I was one of the few who believes the 2012 NFL Draft class went six or seven deep in terms of quality. If was one of those classes where one player (Tyler Eifert) stood out above everyone else, but the second-tier prospects falling under the radar may in fact have represented similar value moving forward. 

The interesting dynamic here is that the tight end position didn't do a whole heck of a lot this past season in fantasy football. Rob  Gronkowski was injury plagued, Jimmy Graham had a down season by his 2011 standards, Jason Witten couldn't find the end zone and Vernon Davis failed to receive consistent targets. 

This means that there are places in fantasy lineups for some rookie this upcoming season. Let's take a look at which ones will make the most impact. 

Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals

You heard it from me first. Eifert is going to have a better fantasy season than Jermaine Gresham, who has failed to live up to expectations in his first few NFL seasons. There is a reason why Cincinnati felt the Notre Dame prospect was worthy of its first-round selection, even after picking up Gresham with the very same pick back in 2010. 

First, Cincinnati may be attempting to duplicate what the Patriots have in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Second, it may be looking to actually find a decent red-zone threat between the hashes. Gresham's 15 touchdowns in three seasons, while noteworthy, isn't stellar production considering how many opportunities he has been given. 

I am expecting Eifert to play a huge role in two tight-end sets and be a major cog on the red zone initially, before taking over for Gresham as Andy Dalton's go-to guy between the hashes. Considering that I hade the Notre Dame product with the highest grade of any tight end since Vernon Davis back in 2006, there is little doubt that I am expectin big things for him as a rookie in 2013. Projected Statistics: 50 receptions. 625 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

This may come a bit out of left field, but Kelce is going to be an important aspect of Kansas City's passing game with newly acquired Alex Smith under center. We know that the veteran quarterback loves to use his tight ends, which will bode well for Kelce's fantasy production as a rookie. 

The primary thing that puts Kelce on this list is his ability to drop down between two levels over coverage and provide his quarterback with a window to throw the ball to between the hashes. Again, this plays directly into what Smith likes to do on the football field. Tony Moeaki was productive in both 2010 and 2012 (missed the entire 2011 season), but has only four touchdowns to his name. Meanwhile, recently signed Anthony Fasano hasn't really been a difference maker or top-grade tight end in his NFL career. There is little doubt in my mind that Kelce can beat both out for a starting gig out of training camp. 

As it relates to dynasty leagues, buy this guy. Fasano's contract indicates a likely release following the 2013 season and Moeaki hasn't progressed a great deal as a receiving threat in Kansas City. At the very least, you can expect Kelce to be a starting tight end option for a good Chiefs team in 2014. Projected Statistics: 40 receptions, 485 yards and five touchdowns. 

Vance McDonald, San Francisco 49ers

This relies heavily on what San Francisco is planning to do in 2013. It utilized the second-most two tight-end sets in the National Football League this past season, but lost Delanie Walker in free agency to the Tennessee Titans. The addition of McDonald in the second round seems to indicate that Jim Harbaugh and Co. will be looking at utilizing these same types of sets with Colin Kaepernick under center for a full season in 2013. There is no reason to believe that McDonald will be pushed down the depth chart like we saw with the 49ers' 2012 draft class. He has too much raw talent, is a physical speciman between the hashes and will provide Kaepernick with another safety valve at tight end to go along with Vernon Davis. 

I am expecting McDonald's statistics to be right up there with the highest-ranked tight ends in the 2013 NFL Draft class. San Francisco will likely throw the ball a bit more with Kaepernick getting another offseason of work in. With a multitude of weapons, both on the outside and on the inside, McDonald should find himself in one-on-one situations with smaller defensive backs or slower linebackers. That'll be huge. Projected Statistics: 35 receptions, 440 yards and three touchdowns.