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:
- Kyle Pitts may have had just one touchdown last year, but don’t let that make you forget what was such a strong rookie season from the #4 overall pick in last year’s draft. His 28.3% air-yards share, 9.3 yards per target, and 15.1 yards/reception all ranked in the top-three among tight ends, while he also averaged 2.02 yards/route run. He’s a receiver playing tight end, and the ceiling is through the roof for him moving forward.
- After finally being the Eagles’ undisputed top tight end and earning a 91.1 PFF receiving grade with 2.33 yards/route run, Dallas Goedert has officially been unleashed. Still just 27-years-old, he could be in line for a strong next few seasons.
- I’m going to be slightly cautious of TJ Hockenson and Dawson Knox. Hockenson failed to take advantage of a clear path to targets with just 1.48 yards/route run, while Knox relied completely on tight ends for fantasy success last season. Knox, in particular, is a sell-high candidate this offseason.
- I’m excited to see the landing spot for David Njoku. The former first-round pick is still just 25-years-old, is loaded with athleticism, and has been productive over the past two seasons when given the chance for the Browns. Should a team like the Chargers sign him, his stock could rise in a hurry.
- Could Brevin Jordan be in line for a second-year leap? The 21-year-old posted a 66.9 PFF receiving grade, and had has very productive after the catch in college. As the clear starter, he is definitely a sleeper to not forget about.
- Speaking of sleepers, Dan Arnold could be one if the Jaguars let him be the starting tight end next season. He’s just 26-years-old, and made his way into fringe TE1 territory with 1.66 yards/route run and a TE1 finish in four of his six full healthy games as a Jaguar.
- Keep an eye on Tommy Tremble. The Notre Dame product was a draft riser into the third round after posting strong athletic testing numbers, and he looks to be the Panthers’ clear starting tight end heading into next season. Let’s see if they look to get him more involved in his second year, and his profile reads similarly to Dawson Knox at this stage of his career.
Dynasty Top-50 Tight Ends