The tight end position in fantasy football can be a frustrating puzzle. After the top few elite options, the production often drops off a cliff, leaving owners scrambling for consistency.
However, savvy drafters know that finding value later in drafts can be a league-winning strategy. As we head into the 2025 fantasy football season, Average Draft Positions (ADPs) are starting to emerge, and with them, opportunities to identify players who are being undervalued.
This article will shine a light on five tight ends who, despite their current ADPs, possess the talent, opportunity, or favorable circumstances to outperform expectations.
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills): Kincaid’s rookie season in 2023 showed flashes of his immense potential, but ultimately, his 2024 fantasy output was somewhat inconsistent due to injuries and a crowded target share with Dawson Knox. However, heading into 2025, Kincaid is poised for a significant jump. The Bills, under their evolving offensive scheme, should look to further integrate Kincaid into the passing game. He demonstrated a high target per route run rate and strong yards after catch ability in 2024, indicating he’s effective when targeted. A fully healthy offseason will allow him to build on his chemistry with Josh Allen, and with the departure of some veteran pass-catchers, Kincaid’s role as a primary target could expand. If he can convert more of his deep targets and improve his red-zone efficiency (he only had 2 TDs in 2024 despite being targeted), Kincaid could easily ascend to a consistent top-10 tight end, making his current ADP a fantastic value.
Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers): Kraft truly emerged during the 2024 season, particularly when fellow tight end Luke Musgrave was sidelined. Kraft showcased impressive athleticism, reliable hands, and a strong connection with Jordan Love, finishing with 50 catches for 707 yards and seven touchdowns, landing him in the top 10 at the position in PPR. The Packers’ offense is young and ascending, with Love taking a major step forward, and they lack a true established “target hog” at wide receiver. While Musgrave’s return complicates a clear path to TE1 status, the Packers showed they can support two tight ends. If Kraft maintains a significant share of targets, especially in the red zone where he proved effective, his big-play ability and efficiency could lead to another strong season. Given the shared backfield, his ADP might be lower than his potential, offering a valuable later-round pick with upside.
Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons): Pitts has been a fantasy football enigma since his stellar rookie year, constantly frustrating owners with untapped potential. However, 2025 offers renewed optimism. The biggest catalyst is the promising second-year quarterback prospect, Michael Penix. As Penix continues to settle into the NFL game, he should provide Pitts with a significant upgrade in target quality and catchability. Furthermore, Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system should be picking up momentum. While Drake London and Bijan Robinson are also key targets, Pitts remains an athletic marvel who creates mismatches. If Penix can consistently get Pitts the ball in favorable situations, and if Pitts can shake off past inconsistencies, he has the physical tools to finally break out and vastly outperform his perpetually depressed ADP.
Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens): Likely proved in 2024 that he’s far more than just a handcuff for Mark Andrews. When Andrews missed time due to injury, Likely stepped up as a legitimate fantasy force, demonstrating excellent chemistry with Lamar Jackson and a nose for the end zone (6 TDs in 2024). Even when Andrews returned, Likely continued to carve out a meaningful role, showcasing his value in the Ravens’ dynamic offense. While Andrews remains the TE1, there’s growing evidence that the Ravens’ scheme, especially with Jackson’s ability to extend plays, can support two fantasy-relevant tight ends. Likely’s athleticism, strong hands, and proven ability to produce in key moments make him a high-upside play. His ADP will likely remain suppressed by Andrews’ presence, creating a fantastic value opportunity. If Andrews faces any further setbacks, Likely immediately becomes a top-tier fantasy option.
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys): Ferguson emerged as a reliable target for Dak Prescott in 2023, setting career highs in receptions (71), yards (761), and touchdowns (5). While his 2024 campaign saw a dip in touchdowns (0) despite 59 catches and 494 yards, suggesting some unfortunate regression and potential injury impact, he remains a key part of the Cowboys’ passing game. For 2025, the Cowboys’ offense will continue to be high-volume under Brian Schottenheimer. The addition of George Pickens at wide receiver might draw some defensive attention away from Ferguson, potentially opening up more opportunities. Ferguson has a strong rapport with Prescott, particularly in the intermediate areas and around the red zone. If he can maintain his target share and see positive regression in the touchdown department, Ferguson offers a solid floor with weekly upside that should easily outperform his mid-to-late round tight end ADP.
