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The top of the tight end board is as clear as it’s been in years; there’s a definitive top three you can feel confident about starting every week. After that, there’s a group of about five more who you can feel relatively comfortable plugging in, though they’re not without question marks. Once you move beyond that range, stability at the position fades quickly.
That’s not to say there’s no upside further down the board. Some legitimate breakout cases could come to fruition, but the same players could also completely flop. The key is to identify a few specific TEs you really like at their price point and see if you can target them in drafts. If you want one of the elite options, map out your draft position and see how taking one early impacts the rest of your roster construction.
Once you get into the later rounds, expectations should shift. At that stage, you may be better off planning to stream the position, targeting favorable matchups against teams that struggle to defend TEs and being aggressive on the waiver wire. Streaming isn’t glamorous, but in the lower tiers, it can often give you better week-to-week returns than locking in a volatile option.
Tier 1 – “The Elites”
This tier comprises the two tight ends who regularly go in the first two rounds, and for good reason. They provide a weekly statistical advantage over nearly every other option at the position, eliminating the stress of streaming or risking a dud performance. While investing this early in a TE is a steep cost, the edge they give you is real and consistent. If you’re considering one, plan for how you’ll fill RB and WR, as drafting a TE this early changes the structure of your team from the start.
TE1: Trey McBride (Ari)
Reasons for Optimism:
I somewhat controversially have McBride over Bowers this year. I feel this way mainly due to a more defined role than Bowers. McBride finished second among tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards last year, only trailing Brock Bowers. McBride's biggest knock? Just two receiving touchdowns (plus one rushing score). That number will likely jump, considering he finished second among TEs in red zone targets. Arizona’s offense is trending up, and McBride is clearly Kyler Murray’s safety blanket. Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. potentially getting a bigger role, the two don’t overlap much regarding their route trees. McBride’s role is secure, and improved touchdown luck could vault him to the top of the position.
Reasons for Pessimism:
There’s not much downside here. The only real question is how high you’re willing to take him overall, especially when weighing him against elite WRs and RBs. McBride’s ceiling could be slightly capped if Harrison becomes a true alpha in his second year, but that’s more nitpicking than concern.
Final Verdict:
McBride and Bowers form a clear tier of their own, and your decision between the two could be determined by price. Expect more touchdowns, and bank on having a weekly positional advantage if you decide on McBride.
TE2: Brock Bowers (LV)
Reasons for Optimism:
Bowers didn’t just break rookie tight end receiving records; he broke rookie pass-catcher records. Despite a carousel of quarterbacks (Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ritter), he led all TEs in fantasy scoring last season. Now he gets Geno Smith, who completed passes at a 67.7% clip last year and should bring much-needed stability to the passing attack. Bowers was a generational tight end prospect for a reason; his college production at Georgia made Ladd McConkey look like a WR3, and that was no accident. He’s the best pass-catching weapon on the Raiders, and new HC Pete Carroll may lean on the run, but Bowers is too good not to be featured.
Reasons for Pessimism:
There’s some uncertainty around how Carroll will deploy Bowers, especially with rookie RB Ashton Jeanty added to the mix. The Raiders’ offense still lacks elite firepower, which could cap scoring chances. And while Bowers only had 5 TDs last year, it’s fair to wonder how much higher that can go in an offense that may not take a significant leap forward.
Final Verdict:
He’s in a clear tier above the rest of the position with Trey McBride and offers weekly positional leverage. Even if you’re hesitant to reach early for a tight end, Bowers gives you a true difference-maker. The question is how early you’re willing to take him in your draft.
Tier 2 – “The Lone Wolf”
George Kittle stands alone in this tier, a clear step below the top two but just as clearly ahead of the rest. He actually averaged more points per game than both Bowers and McBride last season, but age (turning 32) and a heavier reliance on touchdowns keep him from joining them in Tier 1. Still, Kittle’s talent, situation, and production history make him the easy choice as the TE3 in drafts.
TE 3: George Kittle (SF)
Reasons for Optimism:
Despite not getting the hype of the top two, Kittle actually led all tight ends in fantasy points per game last season. He’s now posted six top-four finishes at the position in the last seven years, and 2025 might be his clearest path to targets in a long time. With Brandon Aiyuk hurt and no real timetable, Deebo Samuel gone, and rookie Ricky Pearsall still finding his footing, Kittle and the often-injured Christian McCaffrey are Brock Purdy’s primary weapons. While his target rate was just 18% last year, San Francisco’s offense projects to be highly productive, and that should mean plenty of touchdowns.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Kittle turns 32 in October, and the natural aging curve for tight ends can’t be ignored. His modest target share means he’ll likely need to stay efficient and find the end zone regularly to keep pace with Bowers and McBride. If the 49ers spread the ball more than expected once Aiyuk returns, his ceiling could flatten.
