By Winsto (updated 08/27/2023)
Let us examine the tight end landscape heading into the fantasy football season.
Oftentimes, people who play fantasy football view the tight end position as an afterthought if they miss out on the top tier players. But, there can be some value even afterwards. Although other variables will impact the success of a tight end in fantasy football, try considering the following two factors when determining your selection: talent and target competition. Sometimes it can be difficult to predict talent when considering younger players, but target competition can be more foreseeable. When a team has several talented pass catchers, that may mean less targets for the tight end. This information may help when you are deciding which tight end(s) to pursue in your draft.
Tier 1–the Kelce (1)
- Travis Kelce, KC
Do not overthink this. One could argue that Kelce is an option with the first overall pick in fantasy football. The floor is insanely high—he has not had less than 1,000 receiving yards since 2015 and has scored 8 or more TDs in 5 of the last 6 seasons!
Tier 2-the not quite Kelces (2-7)
- Mark Andrews, Bal
- Darren Waller, NYG
- T. J. Hockenson, Min
- George Kittle, SF
- Dallas Goedert, Phi
- Kyle Pitts, Atl
These players should be able to have solid years. Andrews, according to training camp reports, is still the favorite target of Lamar Jackson. Waller should flourish in New York. Hockenson may have more target competition this year, but Minnesota will be passing a lot due to its defense. A healthy Kittle is an upper tier tight end. Goedert has been solid, but so far, has not been a heavy TD producer. Pitts’s talent puts him in this tier, though there is fear he will be underutilized in that offense.
Tier 3–the startable (8-10)
- Pat Freiermuth, Pit
- Evan Engram, Jax
- David Njoku, Cle
Freiermuth could be undervalued here if the Pickett led passing game takes a big step forward this year. Engram is in a great situation in Jacksonville, but Ridley will take away some targets. Njoku’s success will depend on whether or not D. Watson can recapture his earlier success.
Tier 4—the intriguing (11-15)
- Juwan Johnson, NO
- Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten
- Sam LaPorta, Det
- Dalton Kincaid, Buf
- Greg Dulcich, Den
These are players I am willing to gamble on rather than take a bottom end startable tight end, as I think the risk is worth the reward. Johnson had me at “converted college wide receiver who is now the starting tight end for a Derek Carr led offense.” Okonkwo would be much higher, if not for the signing of Hopkins. Reports have been good regarding the rookies, LaPorta and Kincaid. Despite training camp reports regarding underusage with Dulcich, I believe he is simply too talented not to be on the field the majority of snaps.
Tier 5–the possibly fantasy relevant (16-36)
- Dalton Schultz, Hou
- Zach Ertz, Ari
- Cole Kmet, Chi
- Taysom Hill, NO
- Tyer Higbee, LAR
- Gerald Everett, LAC
- Logan Thomas, Was
- Cade Otton, TB
- Austin Hooper, LV
- Irv Smith, Cin
- Dawson Knox, Buf
- Haydon Hurst, Car
- Jelani Woods, Ind
- Mike Gesicki, NE
- Trey McBride, Ari
- Adam Trautman, Den
- Hunter Henry, NE
- Noah Fant, Sea
- Jake Ferguson, Dal
- Luke Schoonmaker, Dal
- Isaiah Likely, Bal
This tier has players whose upside may be capped but may still prove fantasy relevant, depending on the size of your league.