It’s tier season, and it’s time to start shaping your draft strategy. We’re taking a look at the group of tight ends that will affect your fantasy season. Every tight end has their place for this 2025 season. Here’s how I tiered the TE landscape for your fantasy season.
Elite Tier
These tight ends dominate the position, delivering high volume and elite upside in potent offenses.
- Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions): LaPorta is a cornerstone of Detroit’s Super Bowl-contending offense, sharing top-target status with Amon-Ra St. Brown. His red-zone prowess makes him a focal point for Jared Goff, positioning him for a top-three finish despite a TE6 ranking in 2024 (66 receptions, 777 yards, 8 touchdowns in 16 games). The Lions’ high-powered attack ensures consistent production.
- Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals): McBride, arguably Arizona’s top target, thrived in 2024 as TE3 (111 receptions, 1,146 yards, 2 touchdowns in 16 games). Despite Marvin Harrison Jr.’s presence, Kyler Murray’s struggles with the rookie receiver preserved McBride’s volume. A potential increase in touchdowns could propel him to TE1 status.
- Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders): Bowers, a physical specimen, claimed TE2 in 2024 (112 receptions, 1,194 yards, 5 touchdowns in 17 games). As the Raiders’ primary target, he faces a new quarterback in Geno Smith and a run-heavy scheme with Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech. His talent ensures he remains a top contender, potentially repeating as TE1.
READ: TIGHT END TACTICS: DRAFT STRATEGIES AND SLEEPERS
Very Good Tier
These tight ends are just shy of elite, offering reliability and high upside in strong systems.
- George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): Kittle, the NFL’s most complete tight end, shone as TE1 in 2024 (78 receptions, 1,106 yards, 8 touchdowns in 15 games). Despite a disappointing 49ers offense, he was a standout. With Deebo Samuel gone and Christian McCaffrey back, Kittle is poised to be Brock Purdy’s primary option, though injuries and inconsistent weeks are concerns.
- Jonnu Smith (Miami Dolphins): Smith’s unexpected TE4 finish in 2024 (88 receptions, 884 yards, 8 touchdowns in 17 games) showcased his fit in Miami’s offense alongside Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane. As of June 4, 2025, trade rumors to Pittsburgh linger, but staying with Tua Tagovailoa keeps him in the top-five conversation.
- T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings): Hockenson’s 2024 was marred by a torn ACL, limiting him to a TE18 finish (41 receptions, 455 yards, 0 touchdowns in 10 games). His value as a security blanket for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, alongside weapons like Justin Jefferson, positions him for a potential top-five finish in a dynamic Vikings offense.
Breakout Candidates
These tight ends offer high-reward potential at a lower draft cost, primed for a leap.
- Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers): Kraft broke out as TE7 in 2024 (50 receptions, 707 yards, 7 touchdowns in 17 games). As Green Bay’s primary tight end, he benefits from Jordan Love’s talent and a receiver room without a clear elite option, despite hopes for Matthew Golden. Kraft is poised for another top-10 season.
- Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars): Strange’s TE31 finish in 2024 (40 receptions, 411 yards, 2 touchdowns in 17 games) included a late-season top-five performance. With Evan Engram gone and Liam Cohen as head coach, Strange could break into the top 12, leveraging Trevor Lawrence’s expected rebound.
- Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills): Kincaid disappointed as TE18 in 2024 (44 receptions, 448 yards, 2 touchdowns in 13 games), falling short of Bowers/LaPorta expectations. However, Buffalo’s Super Bowl-contending offense and lack of a dominant receiver provide a breakout opportunity with Josh Allen, potentially reaching top-five status.
Rookie Tier
The 2025 rookie class features exciting prospects with immediate impact potential.
- Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears): Drafted 10th overall, Loveland joins Ben Johnson’s Bears offense with Caleb Williams. His fit in a tight-end-friendly system, despite competition, mirrors the rookie success of Bowers and LaPorta, offering top-10 upside.
- Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts): A first-round pick, Warren could become Indy’s top target amid subpar quarterback play from Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. His reliability over the middle ensures significant volume.
- Mason Taylor (New York Jets): Taylor benefits from Justin Fields, who elevates tight ends, as seen with Cole Kmet. Despite Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, Taylor’s role could lead to a strong rookie campaign.
- Terrence Ferguson (Los Angeles Rams): Ferguson, a draft steal, joins Sean McVay’s offense with a chance to surpass the injury-prone Tyler Higbee. His involvement could make him a weekly starter by midseason.
Kyle Pitts Tier
This tier is reserved for one player whose potential remains consistent despite uncertainty.
- Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons): Pitts’ TE12 finish in 2024 (47 receptions, 602 yards, 4 touchdowns) continued his underperformance. Michael Penix Jr.’s likely starting role could boost Pitts and Drake London, but trade rumors add risk. A change of scenery might unlock his elite talent.