Final Verdict:
Kittle should lead the team in targets until Aiyuk is fully healthy and is a strong bet for another top-five finish at the position. Many drafters see him as a better value than the top two tight ends, especially if you can snag him multiple rounds later.
Tier 3 – “The Last Safe Haven”
This tier is made up of tight ends I’m comfortable drafting as my season-long starter. If I leave the draft with one of them, I feel good about rolling with them every week, though age, injury history, or volatility could cause the occasional doubt. They’re not without risk, but they represent the last group without glaring question marks. Once this tier is gone, the stability at the position falls off sharply.
TE 4: Travis Kelce (KC)
Reasons for Optimism:
Gone are the days when Kelce was the automatic TE1 who could lap the field, but let’s not bury him yet. He still drew 133 targets last season, elite usage for any position, and he’s still catching passes from Patrick Mahomes. Even in a “down” year, Kelce finished as the TE6 in points per game, despite scoring a career-low 3 touchdowns. If his touchdown total rebounds even slightly, a top-three finish is back on the table. With Rashee Rice likely suspended for a significant chunk of the season, Kelce should remain a central piece of this passing game.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Kelce turns 36 in October, and Father Time eventually wins. The Chiefs may look to feature younger weapons like second-year WR Xavier Worthy or Rashee Rice once he returns, which could chip away at Kelce’s target share. If his touchdown luck doesn’t rebound, he’s more of a mid/low starting TE.
Final Verdict:
This is the latest you’ve ever been able to get Kelce, and the market might be overreacting to his “decline.” Even with age concerns, his role and connection with Mahomes make him one of the safest bets at the position, just with a lower ceiling than in years past.
TE 5: Sam LaPorta (Det)
Reasons for Optimism:
LaPorta was a fade for me last year due to his steep draft price and the improbability of repeating as TE1, and sure enough, he finished as TE7. But context matters: he was banged up to start the season, and from Week 8 on, he hauled in 46 catches on a 19% target share while tying for the league lead in end-zone targets. When healthy, he looked every bit like the impact player we saw in his rookie season.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Detroit’s offense might have already hit its peak last year, which could mean fewer scoring opportunities overall. LaPorta also faces stiff target competition: Amon-Ra St. Brown remains the alpha, Jameson Williams is emerging, and Jahmyr Gibbs is heavily involved in the passing game. That target distribution caps his ceiling and makes it harder to justify his curretn ADP when similarly productive tight ends can be had later.
Final Verdict:
LaPorta should deliver solid numbers, but his path to elite production is narrower than the top-tier options. He’s a safe, high-floor starting TE. Just be careful not to overpay for him when other tight ends can offer similar value at more of a discount.
TE 6: Mark Andrews (Bal)
Reasons for Optimism:
Andrews enters 2025 still on the right side of 30 and playing in a Lamar Jackson-led offense that consistently generates scoring opportunities. While his receptions, targets, yards, and routes have declined in three straight seasons, last year came with major context: he suffered a severe ankle injury, was involved in a preseason car accident, and started the year painfully slow, to the point of being dropped in some leagues. He rebounded in a big way, catching a career-high 11 touchdowns. With Isaiah Likely sidelined to start the season and Baltimore still lacking elite WR depth, Andrews remains one of the focal points of this passing attack.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The downward trend in volume can’t be ignored, as it’s been three consecutive seasons of it now. If the decline is due to more than just injuries, whether it’s age, role changes, or Baltimore leaning more on WRs, his ceiling could be capped. Touchdowns are volatile, so expecting another double-digit TD season is risky. If those regress, and his target share doesn’t rebound, his week-to-week floor could be shakier than it’s been in years.
Final Verdict:
I don’t believe Andrews is done. If fully healthy, he’s still one of the best tight ends in the league and could deliver a bounce-back season worthy of the top tier. With recency bias keeping his draft price in check, he could be one of the best value picks at the position in 2025.
