numbers without Cutler, but Kyle Orton did get good use out of Greg Olsen last year, so don’t expect Scheffler to fall off the map completely.

The Broncos make use of their tight ends, regardless of who's playing the position. After splitting the duties in 2006, Scheffler emerged as Denver's primary receiving threat at the position and was second on the team with 49 catches (549 yards) and five touchdown receptions – all the production coming in the final 12 games after a foot injury slowed him in September. When you factor in the development (and better health) of third-year quarterback Jay Cutler and the absence of a reliable second receiver, there's some upside here if Scheffler can stay healthy.

Scheffler became one of Jay Cutler’s favorite targets last season, catching 11 of his 18 passes in the final four games. The club signed free-agent Daniel Graham, who is most noted for his blocking ability. The two could form a classic blocking/receiving tandem with Scheffler being the preferred target. Scheffler broke his foot during spring minicamps, and though he’s expected to return during training camp, his status bears watching.

Scheffler, a good athlete with plus hands and the ability to find open spots in a zone, is slated to become Denver’s receiving tight end, replacing Jeb Putzier. Although he’ll compete for touches with Stephen Alexander, Scheffler isn’t much of a blocker, and we expect that Denver wouldn’t have drafted him in the second round unless they intended to get him involved in the passing game right away.