I Don’t Know Tier
These tight ends have uncertain roles, with situations that could swing either way.
- Chigoziem Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans): Okonkwo’s TE25 finish in 2024 (32 receptions, 350 yards, 2 touchdowns) reflects stagnation. Rookie Will Levis could lean on him, but his lack of progress raises doubts.
- Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals): Gesicki’s TE17 finish (65 receptions, 665 yards, 2 touchdowns) benefited from Joe Burrow, but competition with Ja’Marr Chase limits his ceiling.
- Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles): Goedert’s TE20 finish (42 receptions, 496 yards, 2 touchdowns in 10 games) was hampered by A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith. Trade talks add uncertainty.
- Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans): Schultz’s TE22 finish (53 receptions, 532 yards, 2 touchdowns) disappointed, with rookie Cade Stover threatening his role.
It’s Over Tier
These tight ends are unlikely to provide fantasy value due to age or competition.
- Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears): Kmet’s TE18 finish (47 receptions, 474 yards, 4 touchdowns) faded with Justin Fields’ departure and Colston Loveland’s arrival.
- Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Higbee’s TE40 finish (8 receptions, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns in 3 games) and Terrence Ferguson’s rise mark his decline.
- Will Dissly (Los Angeles Chargers): Dissly’s TE23 finish (50 receptions, 481 yards, 2 touchdowns) lacked consistency, making him irrelevant with Justin Herbert.
Top Tight End Potential Tier
These veterans offer top-10 upside at lower draft costs.
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Kelce’s TE10 finish (97 receptions, 823 yards, 3 touchdowns) was a dip, but his history with Patrick Mahomes ensures a top-five bounce-back.
- David Njoku (Cleveland Browns): Njoku’s TE11 finish (64 receptions, 505 yards, 5 touchdowns) showcased his talent despite poor quarterback play, with top-five potential.
- Evan Engram (Denver Broncos): Engram’s TE29 finish (47 receptions, 365 yards, 1 touchdown in 9 games) was injury-marred. With Sean Payton and Bo Nix, his receiving skills could return him to top-10 status.
Don’t Forget About Tier
These under-the-radar tight ends could deliver consistent production.
- Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Otton’s TE14 finish (59 receptions, 600 yards, 4 touchdowns) shone when Chris Godwin and Mike Evans missed time, making him a reliable starter with Baker Mayfield.
- Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers): Freiermuth’s TE9 finish (65 receptions, 653 yards, 7 touchdowns) highlights his consistency, despite quarterback uncertainty.
- Hunter Henry (New England Patriots): Henry’s TE16 finish (66 receptions, 674 yards, 2 touchdowns) pairs with Drake Maye’s emergence, offering underrated upside.
- Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys): Ferguson’s TE19 finish (42 receptions, 477 yards, 6 touchdowns) was impacted by injuries, but Dak Prescott’s return makes him a top-10 sleeper.
Youth Takeover Tier
These young tight ends are poised to overtake veterans, offering league-winning potential.
- Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens): Likely’s TE13 finish (42 receptions, 477 yards, 6 touchdowns) positions him to supplant Mark Andrews (TE8 in 2024), with top-tier potential.
- Ben Sinnott (Washington Commanders): Sinnott’s TE32 finish (17 receptions, 187 yards, 1 touchdown) was overshadowed by Zach Ertz (TE5). His youth and Jayden Daniels’ development could make him Washington’s primary tight end.
Stay Away Tier
These tight ends face significant obstacles, making them poor fantasy investments.
- Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina Panthers): Sanders’ TE26 finish (35 receptions, 380 yards, 2 touchdowns) reflects a limited role, with Bryce Young favoring Tet McMillan and Chuba Hubbard’s run-heavy offense.
- Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints): Johnson’s TE20 finish (50 receptions, 548 yards, 3 touchdowns) is hindered by quarterback uncertainty and Chris Olave’s dominance.
- Noah Fant (Seattle Seahawks): Fant’s TE24 finish (48 receptions, 500 yards, 1 touchdown) continues his decline, as Seattle’s offense overlooks him.
- Theo Johnson (New York Giants): Johnson’s TE33 finish 25 receptions, 280 yards, 1 touchdown disappointed, with the Giants’ crowded offense limiting his outlook.
Conclusion
The 2025 tight end landscape offers a mix of elite performers, breakout candidates, and promising rookies. Target top-tier options like LaPorta, McBride, or Bowers early, while seeking value in Kraft, Otton, or Likely later. Avoid Sanders, Johnson, Fant, and Theo Johnson due to their limited roles. Pitts and the “I Don’t Know” tier require caution, as their outcomes hinge on team changes. With accurate 2024 stats and verified player names, this guide equips you for a successful draft.