TE 7: T.J. Hockenson (Min)
Reasons for Optimism:
Hockenson didn’t make his season debut until Week 9 last year while returning from a torn ACL, and although he showed flashes of his usual talent, he clearly wasn’t at full strength, finishing without a single touchdown. The hope is that 2025 brings a healthier, more explosive version, especially in what I call the “year after the year after” with an injury. Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy was willing to target tight ends over the middle in college, which could mesh well with Hockenson’s skill set. With Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games and Justin Jefferson nursing a training camp injury, Hockenson could see an early-season bump in usage.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The biggest unknown is what Minnesota’s offense will look like under McCarthy. Even if McCarthy favors short-to-intermediate throws, Jefferson and Addison are still the clear top two options in the passing game once both are active. If the offense struggles under a rookie QB, touchdown opportunities could be scarce.
Final Verdict:
While his upside is capped compared to the elite tier, Hockenson profiles as a safe, consistent starting TE. With another year removed from ACL surgery, he’s a strong bet for steady production, even if the ceiling games are less frequent.
Tier 4 – “The Swing-for-the-Fences”
This tier is all about upside. These tight ends have the talent and circumstances to pop into weekly starter territory, but they carry more volatility than the tiers above, and in some cases, they may not even be locked-in starters this season. At this stage of the draft, I’m prioritizing ceiling over safety, knowing plenty of late-round or waiver-wire options are available to supplement a high-risk pick.
TE 8: David Njoku (Cle)
Reasons for Optimism:
Njoku has dealt with rough quarterback situations for most of his career, yet he’s shown he can produce at a high level when paired with competent play. Last year, with Jameis Winston under center, he looked like a top-tier option, and in 2023, when Joe Flacco took over, Njoku was the TE1 during a magical late-season run. He’s an elite athlete with standout yards-after-catch ability, and with Fallco being named the opening week starter in Cleveland, Njoku could open the season hot.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The Browns’ QB room is a wild card, and not in a good way. Flacco is the second-oldest player in the league (behind Aaron Rodgers) and could fall off at any time. If Cleveland turns to one of their rookies, Njoku’s production becomes a complete unknown. Durability is also a concern; he’s missed significant time in four of his last seven seasons, and the Browns’ offense as a whole might be one of the league’s worst.
Final Verdict:
Njoku is an upside play, but the peaks and valleys could be extreme. He’s worth targeting for the ceiling games, especially if Flacco is starting, but relying on him as your lone tight end for the whole season is a risky proposition.
TE9: Colston Loveland (Chi)
Reasons for Optimism:
Rookie tight ends used to be an easy fade, but with first-year players leading the position in fantasy points in back-to-back seasons, they’ve become far more intriguing. Enter Loveland, the 10th overall pick in the draft despite Chicago’s crowded pass-catching room. New HC Ben Johnson turned rookie Sam LaPorta into the TE1 just two years ago, and now he hand-picks Loveland, suggesting a clear role in mind. A crisp route runner at Michigan, Loveland could become an immediate impact player if the Bears lean on him as a key part of the passing game.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The Bears have plenty of mouths to feed with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and fellow rookie Luther Burden III. Caleb Williams hasn’t yet proven to be an elite passer, and Chicago’s offense as a whole still needs to prove it can be consistently productive. Like most rookie TEs, there’s also the risk of a slow start as he adjusts to the NFL game.
Final Verdict:
Loveland is a worthwhile upside swing, especially at his cost. Just be ready to pair him with a safer veteran option early in the season while he finds his footing.
TE 10: Tyler Warren (Ind)
Reasons for Optimism:
Warren is an intriguing rookie prospect, leading all of FBS in catches last year while lining up in the backfield, the slot, and in-line. His versatility should make him a natural fit for designed plays in Indianapolis’ offense. Even if the Colts’ QB situation isn’t ideal, we’ve seen talented rookies like Brock Bowers produce in similar poor circumstances. The skill set is there for Warren to make an immediate impact if the opportunities come.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The Colts’ offense could be one of the least functional passing attacks in the league. Anthony Richardson has upside but is still raw and inaccurate as a passer, while Daniel Jones doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Established playmakers Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs will command significant touches and targets, potentially leaving Warren as a non-primary target.
Final Verdict:
The talent makes him worth the shot, but the situation is precarious. Warren could overcome it, but he’s far from a safe bet and should be paired with a more reliable option if you take the plunge.
TE11: Dalton Kincaid (Buf)
Reasons for Optimism:
I’m higher on Kincaid than most. Even in what was considered a disappointing season, he finished with the second-most targets on the Bills, one of the league’s premier scoring offenses, despite playing only 13 games. He posted 73 receptions as a rookie and dealt with a midseason knee injury in 2024 that clearly hampered him down the stretch. Now fully healthy, Kincaid has proven he can command a substantial target share on an elite offense, and his first-round pedigree suggests untapped upside.
