Fantasy managers continue to be perplexed about handling the tight end position in their drafts. Do you spend high draft capital and grab an elite tight end? You lose out on a top running back or wide receiver and fight an uphill battle to make up the difference throughout the remainder of the draft. The other option is to wait on the tight end position and grab one or two sleeper options. That strategy is perfect if you hit on those selections.
However, the wrong choice forces you to scour the waiver wire for a tight end gem. Typically, my focus is on the late-round tight ends. The confidence in selecting a breakout tight end should outweigh losing out on a top running back or wide receiver in the early rounds.
There are five tight end battles to monitor that will impact your draft strategy if you wait for a late-round tight end. Keep a close eye on them as you prepare for draft season.
Carolina Panthers: Tommy Tremble vs. Ian Thomas
The Carolina Panthers’ tight end depth chart is hardly impressive, with Tommy Tremble on top, who enjoyed an inconsistent rookie season. Tremble displayed flashes last season but only produced 20 receptions on 35 targets for 180 yards and one touchdown. The former Fighting Irishman showed versatility and is an excellent blocker.
Ian Thomas was a sleeper candidate the last few seasons but has not produced with his opportunity. His 2018 rookie campaign was the most productive when he totaled 36 catches for 333 yards and two scores. His fantasy value and production have spiraled, and his work as a blocker is the only reason he generated a snap rate over 60 percent the last two seasons.
Neither TE is an explosive pass-catcher, but new offensive coordinator Bob McAdoo needs to diversify the offense and not rely solely on Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore. Tight ends need to instill confidence in incumbent quarterback Sam Darnold or rookie signal-called Matt Corral. Thomas was brought back to mainly be a blocker, so it’s Tremble that fantasy managers should be patient with. Tremble can be a weapon in the Panthers’ offense and a tight end to target in deep tight end premium leagues.
Indianapolis Colts: Mo Alie-Cox vs. Kylen Granson vs. Jelani Woods
The Indianapolis Colts offense will have a new quarterback under center with the acquisition of Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons. The move to Ryan should open up the offense and give Jonathan Taylor more room to run. Ryan should also help the young wide receivers grow, but his impact will also be felt in the tight end room.
Mo Alie-Cox, fresh off signing a new contract, sits atop the tight end depth chart with Jack Doyle,now retired. Alie-Cox has developed from an undrafted tight end to a reliable blocker who saw a career-high 45 targets last season that produced a career-high four touchdowns. He has the inside track to the TE1 job, but he has have two young tight ends that will have roles in the Colts’ offense.
Kyle Granson displayed promise in his rookie season in 2021 in limited playing time. Granson will develop as a receiving option, with Ryan leading the offense. Colts’ third-round rookie tight end Jelani Woods is a big, athletic tight end who is 6’7″ and 265 pounds. Woods has tremendous upside, but he is not a finished product. The former Cavalier is a potential mismatch, and his size provides a chance to be a dominant red-zone target. Woods will compete for snaps this season and is a tight end that dynasty managers should be targeting in their rookie drafts. Heading into this season, Alie-Cox will be a weekly streaming option but will be stifled by Granson and Woods to reach comfortable levels.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Evan Engram vs. Dan Arnold
The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to regain respectability after the Urban Meyer fiasco. The Jaguars hired former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson to take over and assist in developing second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville made a lot of noise this offseason by signing wide receiver Christian Kirk to an outrageous contract.
They also signed former New York Giant tight end Evan Engram. Engram always had potential but has never lived up to expectations. He was victimized by injuries, drops, and the inept Giants’ offense, especially at quarterback. Fantasy managers have been burned plenty by Engram’s projected potential and upside. I swear Engram off my fantasy rosters, but maybe he could reel me in in his new home one last time.
Pederson loves to utilize tight ends as his primary weapons in his offense, but the current wide receiver depth chart screams differently. The Jaguars spent big money on Kirk and Zay Jones this offseason to pair with Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. The tight end position will see an uptick in targets with Lawrence having multiple weapons at his disposal. Another weapon for Lawrence and Pederson to consider is Dan Arnold, the team’s top receiving tight end last season. Arnold finished with 28 receptions for 324 yards in eight games after being acquired during the season from the Carolina Panthers. He ended the season on the IR with an MCL sprain and is expected to compete for targets from Lawrence this season. The situation couldn’t be better for Engram to succeed in Jacksonville with Pederson calling plays and the developing Trevor Lawrence as his quarterback. We have witnessed Engram fail on multiple occasions, making me believe that Dan Arnold is a sneaky deep value pick.
Los Angeles Chargers: Gerald Everett vs. Donald Parham Jr.
Last season, one of the glaring weaknesses in the Los Angeles Chargers offense was at the tight end position. The Chargers brought in Jared Cook, and he had a horrific season with seven drops and chemistry issues with quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers moved on from Cook this offseason and brought in Gerald Everett in free agency.
Everett is sure-handed, ranking second with a 76.2 percent catch rate. He is a massive target for Herbert, but he has never been the top tight-end option. Last season, he continued to improve, culminating in him accomplishing career-highs across the board with 48 catches on 63 targets for 478 yards and four touchdowns with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, he possesses a low ceiling, especially considering Everett will be sharing targets with Donald Parham Jr. and second-year TE Tre’ McKitty this season. Parham Jr. is a matchup nightmare in the red zone with his 6-foot-8 frame. With defenses focusing on the other Chargers’ weapons, he should improve from scoring three touchdowns in consecutive seasons. Fantasy managers can’t go wrong with grabbing a weapon in this offense. Herbert threw to his tight ends 118 times last season, and that number should increase with a renewed faith of potentially fewer drops. Parham Jr. should see an increased role as he develops, but this is Gerald Everett’s time to shine.
New York Jets: C.J. Uzomah vs. Tyler Conklin
The New York Jets were desperate to improve the tight end position on their roster. The Jets signed both C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin this offseason, who provide immediate upgrades. Jets offensive coordinator Mike Lafleur’s offensive system is predicated on tight ends that can block and catch passes while utilizing two-tight end sets.
Both tight ends are excellent run blockers and threats in the passing game. Uzomah set career-highs with 49 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns with the Cincinnati Bengals last season. He lined up everywhere in the offense and was a catalyst in the Bengals’ run game. Conklin broke out last season with 61 catches for 593 yards and three touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings and finished with only two drops. Both tight ends will aid in the development of second-year quarterback Zach Wilson by being pass-catching threats in an improving Jets offense. Fantasy managers will be challenged to proceed with this tight end group. Both tight ends will impact the Jets’ offense and likely be valuable options in tight end premium leagues.
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Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow )him@CALL_ME_SOS.
