If you've heard about NFL teams moving into more heavy tight end formations, then you've probably already made the connection to how that can positively impact tight ends in Fantasy Football.
This has been in the works for the past few seasons, manifesting in 2025 when tight ends as a whole caught 231 touchdowns and saw a collective target share of 23.8%. The touchdowns were the most since 2013, and the target share was the highest rate ever recorded.
A big reason why those numbers have gone up is because of the steady influx of very athletic tight ends into the NFL, some of whom have only scratched the surface of their potential. For every Trey McBride and Brock Bowers, there's an Isaiah Likely and Dalton Kincaid. Eventually names like Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers will be big-time Fantasy names. The talent is getting better and they'll be leaned on accordingly.
These Tiers are based on half-PPR, important to note because we offer full-PPR and non-PPR rankings. This should help you have an idea where these players will get taken in your drafts.
Tier 1
Top 25 overall in half-PPR
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You shouldn't expect anyone atop the TE tiers other than these two. Huge target potential, huge touchdown potential, huge big-game potential. If there's an edge for Bowers, it's that he's a shade more explosive than McBride and isn't in danger of losing a few targets like McBride could. If there's an edge for McBride, it's that he's been outstanding for the past two seasons, something his new coach will obviously gravitate toward, plus he doesn't carry the injury concerns Bowers does. If you're in a full-PPR format, I would take McBride first, assuming a Cardinals receiver doesn't really improve this preseason.
If you're picking eighth overall or later, you probably won't think to draft either guy. And if you're between picks five through seven, you might be reaching for either guy in Round 2 in half-PPR formats. If you're between Picks 1 through 4, the goal should be to get the second tight end off the board. That's assuming you're interested in a tight end advantage and are willing to forego the running backs and wide receivers on the board at the time. I wouldn't pass on either tight end if they made it to Round 3.
We're hoping for at least 13 half-PPR points per game from these two.
Tier 2
Top 50 overall in half-PPR
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The top two tight ends from the 2025 class will be in big demand, especially since they'll come at a mild discount compared to Bowers and McBride. Loveland is clearly ahead of Warren in average draft position since he continues to draw buzz as the Bears' top overall target in the passing game. That's not a place Warren's at since Josh Downs has been a preseason darling and Alec Pierce will eventually come back for the Colts, not to mention they profile as a better rushing team than Chicago.
But both have a shot to hit or exceed seven targets per game and total at least eight scores. Loveland will be more of a top 36 pick while Warren could fall much closer to 50th.
Both should average around at least 10.5 half-PPR points per game, a definite drop-off from the first two tight ends.
Tier 3
Top 70 overall in half-PPR
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If you want to have a quality tight end but don't want to pay a top 50 pick price, this is the tier for you. All three of these guys carry quality upside to average anywhere from 5.5 to 6.5 targets per game and produce decent touchdown totals.
But every tight end from this tier on down will come with question marks. How will Fannin do in a new offense with new wide receivers who will command targets? Will LaPorta benefit as much from his new TE-friendly playcaller as we hope, and can he stay healthy? Will Kraft be his old self in September, especially since so much of his game comes after the catch?
If you're locked into drafting a tight end with concerns that could keep their Fantasy stats limited, you might be better off not spending decent draft capital on one of these guys unless they become an unpassable value. If any of them are going around after these expectations, grab them.
You're hoping for nine half-PPR points per game from these players.
Tier 4
Rounds 8-9 in half-PPR
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It goes without saying that once Kittle is participating in training camp and looking like his old self, then he will be at least one tier higher. But if he's going to miss the start of the year and be rusty whenever he comes back, then the 33-year-old will get drafted after this range. Speaking of old, Kelce has remained a solid Fantasy starter even though he's not the same athlete he once was, and because the tight end position isn't flush with amazing target hogs, he still warrants attention. But it'll be Likely who draws eyeballs because of his new role with the Giants. And can Pitts actually produce a good full season even with Drake London staying healthy (his best games last year came without London)?
This is a good value tier as any of these tight ends could average at least 9.0 half-PPR points per game, though they all carry more risks than the fellas in Tier 3.
Tier 5
Rounds 9-10 in half-PPR
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Tier 6
Rounds 11+ in half-PPR
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Add Darren Waller to this duo if you're simply looking for a fancy tight end to begin the season with.
If you're waiting this late to take a tight end, you might as well take two. The whole idea is to strike it rich with a late-rounder who plays beyond expectations the same way Loveland, Fannin, Pitts, Goedert and Hunter Henry did last season. If you take two shots, you double your chances at finding a good starter. You could do worse with a late-rounder.
