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Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: Martellus Bennett Among Top 20 Tight Ends

Martellus Bennett is ranked as the No. 19 tight end in fantasy football this season, according to SB Nation's Ray Guilfoyle, despite a quiet 2011 in Dallas.

By Louis Bien
July 30, 2012; Albany, NY, USA; New York Giants Martellus Bennett (85) runs the ball during New York Giants training camp. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE
July 30, 2012; Albany, NY, USA; New York Giants Martellus Bennett (85) runs the ball during New York Giants training camp. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

Tight ends are becoming increasingly important weapons in today's NFL, and have turned into a goldmine of fantasy football production in recent years.

Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski took the league by storm in 2011. The New York Giants hope to have a breakout star of their own in Martellus Bennett, the former Cowboy they signed to a one-year deal this offseason. Bennett is among the Top 20 tight ends for 2012, according to SB Nation's Ray Guilfoyle.

Bennett slots in at No. 19, just ahead of Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham and right behind Jacksonville's Marcedes Lewis, despite catching just 17 passes for 144 yards last season. The lofty ranking is based almost entirely on his potential within the Giants' offense. Unlike in Dallas where he played behind Jason Witten, Bennett should be the go-to option at the position in New York. Bennett's 6'6", 270-pound frame could make him an excellent red-zone option, as well, and having Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks on the outside will hopefully free up space in the middle of the field.

Graham and Gronkowski, unsurprisingly, are the No. 1 and No. 2 options on the list. Rounding out the Top 5 are Antonio Gates, Jermichael Finley, and Witten.

For more on Bennett and the Giants, check out Big Blue View and stay tuned to SB Nation New York. Head over to Fake Teams for more in-depth fantasy football analysis.