Steve Heiden

Is more of a blocking tight end who serves as backup to Kellen Winslow Jr. He wont hold much value.

Heiden will be the Browns' No. 2 TE, but he could easily see significant time on the field. That's because he's playing behind the oft-injured Kellen Winslow. If Winslow stays healthy, Heiden's value takes a major hit.

Given the injury history of Kellen Winslow, Jr., fantasy owners should keep Heiden’s name handy. Heiden was third on the club in targets last year, so the Browns are comfortable with him should Winslow disappoint. He caught 43 passes for 401 yards (26.7 YPG) with three touchdowns in 2005.

Heiden’s best career move was when the Browns selected Kellen Winslow Jr. in 2004. Winslow’s leg injury last season opened playing time for Heiden, who responded with 28 catches for 287 yards and five touchdowns. It’s déjà vu all over again as Winslow will miss the 2005 season after an offseason motorcycle accident. Heiden steps in again to be the Browns starter. With a new coach (Romeo Crennell), a new quarterback (Trent Dilfer) and uncertainty at running back (Ruben Droughns vs. Lee Suggs), the Browns offense is a mystery heading into the season. It’s hard to believe there will be much improvement, if any, from the last season’s squad that ranked 23rd in rushing yardage, 25th in passing yardage and 27th in scoring. The Browns used their tight ends more than league average in 2004 – a result of the team’s plans to use Winslow – so Heiden benefits from that.

The six-year tight end had a career high 18 receptions for 134 yards in 2003. The odds are slim to (nearly) none he will get anywhere close to those numbers with Kellen Winslow having been drafted in the 2004 NFL draft.

The Browns have a bevy of reliable wide receivers that will limit any production Heiden can give fantasy owners. He had 17 catches for 105 yards and one TD in limited action. He'll see some action as an H-back, too, but we don't anticipate enough improvement to warrant drafting. Browns tight ends will primarily block for RB William Green.