Reasons for Pessimism:
His blocking limitations have been well-documented by both the team and beat reporters, and they’ve capped his snap rate at around 66%. Without improvement in that area, his playing time may never reach the level of the elite TEs above him. There’s also the risk that, even in a great offense, his role remains more chain-mover than true difference-maker.
Final Verdict:
I'm shooting for upside at this stage in the rankings, and Kincaid has it. Yes, he could disappoint again, but so could any TE in this range, and you can find low-end TE1 production on waivers during the season. Kincaid offers more ceiling than most, making him worth the gamble.
TE12: Evan Engram (Den)
Reasons for Optimism:
Engram heads to Denver, where his role in Sean Payton’s offense remains undefined, but the upside is intriguing. With no proven pass-catching options behind Courtland Sutton, there’s a real chance Engram becomes the No. 2 option. Rookie QB Bo Nix prefers short-to-intermediate throws, which plays to Engram’s strengths. In 2023 with Jacksonville, he caught 114 passes, albeit for just 7.8 yards per catch, showing he can rack up volume in the right role.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Payton is notorious for spreading targets around, often involving multiple tight ends and running backs in the short passing game. Engram has never been a consistent red-zone weapon; he hasn’t topped four touchdowns in a season since his rookie year. Turning 31 in September, he’s also past his athletic prime, which could limit his explosiveness.
Final Verdict:
Engram offers potential PPR value if he emerges as Denver’s clear No. 2 target, but concerns about target distribution, lack of scoring upside, and age make him more of an unknown. I could legitimately see him as an upper-half TE1 or a drop candidate early in the season.
Tier 5 – “The Steady Streamers”
This tier features players who are unlikely to turn into true league-winners but can still offer dependable production when called upon. They’re typically available very late in drafts, making them inexpensive depth pieces. If circumstances break their way, they could absolutely finish the season as starting-caliber tight ends in your league. They’re not flashy but serviceable, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need from the position.
TE 13: Tucker Kraft (GB)
Reasons for Optimism:
Kraft was one of the best value plays at the position last year, going undrafted in most leagues and finishing with over 700 yards and 7 touchdowns. He displayed clear athleticism and made multiple splash plays, earning an 85% snap share, the highest of any Packers skill player. Even when Luke Musgrave returned from injury, the starting TE at the beginning of the season, Kraft maintained his significant role, indicating he’s earned a lasting place in the offense.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Luke Musgrave enters 2025 healthy and could reclaim a larger share of work, potentially pushing Kraft back into more of a timeshare. Kraft’s league-leading 8.8 yards after the catch (two yards more than any other TE) is likely unsustainable, as big plays like that are difficult to repeat considering his skillset. Green Bay’s offense is also loaded with receiving options and just added another first-round WR in Matthew Golden, further crowding target distribution.
Final Verdict:
Kraft has proven talent, but the combination of target competition, likely YAC regression, and Musgrave’s return makes it difficult to project much growth. He should remain fantasy-relevant, but more as a low-end TE1 or streaming option than a breakout star.
TE 14: Jake Ferguson (Dal)
Reasons for Optimism:
Ferguson is one of my favorite late-round tight ends no one is talking about. Last year’s zero-touchdown season was derailed once Dak Prescott went down, but people forget that in 2023, he caught over 70 passes for 761 yards, and he was on pace for 800+ yards in 2024 before Dak’s injury. At just 26 years old, Ferguson still has room to ascend, and with Dallas likely to have a minimal rushing attack and a reduced defense, the passing volume could climb very high.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The Cowboys added George Pickens, finally giving them a legitimate WR2, which could eat into Ferguson’s target share. While more passing volume helps, it may be distributed more evenly across the offense, especially if Dallas leans into a vertical passing game. Ferguson’s ceiling could also be limited if red-zone usage remains inconsistent.
Final Verdict:
Ferguson is a sneaky bounce-back candidate who could return low-end TE1 value at a late-round cost. While target competition is stiffer, his established chemistry with Dak and likely role in a pass-heavy attack make him well worth a flier.
