Top 10 TE Rankings + Draft Strategy

Summary:

Introduction to Fantasy Football Season and Draft Strategy 00:44

“We’re thrilled to have you join us as we count down to the beginning of the NFL season 2025.”

• The hosts of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast welcome listeners as they enter August, a crucial month for fantasy football enthusiasts.
• They remind the audience that the NFL season is quickly approaching, and they are excited to discuss ranking strategies.
• The podcast runs five days a week, allowing fans to stay updated on the latest news and strategies as the football season heats up.

Importance of League Setup and Awards 02:00

“You need a trophy or you need some swag. Every league’s got a trophy.”

• The hosts emphasize the necessity of having a league structure, including trophies and other rewards, to enhance the fantasy football experience.
• They encourage listeners to visit fantasychamps.com for league-specific items, including trophies and championship rings.
• The presenters mention a special code “Ballers” to offer a discount, making it easier for listeners to secure their league accolades before drafting begins.

Utilizing the Ultimate Draft Kit and Value Scout Tool 02:43

“The value scout tool… will give you the ability to compare what we consider a player’s true value.”

• They introduce the Ultimate Draft Kit as a comprehensive resource that includes the Value Scout Tool.
• This tool allows users to analyze a player’s draft position relative to their perceived value, providing an edge during the draft.
• It helps users make informed decisions by comparing average draft positions across different platforms, addressing the subconscious pressure players feel during drafts.

Strength of Schedule: Key Considerations for Rankings 03:30

“When I’m doing rankings, I’m looking at the season. I don’t believe we know a lot about how these defenses are actually going to perform in 2025.”

• The hosts discuss how strength of schedule impacts their player rankings, specifically looking at past performance versus projected outcomes.
• They caution against overreliance on previous season data, explaining that team dynamics and player conditions fluctuate significantly from year to year.
• Strength of schedule should be used as a guide, focusing on the first few weeks of the season, but analyzing changes is crucial for accurate projections.

Early Season Insights on Strength of Schedule 06:57

“Getting off to a hot start after your draft is so important.”

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• The hosts share insights on upcoming matchups that could affect early season performance, emphasizing the importance of a favorable start for fantasy teams.
• Cleveland has been identified as having an easier strength of schedule for running backs in the first three weeks, crucial for getting off to a good start.
• Conversely, they highlight the challenging schedule for Dallas’s passing offense, suggesting that these matchups could impact fantasy decisions negatively.

Injury Updates and Player News 09:38

“Juwan Johnson left with a groin injury, but is already back at practice, so he’s going to be okay.”

• The segment discusses various player injuries, highlighting that Juwan Johnson had a groin issue but has returned to practice quickly, indicating he will likely be fine for the upcoming games.
• While he has had some past success in fantasy football, including scoring several touchdowns, the consensus suggests he might not be a player worth drafting despite his potential.
• The mention of Christian McCaffrey emphasizes his importance, especially due to the absence of Brandon Aiyuk and the need for a significant workload to maintain health.

Fantasy Football Strategy on Tight Ends 13:09

“You either invest in the position early or just wait.”

• The discussion shifts to the tight end position, acknowledged as a critical yet often undervalued part of fantasy football. The presenters emphasize the importance of strategic investment in tight ends during drafts, weighing the opportunity cost against other valuable positions.
• An analysis of drafting tight ends indicates an 80% hit rate for players chosen within the first six picks, suggesting a high probability for success.
• The presenters point out the option to either choose a top-tier tight end early or to wait and potentially find a hidden gem that could emerge later in the draft.

The Importance of Drafting Strategy and Projections 15:10

“You want to swing for the fences.”

• When it comes to drafting tight ends, the experts explain the importance of evaluating not just rankings but also upside potential through median outcome projections and the ‘upside meter.’
• They discuss historical data showing how tight ends can significantly vary in performance, often making a substantial difference in fantasy points that can alter league standings.
• The value of knowing the matchups is also highlighted, with teams that struggle against tight ends becoming prime targets for streaming options throughout the season.

Tucker Craft’s Ranking and Potential 18:59

“Tucker Craft comes in at number 10 on our rankings.”

