At the tight end position, the process of evaluating players is precisely what it is for wide receivers. There aren’t a lot of players that are consistently used as featured options in their respective team’s passing attack, placing a high price on the top options. Just like with wide receivers, we’re evaluating each player’s ability to earn a favorable role over time, but there also has been less young talent entering the league. Thus, a lot of the top options are the same that you’d see in redraft rankings. Hopefully, we see this position continue to evolve moving forward!
Before we get to the rankings, let’s go over some of the key points to touch on:
- I can’t say enough nice things about Kyle Pitts, who truly is a receiver if we’re being honest. He’s been in the slot for 47.9% of his snaps, while he’s been out for an additional 33.1%. Meanwhile, he’s working down the field (11.9 average depth of target) and flourishing with 2.07 yards/route run and an 80.6 PFF receiving grade. He’s matching the short-term value of Darren Waller, and since he’s still 21-years-old, it’s an easy choice for him to be the #2 tight end.
- Mike Gesicki, Pat Friermuth, and Dawson Knox are all risers after strong performances this season thus far.
- Dalton Schultz and Dan Arnold are each surprise performers this season, and have thus risen to the top-20 in these rankings.
- Jonnu Smith has become a non-factor in New England, being utilized as a blocker. This is concerning, though he’s still one of the highest-paid tight ends and could eventually have more of a receiving role.
- Donald Parham is my favorite sleeper here. He’s still 24-years-old, has a 6’7″ frame that earns him targets in the red zone, and is a plus athlete. He’s also been productive when on the field for the Chargers and could be their starting tight end next year.
- Adam Trautman’s routes run have risen significantly in recent weeks, which is promising to see. Hopefully, he can solidify his status as a sure-handed intermediate target with touchdown upside moving forward.