TE 15: Zach Ertz (Was)
Reasons for Optimism:
Many thought Ertz’s career was over, but Kliff Kingsbury breathed new life into it, and he now enters his age-35 season still producing. At this point, he’s not going to break tackles; he didn’t even do much of that in his prime, but Washington doesn’t have a deep pool of passing-down weapons. Deebo Samuel’s health is always a question, Austin Ekeler is past his peak, and Terry McLaurin is currently holding out. Ertz was a reliable third-down and red-zone target for Jayden Daniels last year and could once again offer solid touchdown equity, making him a serviceable bye-week fill-in or streaming option.
Reasons for Pessimism:
His upside is extremely limited. At this stage of his career, Ertz is more of a catch-and-fall possession player. Second-year tight end Ben Sinnott could also carve out a larger role, and if Washington’s offense underperforms, touchdown opportunities could be few and far between. The age-related "cliff" is also always looming.
Final Verdict:
Ertz can still provide value as a steady, low-ceiling option who may pop up with the occasional touchdown-driven performance. He’s not someone to rely on weekly, but as depth or a streaming play, he’s still relevant in 2025.
TE16: Dallas Goedert (Phi)
Reasons for Optimism:
Goedert is locked into one of the league’s best offenses and remains a reliable target when called upon. He averaged 50 receiving yards per game last season despite injuries, sixth among tight ends and just behind Travis Kelce. His ability to produce even in a crowded offense makes him a steady, if unspectacular, option. Also, if A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith misses time, Goedert’s target share usually spikes, making him even more desirable.
Reasons for Pessimism:
The problem is opportunity. With Brown, Smith, and Saquon Barkley as the primary weapons, and Jalen Hurts a lock for double-digit rushing TDs, Goedert is at best the fourth option in scoring situations. The Eagles threw the fewest passes in the league last year, and Goedert hasn’t topped four touchdowns in a season since 2019. Remove his 170-yard explosion against the Saints in Week 3, and his average drops to just 36 yards per game for last season.
Final Verdict:
Goedert’s weekly upside is tied directly to the health of Philly’s top two wideouts. While he offers a solid floor in good matchups, his role in a run-heavy, star-driven offense makes him more likely a TE2.
Tier 6 – “The Long Shots”
These are players I wouldn’t actively bet on, but there’s at least a plausible path to them being fantasy-relevant for stretches of the season. Some have flashed high-end ability in the past, while others could see a significant workload spike if the right injury or depth chart shift occurs. They’re pure dart throws, low-probability, high-variance players, but in the right scenario, they could become short-term difference-makers.
TE 17: Kyle Pitts (Atl)
Reasons for Optimism:
It’s wild to remember Pitts is still only 24 years old. The former elite prospect became the first rookie tight end since Mike Ditka in 1961 to top 1,000 receiving yards, though he somehow scored just once that year. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have stalled his ascent, but flashes of elite ability still surface. Through Week 8 last year, he was a clear TE1 before the bottom fell out. He’s had dreadful quarterback play his entire career, but 2025 brings Michael Penix Jr., a QB unafraid to push the ball downfield, which perfectly fits Pitts’ skill set. With his rookie deal nearing its end, Pitts has plenty of incentive to deliver his best season yet.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Pitts’ career so far has been defined by unmet expectations. Even when healthy, his production has cratered for long stretches, and his TE21 finish on a per-game basis last year is hard to ignore. Penix is still unproven at the NFL level, and Atlanta’s offensive identity under a rookie QB is a mystery. Banking on Pitts to be your every-week starter is a leap of faith that’s burned managers before.
Final Verdict:
I wouldn’t rely on Pitts as my only tight end, but his talent and situation give him just enough intrigue to take a shot every now and then, even if history says we should know better at this point.
TE 18: Isaiah Likely (Bal)
Reasons for Optimism:
When Mark Andrews is out, Likely produces. In games Andrews has missed, he’s averaged over 50 receiving yards and showcased his explosiveness as a playmaker in Baltimore’s high-powered offense. This is Andrews’ final year under contract, so there’s a chance the Ravens start phasing him out, and Likely could be the long-term answer at the position. For dynasty formats, he’s one of the most intriguing stashes at tight end.
Reasons for Pessimism:
As long as Andrews is healthy and active, Likely is not a full-time starter and will see limited targets. His 2025 season also starts with a hurdle, foot surgery in July, which could cause him to miss time early and give Andrews a clear head start in securing his role. Likely’s weekly floor is too low to be a reliable redraft option without an injury to Andrews.
Final Verdict:
Likely has dynasty appeal and streaming potential if Andrews misses games, but in redraft formats, he’s still capped as a backup. His value this season hinges almost entirely on Andrews’ health.
