The Year of the Tight End is upon us in fantasy football, and it’s not just Travis Kelce who stands out in the top tier anymore. This year, there are five or six players who can be considered part of the elite group. However, even if you don’t manage to secure one of these top-tier players in your draft, there’s no need to panic. The tight end position is richer with talent than ever before, and you can still find strength at the position even if you wait until the bottom of the rankings.
The key to drafting a productive fantasy tight end is finding someone who ranks among the top two or three in targets on their team. Players like Kelce and Dalton Kincaid fit this criteria perfectly. But even if you miss out on these top options, there are still players available with the potential to be top targets in their offenses.
One prime example is Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots. With no clear number one receiver on the team, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is expected to elevate Henry’s workload in a similar fashion to what he did with David Njoku in Cleveland. Njoku became a top-five fantasy tight end under Van Pelt’s guidance, and Henry has the potential to do the same.
Another situation to monitor is the Los Angeles Chargers, where Greg Roman is bringing his successful offensive scheme. Roman turned Mark Andrews into an elite tight end in Baltimore, and now he’s expected to help Hayden Hurst reach the next level. While there may be some early competition with Will Dissly, Hurst is the better route-runner and pass-catcher and should see a heavy workload in this scheme.
Even players like Greg Dulcich in Denver can be solid upside plays. With no reliable receivers behind Courtland Sutton, head coach Sean Payton and coordinator Joe Lombardi are looking to utilize a “joker” role, similar to what they did with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans. Dulcich has shown promise in camp and could be a nightmare for defenses to cover.
While it would be ideal to draft a top-five tight end, there simply aren’t enough to go around. But there’s no need to panic or settle for mediocrity. Look for late-round players with upside and the necessary pieces to succeed. By doing so, you can still build a strong tight end position on your fantasy football team.
In conclusion, the Year of the Tight End brings a wealth of options beyond just Travis Kelce. It’s important to prioritize players who rank among the top targets on their respective teams. While players like Hunter Henry, Hayden Hurst, and Greg Dulcich may not be the most obvious choices, they have the potential to provide significant value in fantasy football. Don’t panic if you miss out on the top-tier options, as there are still plenty of talented tight ends to choose from.