• Tucker Craft is ranked as the 10th tight end for the upcoming season, reflecting a significant evaluation of his potential.
• At just 24 years old, both analysts Mike and another contributor express enthusiasm for Craft’s explosiveness displayed on the field, while Jason holds a more skeptical viewpoint.
• Discussion centers around the unpredictability of production within the Green Bay Packers‘ passing game, particularly with Jordan Love at quarterback. Craft’s performance will be closely tied to the overall offensive strategy and the available talent on the roster.
• Despite not being the standout tight end initially expected, Craft excelled last season, finishing as the tight end nine due to 707 receiving yards.

Performance Metrics and Yards After Catch 20:02

“He averaged 8.8 yards after the catch, which was two yards higher than any other tight end.”

• Tucker Craft notably demonstrated impressive performance metrics by averaging 8.8 yards after the catch, which surpassed all other tight ends’ averages.
• He recorded 17 plays that gained 15 or more yards on just 70 targets, indicating a high proportion of explosive plays relative to his usage.
• Comparisons to elite tight ends like Travis Kelsey highlight Craft’s efficiency, suggesting he can be a significant contributor if used effectively in the offense.

Role in the Offense and Draft Strategy 21:05

“Tucker Craft is fascinating because he has chances for increased volume.”

• The potential for Craft’s increased volume stems from the current configuration of the Packers’ offense, where multiple receiver roles are in flux due to injuries and the introduction of new players.
• Based on average draft position (ADP) studies, tight ends who breakout in their second season are statistically valuable, reinforcing the prospects of drafting him as a later option in drafts.
• Analysts indicate that while Craft might not be their first choice, he could be a focal point in drafting strategies during the upcoming drafts.

Craft’s Future Outlook 22:51

“I believe the team is committed to him.”

• Analysts express confidence in the Packers’ commitment to Tucker Craft, indicating that his role may expand significantly in the coming season.
• Observations from previous games show that Craft had remarkable scoring performances, including a standout week where he finished among the top tight ends multiple times.
• While there are some concerns about competition for targets with other emerging tight ends, Craft’s current situation presents a favorable outlook within a talented offense.

Mark Andrews‘ Roller Coaster Season and Future 27:58

“He will never be relevant again.”

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• Mark Andrews had a tumultuous start to last season, with a disappointing performance that left many questioning his future in fantasy football. Despite the initial struggles, including back-to-back games without points, Andrews finished the year strong as the tight end five.
• His high touchdown rate, with 11 touchdowns, was a significant contributor to his fantasy success, but this presents concerns as touchdowns are often not a stable metric from year to year. The expectation of regression is justified since he recorded fewer than 900 receiving yards, a statistic that often leads to declining performance in subsequent seasons.
• Injuries likely hindered his performance last year, as he dealt with an ankle injury and car accident issues leading into the season. This brings to light how external factors can significantly impact player performance, even for those viewed as top athletes.

Concerns About Mark Andrews‘ Role and Future Performance 29:51

“It’s vibes.”

• Despite his strong finish last season, there are ongoing concerns about Andrews’ role and reliability this year. The offseason chatter involving Isaiah Likely and potential changes in their depth chart created uncertainty. Even though Likely has faced injuries, the anticipation of his contribution looms large.
• The outlook indicates that if Likely is unavailable at the beginning of the season, Andrews may thrive with increased opportunities and targets. However, the presence of new talent on the team suggests he may not be as critical to the offense as before.
• The overall dynamics of the team and other players’ presence, such as Bateman and Zay Flowers, add to the complexity of projecting Andrews’ performance. The strong wide receiver additions and the change in team strategy may mean that Andrews could see less volume this year.

David Njoku‘s Standing and Potential for the Season 35:06

“He was the tight end on my championship team that year.”

• David Njoku has emerged as a solid tight end option heading into the upcoming season. Coming off a successful year where he was a reliable target despite the quarterback carousel affecting gameplay, he demonstrated he can be a focal point of an offense.
• Njoku’s ability to perform well under various circumstances highlights his potential as a late-round pick who could exceed expectations. His cost in drafts is comparatively low, making him an appealing option to complement a roster full of running backs and wide receivers.
• As Njoku continues to face challenges with quarterback variability, his historical performance metrics suggest he remains a strong candidate for fantasy relevance.

