Brandon Manumaleuna

Manumaleuna is mainly regarded as a good blocking tight end, and he had only 15 receptions backing up Antonio Gates in 2008. Expect more of the same this season.

Manumaleuna does not catch many passes as a backup tight end in San Diego, but he is a very good blocker. Expect more of the same in 2008.

Manumaleuna is an excellent blocking tight end, but he managed only 14 receptions behind Antonio Gates in 2006, although three of those went for touchdowns.

Manumaleuna is listed as the number two tight end behind superstar Antonio Gates. Manumaleuna was brought in to serve as a tough-nosed blocking tight end who will likely play in big formations.

The Rams, a team with a pass-happy reputation, just don’t use their tight ends enough to give Manumaleuena much fantasy value. Manumaleuena teamed with Cam Cleeland last season to catch just 22 passes, a league-low 5.9 percent of the team’s total receptions. They’ve added Roland Williams, but he is considered more of a blocker and will team with Manumaleuena to clear running lanes for Steven Jackson and Marshall Faulk. The Rams moved up 11 spots in the fifth round of the draft to select Notre Dame’s Jerome Collins, but he figures to be third on the depth chart.

The Rams have continually had one of the league’s most prolific offenses in recent years, but the tight end position has not been an important feature. The team moves behind Marshall Faulk and likes to get the ball into the hands of its wide receivers. Manumaleuna should post similar numbers in 2004, which are below the threshold for fantasy-worthy at the position.

Manumaleuna is expected to see a lot of playing time for the Rams this year, as the team let Ernie Conwell walk in free agency. Manumaleuna had eight catches in eight games over the 2002 season, his second year in the league. He's got the size and hands to at least make a small impact in the St. Louis passing game, depending on how healthy Cam Cleeland is.