Cole Kmet, TE, Bears
Player Profile
Kmet showed very well at the combine. He crushed the receiving drills and was one of the top guys at the position in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and broad jump. His blocking will need some work but he can contribute right away in the passing game.
Fantasy Outlook
Kmet can be avoided in redraft leagues for sure. In terms of dynasty leagues, he can be looked at in the low-end TE 2 range. He likely won’t help out teams much this year behind Jimmy Graham for the receiving looks and there are a couple of other tight ends on the depth chart as well. He does have potential in the receiving game so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him be a fantasy asset down the line.
Effect On New Team
This doesn’t really affect the skill position guys too much for the Bears. Graham should be the main receiving tight end but he wasn’t going to be that relevant in standard leagues. He should help quarterback Mitch Trubisky a bit in the red zone but nothing significant in year one.
- Kevin Taylor
Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles
Player Profile
Jalen Hurts began at Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma, and he has a lot of game tape in his four-year career. Hurts is a big-play threat both through the air and on the ground, and he has proven difficult for defenders to actually bring down. His biggest issue is holding onto the ball: he has exhibited trouble taking snaps, handing the ball off, and fumbling while on the run. If he fixes this issue, he has the potential to become a starter in the league.
Fantasy Outlook
Hurts is a backup QB with almost no chance of taking the starting role in 2020–barring injury. Keep an eye on his progress though just in case. His running ability alone would make him interesting if anything happens to Carson Wentz. In 2-QB leagues, Hurts should be a late pick and nothing more. I am more interested in possibly acquiring him in a year from now if he is making steady progress.
Effect on New Team
As he isn’t projected to start, Jalen Hurts’ impact on the Eagles will be almost nonexistent. Check back in a year.
- Mike Miklius
Devin Asiasi, TE, Patriots
Player Profile
Devin Asiasi doesn’t necessarily wow with his early game tape at UCLA (only 8 catches heading into last year), but he has the size, speed, and athleticism combo to become a future TE1 at the NFL level. Asiasi’s biggest weaknesses were his blocking and his ability to keep the bad weight off.
Fantasy Outlook
Asiasi found a good home in the Patriots: a team that has had great success at the tight end position and a coaching staff that often draws the best out of its players. That being said, tight end is often a tough transition and a slowly developing role. Don’t expect Asiasi to move the needle this year save for the odd TD here or there.
Effect on New Team
The Patriots drafted multiple tight ends in the third round, and I expect this to mean a dedication to the running game. Tom Brady is gone, and the passing game has likely gone with him. This means there should be plenty of snaps for whoever emerges, and Asiasi is in line to be the top choice. Expect a bump for the running backs, and Julian Edelman should still find enough targets as the top (only) receiver.
- Mike Miklius
Josiah Deguara, TE, Packers
Player Profile
Josiah is a solid if unspectacular prospect. Despite a very productive high school career, he saw little interest from schools ending up at Cincinnati. He did not top 100 yards receiving until his junior year, although he combined for 77 catches, 972 yards, and 12 touchdowns over his final two seasons. He earned solid run-blocking grades throughout his time in college but offers little upside as a receiving threat.
Fantasy Outlook
It is not really clear what the Packers are doing in this draft. After taking tight end Jace Sternberger high in last year’s draft this pick is interesting. Sternberger has the better track record as a receiving weapon but potentially this signals a souring on his future prospects. Either way, Deguara’s outlook is not great in either dynasty or redraft league.
Effect on New Team
After the surprise selection of QB Jordan Love in round one and RB AJ Dillon in round-two, the follow-up pick of a low potential tight end makes little sense. The weapons around Aaron Rodgers continue to be underwhelming and this pick does little to address that.
- Stephen Dudas
Adam Trautman, TE, Saints
Player Profile
Adam Trautman is a big tight end with plenty of experience as a receiver. He caught 70 balls last year en route to being named Pioneer League Player of the Year. This is perfect for a team like the Saints hoping for an immediate impact. Trautman’s biggest questions come in his competition (often out-muscling defenders) as well as not facing much press coverage. He will have to refine these skills to make an impact on Sundays.
Fantasy Outlook
The biggest impact here would likely be if Trautman became a trusted red zone threat. With a plethora of weapons (Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders) this offense should move easily down the field. Trautman could carve himself a spot here with little of note ahead of him at tight end.
Effect on New Team
Adam Trautman’s role on the offense will be minimal. He slots in as–at best–the fourth option on the team, and he has no chance to overtake anyone in front of him. Trautman’s biggest impact could be as a touchdown vulture if he earns Drew Brees’ trust. Outside that, wait until next year.
- Mike Miklius