Outlook on David Njoku‘s Role in Offense 36:52

“I believe that his role in the offense is secure and established by the last two years.”

• David Njoku‘s position within the offense remains solid and dependable, reflecting his consistent usage over the past two seasons.
• His ability to contribute significantly will likely persist, regardless of who the starting quarterback is for the Cleveland Browns.
• Njoku faces potential injury concerns due to his physical playing style, but he possesses considerable upside as a ninth-round pick, especially if the right circumstances arise.

Impact of Quarterback Situation on Njoku 37:29

“I think Joe Flacco is the most capable of throwing him a pass in the painted spot.”

• The debate on the quarterback situation emphasizes that Joe Flacco may offer the best chance for Njoku to score touchdowns, particularly in scoring positions.
• Flacco’s ability to get close to the end zone could bolster Njoku’s fantasy stock, overshadowing his performance with previous quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett.

Sam Laporta‘s Rising Importance in the Offense 40:11

“I just don’t see a world where Sam Laporta is not a really important part of this offense.”

• Sam Laporta is increasingly viewed as a pivotal figure in his team’s offense, with expectations set high following a remarkable rookie season.
• Despite a rocky start, Laporta improved significantly in the latter half of the season, delivering impressive fantasy point totals week after week, particularly during crucial periods.

Draft Strategy Considerations for Sam Laporta 42:22

“From a value perspective, it’s not there, but from a performance perspective, I think it will be there.”

• While Sam Laporta has shown potential for solid performance, his current draft position in the fifth round may not offer the best value for fantasy managers.
• Should Laporta fall to the late sixth round, he could be a lucrative pick, particularly given his projected average of around ten fantasy points per game.

Rushy Rice Suspension Impact on Travis Kelsey 45:49

“I think it’s better to presume that Rushy Rice will be suspended this season.”

• The discussion centers around the potential suspension of Rushy Rice at the beginning of the season. It is believed that a suspension lasting six to seven games is likely, which directly impacts fantasy football strategies for Travis Kelsey.
• The speakers emphasize that if Travis Kelsey is available in the seventh round, he should be a target, given the uncertainty surrounding Rice’s situation. The reasoning is that the value and opportunity presented by Kelsey far outweigh the risk associated with drafting him in a later round.
• They suggest that if Kelsey ends up being drafted in the seventh round, it could enable owners to enjoy a strong performance at tight end for the first half of the season before potentially trading him.

Travis Kelce Current Draft Value 46:40

“I will take Travis Kelsey in the seventh and enjoy a first half run.”

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• There’s a shift in focus to Travis Kelsey’s current draft positioning. Some believe he has an opportunity to perform well in the early part of the season, particularly if Rice is suspended and other receivers like Hollywood Brown are not available.
• Fantasy managers willing to draft Kelsey in the seventh round could benefit significantly, as he could very well end up being the top-performing tight end in the league for those first weeks.
• The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding player value based on surrounding player circumstances and how suspensions or injuries can elevate a player’s standing in league drafting.

Concerns Over Kelsey’s Performance and Motivation 48:10

“He’s more motivated now.”

• There’s discussion regarding Kelsey’s potential motivation levels heading into the season, particularly considering his past performance and circumstances like winning Super Bowls.
• The speakers express that personal motivation could drive Kelsey to better performance this season, and they note that he has been viewed as a competitive player.
• His previous offseason plans and any perceived changes in training or fitness levels are also brought into consideration as factors that may influence his readiness for the upcoming fantasy football season.

TJ Hockenson Value in Drafts 49:26

“TJ Hawkinson comes in at number four.”

• The presenters highlight TJ Hawkinson’s position as a valuable tight end, ranking him as number four in their evaluations. They note that he is being drafted as tight end five in most leagues, which reflects his rising value.
• They discuss the potential absence of key players such as Jordan Addison due to off-field issues, suggesting that Hawkinson may receive increased targets, making him a reliable option for fantasy managers.
• Concerns about Hawkinson’s snap count from the previous season are also discussed as factors that could affect his performance. Despite a drop in his statistics, the speakers believe he has a solid chance to produce good numbers if he can stay healthy and integrated with the new quarterback.

