The tight end position in fantasy football has long been considered a wasteland outside of the top few elite options. Yet, every season brings new challenges and potential breakthroughs, making the decision of who to draft at tight end a pivotal one.
As we analyze the 2025 landscape, it’s crucial to identify the players who can provide consistent points and those whose current average draft position (ADP) might be misleading.
This article will help you sort through the tight end tiers, highlighting the reliable targets and the risky gambles, so you can approach your draft with confidence.
Fantasy football tight ends to trust
George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): Kittle continues to be a dominant force, finishing as a top-3 fantasy tight end in 2024 with over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns. He remains a critical piece of the 49ers’ high-powered offense and is a consistent deep threat and red-zone option for Brock Purdy, ensuring high-end production.
Evan Engram (Denver Broncos): Engram’s volume makes him a trustworthy PPR asset, and his move to the Sean Payton-led Broncos offense in 2025 could unlock further potential. Payton has a history of utilizing tight ends heavily, making Engram a safe bet for a high target share and a solid fantasy floor.
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns): Njoku established himself as a fairly reliable target over the past few seasons, with last year’s injury causing a slight setback. He saw consistent volume and finished as a top-10 tight end in 2024 despite missing time. With Joe Flacco potentially returning as the starting quarterback for the Browns, Njoku’s strong chemistry and red-zone presence make him a trustworthy mid-tier TE1.
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills): Kincaid is poised for a significant bounce-back in 2025 after an injury-affected sophomore season. With a full offseason to heal and develop further chemistry with Josh Allen, and with the Bills’ receiving corps still figuring itself out, Kincaid is in line for increased targets and should be a reliable TE1.
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys): Despite a slight dip in production in 2024 due to injuries, Ferguson proved in 2023 that he can be a reliable target for Dak Prescott, finishing as a top-10 tight end. With his contract extension signaling the Cowboys’ commitment and a healthy Dak Prescott, Ferguson is a strong bet to return to consistent TE1 numbers.
Fantasy football tight ends who could bust at their ADP
Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders): While Bowers had a fantastic rookie year in 2024, leading all tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, his volume in 2025 might be difficult to replicate. The Raiders drafted multiple receivers this offseason, creating a more crowded target environment than his rookie season. His incredibly high ADP makes him vulnerable to even a slight dip in usage.
Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts): Warren is a highly touted rookie tight end for the Colts, but first-year tight ends aren’t always guaranteed to have fantasy impacts due to a steep learning curve. With Bowers and Sam LaPorta still fresh on people’s minds, there are fears that Warren is getting overdrafted. The Colts have a number of receivers looking to eat up targets, making Warren’s immediate fantasy success uncertain.
Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears): Loveland was a first-round pick for the Bears in 2025, but he enters an offense that already features an established tight end in Cole Kmet. While the Bears might utilize two-tight end sets, it’s unlikely Loveland will immediately command the target share necessary for consistent fantasy relevance, especially with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze also demanding targets.
Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers): Kraft had some strong games in 2024, particularly when Luke Musgrave was injured, but he’s now part of a two-tight end committee with a healthy Musgrave in Green Bay. While both could be involved, it’s difficult to project consistent high-end fantasy production for either, as they’ll likely split targets and potentially cannibalize each other’s upside, along with the plethora of receivers the team employs.
Jonnu Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers): Smith had a surprisingly productive 2024 season, but he’s now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he’ll be playing alongside Pat Freiermuth. While Arthur Smith’s scheme (who was his coach with the Falcons) has utilized tight ends, Jonnu Smith’s role is likely to be situational, making consistent fantasy production highly unlikely with limited targets.
