With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books and OTAs wrapping up, tight end stock is on the move across the fantasy football landscape.
While some players saw their stock soar, others are facing a harsh reality. For veteran tight ends, the draft can be particularly impactful — whether their team drafted a direct replacement, failed to address lingering offensive woes, or signaled a shift to a more run-centric approach, several established pass-catchers have seen their fantasy value diminish significantly.
This post identifies five tight ends whose stock is trending downward, providing you with the crucial insights needed to navigate your 2025 fantasy football drafts and avoid potential busts.
Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens): Andrews’s fantasy stock, while still maintaining TE1 status, has fallen from his previous elite tier. After a slow start to the 2024 season, he picked up, finishing with 55 receptions, 673 yards, and 11 touchdowns. However, his 11.1 points-per-game average was his lowest since his rookie season in 2018. Andrews turns 30 before the 2025 season begins, and his overall target volume and yardage have shown a downturn, suggesting his days as an undisputed top-three tight end might be over. The Ravens also have Isaiah Likely, who stepped up in Andrews’s absence in 2024, and the addition of DeAndre Hopkins could further dilute target share. While he remains a strong red-zone threat, concerns about his age and consistent target volume make him a mid-to-lower TE1 rather than a top-tier lock.
Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders): I had Ertz as a deep sleeper prior to last season, and he finished as TE7, so I’m not exactly an ageist here. But Ertz’s fantasy stock is a significant faller despite his big finish to 2024. While he signed a one-year deal to remain with the Commanders and developed some chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, his age and extensive injury history are major concerns. Ertz has missed multiple games in several recent seasons. The Commanders also added Deebo Samuel, who will command a significant target share alongside Terry McLaurin. Ertz’s path to consistent volume and fantasy relevance is heavily reliant on touchdowns, and his ability to stay healthy for a full season remains a major question mark. He is best considered a low-end TE2 or streamable option at best.
Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints): Johnson has never been a stud, by any means, but he set career highs in multiple categories last year. That might lead some to believe his stock is actually up. However, after the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr, I think it’s safe to say everyone’s stock is down on the Saints. This uncertainty at quarterback is a major detriment to Johnson’s outlook. While he could emerge as a weekly starter in deeper formats if he maintains his late-2024 production, the potential for poor quarterback play and competition for targets limit his upside, making him a late-round flier or waiver wire watch.
Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears): Kmet’s fantasy stock has taken a considerable hit with the Chicago Bears’ draft decisions. While Kmet had a solid 2023 season, finishing as a mid-TE1, the Bears’ selections of Colston Loveland in the first round and Luther Burden III in the second round significantly increase the competition for targets. The Bears also have D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, who command a large share of targets. With Ben Johnson as the new head coach, there’s talk of more 12-personnel (two tight end sets), but it’s unlikely to be enough to sustain high-end fantasy production for both Kmet and Loveland. Kmet’s volume is likely to decrease, making him a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 with a very capped ceiling.
Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles): Goedert’s fantasy stock has seen a decline despite him renegotiating his contract to stay with the Eagles. While he remains efficient when targeted (80.8% catch rate in 2024), his age (30) and persistent injury history are major concerns. Goedert missed seven games in 2024 due to hamstring and knee issues and has missed multiple games in each of the last three seasons. The Eagles’ offense remains run-heavy, and with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as elite receiving options, Goedert is typically the third option in the passing game. This limits his overall target volume, making him reliant on touchdowns for significant fantasy weeks. His increasing injury risk and limited volume make him a riskier pick, pushing him to a mid-range TE2.
