Rookie Tight Ends Continue to Dominate Fantasy Football
Table of Contents
- 1. Rookie Tight Ends Continue to Dominate Fantasy Football
- 2. Which of the Tier 1 tight ends presents the biggest risk due to age or potential injury concerns?
- 3. Top 40 PPR Tight Ends for 2025: premier Fantasy Football Rankings
- 4. Tier 1: Elite TE1s – Set and Forget
- 5. Tier 2: High-End TE1s – Weekly Starters
- 6. Tier 3: Solid TE1s/High-End TE2s – Boom Potential
- 7. Tier 4: TE2s with Upside – Stream Potential
- 8. Tier 5: late-Round Sleep
The landscape of fantasy football tight end rankings has undergone a important shift in recent years. For the second consecutive season, a rookie has not only performed well but has actually led the position in fantasy points. Sam LaPorta of the Lions achieved this feat two seasons ago, followed by Brock Bowers of the Raiders last year. With Tre McBride also emerging as a key player, young tight ends are firmly establishing themselves at the top of the fantasy charts.
Can a Rookie Repeat the Success?
The trend begs the question: will a rookie tight end once again lead the league in fantasy points for a third straight year? This season presents several promising candidates. The Chicago Bears invested a first-round pick (10th overall) in Colston Loveland, while the Indianapolis Colts selected Tyler Warren at 14th overall. Both possess considerable talent and valuable draft capital. However, Loveland appears to have a more favorable situation and is projected to secure more targets during his rookie campaign.
Loveland benefits from the presence of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who previously guided LaPorta to the No. 1 fantasy tight end spot just two seasons ago. While expecting Loveland to immediately replicate that success might be unrealistic, he is certainly a draftable option in re-draft leagues.
historically, many tight ends appear poised for a breakout season, only to fall short of expectations. Reaching the levels of 80+ receptions and 1,000 yards requires a confluence of factors, and touchdown variance adds another layer of unpredictability. Finding consistent fantasy production at the tight end position is notoriously difficult.
later-round tight ends like chig Okonkwo, Brenton Strange, and Tucker Kraft show potential, but relying on them as starters carries risk. A prudent strategy involves drafting two later-round tight ends to increase the chances of discovering a valuable fantasy asset.
Which of the Tier 1 tight ends presents the biggest risk due to age or potential injury concerns?
Top 40 PPR Tight Ends for 2025: premier Fantasy Football Rankings
Tier 1: Elite TE1s – Set and Forget
Thes tight ends offer weekly consistency and a high floor in PPR formats. Expect first-round consideration in many leagues.
- Travis Kelce (KC): Still the gold standard, even at age 36. Volume remains king. PPR Projection: 110+ receptions, 1300+ yards, 10+ TDs.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. Fully recovered from injury, poised for a massive year. PPR Projection: 95+ receptions, 1200+ yards, 9+ TDs.
- George Kittle (SF): A dual threat as a receiver and blocker. The 49ers’ offense is built to support his production. PPR Projection: 85+ receptions, 1100+ yards, 7+ TDs.
- T.J.Hockenson (MIN): A true receiving threat, especially with Justin jefferson drawing coverage. PPR Projection: 90+ receptions, 1000+ yards, 6+ TDs.
Tier 2: High-End TE1s – Weekly Starters
These tight ends provide notable upside and are reliable starters, though with slightly more risk than Tier 1.
- Sam LaPorta (DET): Exploded onto the scene as a rookie. Expect continued growth and target share. PPR Projection: 80+ receptions, 900+ yards, 7+ TDs.
- Dallas Goedert (PHI): A consistent performer in a potent Eagles offense. PPR Projection: 75+ receptions, 850+ yards, 6+ TDs.
- david Njoku (CLE): Deshaun Watson’s preferred target when healthy.Injury history is the main concern. PPR Projection: 70+ receptions,800+ yards,5+ TDs.
- Darren Waller (NYG): If he can stay healthy, Waller has the potential to be a top-5 TE.PPR Projection: 65+ receptions, 750+ yards, 5+ tds.
- Evan Engram (JAX): A reliable target for Trevor Lawrence. PPR Projection: 70+ receptions, 700+ yards, 4+ TDs.
Tier 3: Solid TE1s/High-End TE2s – Boom Potential
these players can win you weeks but may have inconsistent performances. Good value in drafts.
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT): Russell Wilson shoudl elevate his production. PPR Projection: 60+ receptions, 650+ yards, 4+ TDs.
- Jake Ferguson (DAL): Emerging as a key part of the Cowboys’ offense. PPR Projection: 55+ receptions, 600+ yards, 4+ TDs.
- Kyle Pitts (ATL): New coaching staff could unlock his potential. A high-risk, high-reward pick. PPR Projection: 50+ receptions, 550+ yards, 3+ TDs.
- Juwan johnson (NO): Derek Carr’s familiarity could lead to increased targets. PPR Projection: 50+ receptions, 500+ yards, 4+ TDs.
- Greg Dulcich (DEN): Boone Pickens’ injury opens up opportunities. PPR Projection: 45+ receptions, 450+ yards, 3+ TDs.
Tier 4: TE2s with Upside – Stream Potential
These tight ends are worth rostering as backups or potential streaming options.
- Gerald Everett (LAC): A solid receiving tight end in a pass-heavy offense. PPR Projection: 40+ receptions, 400+ yards, 3+ TDs.
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): C.J. Stroud’s continued progress will benefit Schultz. PPR Projection: 45+ receptions, 400+ yards, 3+ TDs.
- Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN): A dynamic athlete with big-play potential. PPR Projection: 40+ receptions, 400+ yards, 3+ TDs.
- Luke Musgrave (GB): Jordan Love needs reliable targets. PPR Projection: 35+ receptions, 350+ yards, 2+ TDs.
- Cade Otton (TB): A reliable target in a rebuilding offense. PPR Projection: 35+ receptions, 300+ yards, 2+ tds.
- Noah fant (SEA): Competition for targets, but possesses receiving ability. PPR Projection: 30+ receptions, 300+ yards, 2+ TDs.