Fantasy Football draft prep 2021: Tight end rankings by tiers, plus Dave Richard's positional strategy

Last year, 10 tight ends averaged 10 PPR points per game. That's not good. And last year, only four averaged more than 11 PPR points per game. That's really not good.

This is a fresh-off-the-deli-slicer-thin position. It's tough to be happy about a tight end you'll draft in Round 11 ... or Round 9 ... or Round 7.

Does it mean you have to take a tight end in Round 2? Or even before Round 2?! That's something you're going to have to answer before you draft, because it will make an impact on your roster.

You already know that running backs are in good supply, at least early on. Receivers and quarterbacks are definitely plentiful. However, if you pass on an early-round tight end, then you'll have to get lucky stumbling into a difference-maker. Also, there is no question that you'll have an edge by setting a lineup with a tight end that produces like a high-level wide receiver versus some jabroni.

It's worth the thought exercise of taking Kelce with a late first-/early second-round pick, or Darren Waller or George Kittle with a late second-/early third-round pick. You'd still have other early-round picks to use on running backs or whatever other positions you want. Consider committing to drafting one of these three on Draft Day.

The extreme alternative is to wait and draft one or two tight ends who carry some good potential and have favorable matchups to begin the season. Young and hungry types like Logan Thomas, Noah Fant, Irv Smith and Jonnu Smith match the profile. If the one you draft hits, you're on easy street. If the one you draft whiffs, then keep chasing tight ends from the waiver wire, where gems like Robert Tonyan were dug up in 2020. Waiting on tight ends lets you pick up stars at other positions, but it also sets a low bar for expectations and typically involves a lot of upkeep during the season.

There is a middle ground: Go after one of the tight ends in the Weekly Starters tier. Mark Andrews has been mostly reliable for the past two seasons, T.J. Hockenson is shaping up as the Lions' No. 1 target in the passing game and Kyle Pitts has more upside than anyone named in this paragraph. They'll come at relative bargains compared to the first three tight ends and have a chance to acceptably produce.

DAVE'S FAVORITE STRATEGY: Aim for a top-three tight end depending on your draft position, but be open to drafting any of the top seven tight ends at a fair value. Trying to steal one won't happen; they're in too much demand. If you're worried about missing out on great wide receivers or quarterbacks, be confident knowing you will be able to find one later. 

• More tiers: QB | RB | WR | K/DST
  

Tight end PPR tiers (updated 9/1)

Tight end Non-PPR tiers (updated 9/1)

So which sleepers, breakouts and busts should you target and fade? And which QB shocks the NFL with a top-five performance? Visit SportsLine now to get Fantasy cheat sheets for every single position, all from the model that called Josh Allen's huge season, and find out.