What is a must-have tight end? Aside from working out the glutes at the gym (cue the rimshot), a must-have tight end in fantasy football is a player I’ve got to draft at certain points in most drafts in which I participate.
Are these the best tight ends? Not always. Often, they could be TE2s or late-round flyers.
But they are players whose average draft position (ADP) is too low in my eyes and who can offer good value and return on investment for where you select them in drafts.
Here are 7 tight ends with good ADPs who I feel can bring you good value this year.
George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): Kittle is a must-have tight end who offers elite production and will be a focal point of an offense that lacks an alpha receiver. Kittle is poised to have a career season, pending health at his age, of course. His consistent top-tier finishes and ability to provide game-changing performances make him a reliable cornerstone for any fantasy team.
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns): Njoku is a high-upside tight end who could be a fantasy star with Joe Flacco returning as the Browns’ quarterback. Njoku has historically produced at a high level with Flacco, and it could lead to a massive workload for him. Despite some injury concerns, his potential for a high volume of targets and touchdowns makes him an attractive mid-round pick.
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills): After an underwhelming sophomore season, Kincaid is a great value pick at his current ADP. He still possesses immense talent and is a key part of an explosive Bills’ offense. He was a low-end TE1 in his rookie season and with the uncertainty at wide receiver, there’s no reason he can’t reach those heights again. With a high-volume passing attack, Kincaid has the potential to outperform his draft position and emerge as a reliable TE1.
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys): Ferguson is a prime bounce-back candidate who could deliver significant value in fantasy drafts. He was a TE1 in 2023 who suffered last season due to injuries and quarterback changes, but with Dak Prescott healthy and a clear role as the team’s weekly number three option in the passing game, Ferguson should easily return to the TE1 ranks. His strong rapport with Prescott and potential for red zone usage make him a solid pick.
Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons): Pitts is the tight end who most commonly drives fantasy owners nuts. But that’s if you’ve tried to draft him as a Top 5 generational talent at the position. He’s currently going as a back-half TE2, which is incredible value. Despite a disappointing start to his career, Pitts is a must-have fantasy tight end because of his immense talent and the potential for a breakout season. His low ADP makes him a great high-risk, high-reward pick who could be a league-winner.
Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars): Strange is a high-upside sleeper who has a clear path to being the Jaguars’ starting tight end after Evan Engram’s departure. Strange showed flashes of his potential when given the opportunity, and he is a great fit for a new offensive scheme under Liam Coen. He is a fantastic late-round pick with the potential to provide a solid floor and surprise as a TE1.
Elijah Arroyo (Seattle Seahawks): Arroyo is a rookie tight end who has a clear path to a starting role in Seattle with Noah Fant’s departure. The Seahawks view him as a tight end who can “run an extensive route tree,” and his athleticism and strong college production make him an intriguing prospect. He is a great late-round flyer with league-winning upside.