Discussion on George Kittle‘s Value 56:54

“Kittle is a boat. You already know he’s a boat.”

• The conversation highlights George Kittle as a highly valuable tight end option for fantasy football. His consistent performance as one of the top tight ends is emphasized, coupled with the benefits of drafting him over other uncertain players.
• Kittle’s average draft position (ADP) is currently undervalued due to concerns about his age, yet statistics indicate his effective play, especially in connection with quarterback Brock Purdy.
• There’s a focus on his importance within the 49ers’ offense, suggesting that Kittle could significantly outperform other tight ends, especially when key offensive players are absent.

The Dynamic of Tight End Production 59:14

“The whole discussion on George Kittle is the value, though.”

• The group touches upon the value of selecting Kittle early, contrasting this with the potential risks associated with drafting in the third round. They discuss where Kittle’s value might decline and suggest he’s worth a draft pick in the early third round or later.
• This section underscores that while choosing Kittle in the first half of the third may feel pricey, he brings a sense of certainty compared to other less reliable options available in that range.

Analyzing Trey McBride‘s Rising Status 59:17

“Trey McBride will be a top three tight end. That is what should happen.”

• Acknowledgment of Trey McBride’s impressive season as a tight end and mention of his high target share solidify his rising status among fantasy players. The discussion recognizes his performance despite not scoring many touchdowns and suggests that a fresh season could change this dynamic.
• The concern over drafting McBride is addressed, noting that while he is a strong player, picking him in the second round raises questions about how much advantage he will give over established players like George Kittle.
• The takeaway is that McBride presents a solid tight end position choice, but his value also relies heavily on draft strategy.

Assessing Brock Bowers as a Generational Talent 01:01:09

“Brock Bowers was a clear-cut generational prospect.”

• Brock Bowers is identified as a standout prospect, hailed for his college performance with discussions of his potential to surpass expectations in his rookie season. His arrival in the NFL is anticipated to make a significant impact.
• The analysis emphasizes not only his raw talent but also the opportunity he will have to perform well, particularly with a solid quarterback, distinguishing Bowers from typical tight end prospects.
• The consensus is he may outperform other tight ends, and those who draft him could benefit from that elevated level of play, although it will come at the cost of passing on other top-tier running back or wide receiver options.

Rookie Tight End Talent 01:04:00

“I think this is an exceptional rookie tight end draft class.”

• The current rookie tight end draft class is noted for its high level of talent. Players such as Mason Taylor and Tyler Warren are mentioned as potential starters with significant upside.
• Tyler Warren is anticipated to perform exceptionally, while Colson Loveland is expected to be inconsistent but capable of making exciting plays.
• It’s crucial to monitor rookie performances closely, particularly in the initial weeks of the NFL season, as promising talents can emerge unexpectedly.

Notable Rookie Tight Ends and Their Opportunities 01:04:26

“Pay attention to all the rookies; if someone pops off week one, that could be significant.”

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• New rookies like Elijah Arroyo and Terrence Ferguson are highlighted due to their favorable opportunities with their respective teams.
• Arroyo stands to benefit now that Noah Fant is no longer with the Seahawks, while Ferguson, a high draft pick, may find a role under the guidance of Sean McVay with the Rams.
• Those entering drafts should be aware of players like Brenton Strange, who fits into the Evan Engram role within the new Jaguars offense and could capitalize on vacated targets.

Strategic Draft Considerations 01:05:35

“That name won’t be drafted, but you might want to pick him up early and stream.”

• In PPR leagues, identifying early-season sleeper picks like Brenton Strange can provide a significant advantage, as he might not be recognized in the initial draft rounds but could prove to be a valuable stream option throughout the season.
• The importance of tracking rankings, sleeper picks, and overall team performance is emphasized as part of the strategic drafting and onboarding process for fantasy football enthusiasts.