Fantasy Football TEs: Colston Loveland, Mark Andrews, Jonnu Smith

When it comes to fantasy football, few topics spark more debate than the most polarizing players — those whose values vary wildly from one expert to another. These are the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends that divide rankings, dominate draft-day discussions and often determine whether you’re a contender or pretender.

In this article, we asked our collection of Featured Pros to weigh in on players at the tight end position with a high standard deviation, meaning analysts are all over the board in how they rank them. Whether it’s a breakout candidate you should be targeting or a risky pick to fade, our experts share who they’re significantly higher or lower on and why. Let’s dive into the most hotly debated names ahead of the 2025 fantasy football season.

Polarizing Fantasy Football Players: Draft or Pass?

Who is one tight end with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?

Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)

“I think I’m higher on Colston Loveland than other experts. While the Chicago Bears do have plenty of solid pass-catchers, the Bears didn’t use the 10th overall pick on him for no reason. Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet were underwhelming last year, and Luther Burden is already missing valuable time, according to head coach Ben Johnson himself. We know Johnson loves using his tight ends, and I’m having a tough time seeing the reason that Loveland can’t immediately step into that role. If/when he does, he’ll easily finish higher than his current TE11 average draft position (ADP).”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)

“Colston Loveland is currently the 12th tight end selected in drafts, and I can’t get on board that train in 2025. I am a huge believer in the talent, but the weapons are just too plentiful in Chicago at the moment. Yes, Loveland is better than Cole Kmet, but Kmet has proven to be an above-average player at the position and won’t fade away completely this year. Then there’s the dynamic wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, who are sure to earn targets. And, of course, D’Andre Swift is a significant target hog out of the backfield. Loveland has the talent, but he will not have the opportunity to cash in as a top-12 tight end this season.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)

“Mark Andrews recorded a huge 20% touchdown rate in 2024. That came despite a drop in route rate (73% in 2023 to 67% last fall). I expect his route involvement to remain at a similar level, especially with Isaiah Likely entering his prime years. In other words, expect a meaningful drop in touchdowns for Andrews.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)

Jonnu Smith (TE – MIA)

“I am significantly lower on Jonnu Smith (2.1 standard deviation) than the consensus rankings (TE7). Last year, he was the TE4, averaging 10.5 half-PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran led the Dolphins with 88 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns, setting career highs in both categories. However, fantasy players should avoid drafting him anywhere near his TE7 ranking. Smith will be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2025 season starts. Players rarely have a breakout year this late in their career and maintain that level of success. Don’t be surprised if Smith becomes the next Gary Barnidge, having a career season late in his career and returning to irrelevance the following year.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Drafting a tight end that saw 77% of his targets come within nine yards of the line of scrimmage seems like a good way to get in trouble, even if they’re exciting with the ball in their hands, like Jonnu Smith. In Smith’s eight-year career, he’s had two campaigns of eight or more points per game. Both were on the back of eight touchdown seasons. Set the over/under on Smith touchdowns in 2025 yourself, and you’ll probably be inclined to avoid Smith at cost.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)