TE 19: Jonnu Smith (Pit)
Reasons for Optimism:
Smith is coming off a career year in Miami, finishing as the TE4 thanks to Mike McDaniel’s creative usage of him with screens, motion plays, and schemed touches that highlighted his athleticism. While his role in Pittsburgh will be very different, he’s still a capable playmaker who can turn short passes into chunk gains. If Aaron Rodgers develops trust in him and the Steelers find ways to replicate even a fraction of his 2024 deployment, Smith could still carve out some relevance.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Prior to last year, Jonnu had never averaged more than 5.8 fantasy points per game, and he turns 30 this season. On top of that, the move to Pittsburgh under a run-heavy Arthur Smith system is a nightmare fit on paper. He’ll also be sharing the field and targets with Pat Freiermuth, a younger, established starter in Pittsburgh who caught over 60 passes last season. The creative play design that boosted Smith’s value in Miami likely won’t be replicated in this offense.
Final Verdict:
Smith’s fantasy stock cratered after the trade to Pittsburgh, and for good reason. He’s more of a watchlist player than a draft target outside of deep leagues, as the combination of scheme fit, target competition, and age all point toward a steep drop from last year’s breakout.
TE 20: Mike Gesicki (Cin)
Reasons for Optimism:
Gesicki isn’t a starting fantasy option out of the gate, but he’s worth monitoring. In the games Tee Higgins missed last year, Gesicki averaged 9 targets per game compared to just 5.6 with Higgins in the lineup. He often operates as a big slot receiver rather than a traditional in-line tight end, which could allow him to carve out a role in Cincinnati’s high-powered offense when opportunities arise. With Higgins's history of missing games, Gesicki could quickly become a hot waiver-wire pickup if injuries strike.
Reasons for Pessimism:
His fantasy value almost depends entirely on Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins missing time. When the Bengals’ WR corps is healthy, Gesicki’s role shrinks considerably. Cincinnati also signed Noah Fant, who profiles more as a traditional in-line tight end but could still take snaps away in specific packages, limiting Gesicki’s playing time.
Final Verdict:
Gesicki is more of a watchlist player than a draft target in standard-sized leagues. If injuries hit Cincinnati’s receiving corps, he could become a valuable streaming option, but until then, his usage will be too inconsistent to trust weekly.
TE 21: Brenton Strange (Jax)
Reasons for Optimism:
With Evan Engram off to Denver, Strange steps into starting tight end duties for Jacksonville. The former second-round pick showed flashes when Engram missed time last year, displaying reliable hands and some run-after-the-catch ability. New HC Liam Cohen could bring an uptick in offensive efficiency, and with Engram having commanded a team-high 207 targets over the past two seasons, there’s a pathway for Strange to carve out a meaningful role in this attack.
Reasons for Pessimism:
Even as the starting TE, Strange is likely to be the third or fourth option in the passing game, squarely behind Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie Travis Hunter. Jacksonville’s new-look offense has plenty of mouths to feed, and Strange’s week-to-week fantasy production could be highly volatile. His limited track record of production also makes him more of a projection than a proven commodity.
Final Verdict:
Strange is an intriguing late-round flier and potential streaming option, especially if Jacksonville’s rookies take time to adjust or miss games. It’s good to monitor how Strange will fit into Liam Coen’s offense, but for now, he’s best treated as a depth piece with upside rather than a locked-in weekly starter.
TE 22: Cade Otton (TB)
Reasons for Optimism:
We’ll always have those magical four weeks in 2024 when Otton went full “Mr. Necessary” with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both injured, posting a 17-game pace of 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns from Weeks 7–10. He’s the starting tight end for one of the league’s best offenses, plays nearly every snap, and showed he can command volume when Tampa’s top receivers are sidelined. If injuries strike again, Otton’s role could spike in a hurry.
Reasons for Pessimism:
When everyone is healthy, Otton is the fourth or fifth option in the passing game behind Evans, Godwin, and the team’s influx of young talent in Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Bucky Irving. Baker Mayfield is also unlikely to match his career-high numbers from last season, further limiting Otton’s ceiling. His 2024 season ended with just 600 yards and four touchdowns, a line that might be tough to even match in 2025.
Final Verdict:
Otton is a full-time player in a good offense, but his fantasy relevance is almost entirely injury-dependent. He’s more of a watchlist candidate or bye-week fill-in than someone to draft as your primary tight end.
