With the NFL draft weeks away, we will be discussing the top rookie Tight Ends that could make a difference for your fantasy team. Who is your top tight end this upcoming draft?
With one tight end coming into the 2024 draft as the clear number one, I will discuss some other tight ends that could have some surprising value for your dynasty team. With more and more tight end premium scoring becoming popular, the position has seen the value increase where naturally rookie tight ends get drafted later in rookie drafts.
Take a look at our recent Rookie Ranking Articles:
- Rookie Linebacker Rankings for 2024
- Rookie Wide Receiver Prospect Rankings for 2024
- Top 12 Rookie Tight End Prospects in 2024
- Rookie Quarterback Prospects Rankings For 2024
- Rookie IDP Safety S Prospects (2024)
Who Are The Top Rookie Prospects For The Incoming NFL Draft:
[QB] [RB] [WR] [TE] [DT] [EDGE] [LB] [CB] [S]
Brock Bowers – Georgia
Measurables (Combine):
- Height: 6’3 ⅛”
- Weight: 243lbs
- Arm Length: 32 ¾”
- Hand Size: 9 ¾”
- 40-yard Dash/ 10-yard Split: 4.48/DNP
- Jumps (Vert/Broad): NA
- Agility (Shuttle/3-Cone): NA
Strengths:
- Great size and athleticism
- Led tight ends in YAC in college
- Great point of contact in jump ball situations
- Great body control and catch radius
Weaknesses:
- Block consistency
- Route tree not fully used
- Could be less effective against more physical linebackers
Team Fits:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Indianapolis Colts
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Jets
Fantasy Analysis:
Bowers comes into 2024 as a premier tight end that can have an instant impact for any NFL team he joins as well as an instant impact for your fantasy team. He is moving up dynasty rankings behind others such as Sam LaPorta, Trey McBride, and T.J. Hockenson. Bowers ability to be a nightmare matchup allows him to see plenty of targets and have instant value whether you’re in a PPR league or a Tight End Premium League.
Ja’Tavion Sanders – Texas
Measurables (Combine):
- Height: 6’3 7/8″
- Weight: 245lbs
- Arm Length: 32 7/8″
- Hand Size: 10 1/8″
- 40-yard Dash/ 10-yard Split: 4.69/1.59
- Jumps (Vert/Broad): 30″/ 9’5″
- Agility (Shuttle/3-Cone): 4.32/DNP
Strengths:
- Great high point receiving tight end
- Strong downfield run blocker
- Matchup nightmare against linebackers
- Soft hands and not a typical body catcher
Weaknesses:
- Struggles a bit in-line blocking
- Needs to build some strength
- Needs help on routes
Team Fits:
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
- Washington Commanders
Fantasy Analysis:
Depending on where Sanders lands will play a big factor for his fantasy value. If a tight-end needy team drafts him, Sander’s value could be huge and thrown onto the field. Sanders needs help with blocking which could affect his playtime during his rookie season. His athleticism and receiving won’t keep him off the field long. Like most typical tight ends, his value won’t play a huge factor until season 2 and beyond. Think Jake Ferguson from Dallas.
Ben Sinnott – Kansas State
Measurables (Combine):
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 250lbs
- Arm Length: 32 3/8″
- Hand Size: 9 ½”
- 40-yard Dash/ 10-yard Split: 4.68/1.59
- Jumps (Vert/Broad): 40″/ 10′ 5″
- Agility (Shuttle/3-Cone): 4.23/6.82
Strengths:
- Effective route runner with spatial awareness
- Solid run blocker
- Reliable hands (though had 14 drops)
- Quick in small space
Weaknesses:
- Athleticism doesn’t translate well in-game
- Lacks ability to separate from defenders
- Can miss blocking assignments
Team Fits:
- New Orleans Saints
- Carolina Panthers
- Los Angeles Rams
Fantasy Analysis:
Needs to improve on his run blocking to see more time on the field. Can be a liability but shows signs of run-blocking ability. Looks to be tight end two on most NFL teams and his value in dynasty would be in year 3 or more. Could be a fill-in for injuries and could have a few solid games in fantasy.
Theo Johnson – Penn State
Measurables (Combine):
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 259lbs
- Arm Length: 33″
- Hand Size: 10 ¼”
- 40-yard Dash/ 10-yard Split: 4.57/1.55
- Jumps (Vert/Broad): 39 ½”/ 10’4″
- Agility (Shuttle/3-Cone): 4.19/7.15
Strengths:
- Freakish athleticism
- Great in-line blocker
- Wins most one on one blocks
- Red zone threat
Weaknesses:
- Unreliable hands
- Route running needs crispness
- Doesn’t play fast
Team Fits:
- Tennessee Titans
- Seattle Seahawks
- Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Analysis:
Will have higher success in the NFL as a run blocker than he will have value in fantasy. His route running and ability to catch the ball consistently needs to improve before he has value. Landing spot could help but a rookie draft pick on Theo could be a waste unless it’s a deep league.
Jaheim Bell – Florida State
Measurables (Combine):
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 241lbs
- Arm Length: 33″
- Hand Size: 10″
- 40-yard Dash/ 10-yard Split: 4.61/1.58
- Jumps (Vert/Broad): 35″/ 10’3″
- Agility (Shuttle/3-Cone): NA/NA
Strengths:
- Remarkable open-field speed, ability to out-run defenders
- Shows great agility for his size
- Great at adjusting for the ball
- Spatial awareness and catch radius
Weaknesses:
- Lacks typical Tight End size
- Blocking is a concern, gets overpowered at the point of attack
- Liability in the run game due to blocking concerns
Team Fits:
- Los Angeles Chargers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
- New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Analysis:
Bell’s value will be to land with a team that has an established tight end or a team that is pass-heavy. His size is a concern and could be a liability in run-heavy teams. Taking him off the field and not allowing him to show his YAC ability. Does show enough explosiveness that could help fill in for a game or two like a Tyler Conklin or Jelani Woods.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cade Stover – Ohio State
- AJ Barner – Michigan
- Dallin Holker – Colorado State
- Erick All – Iowa
- Tip Reiman – Illinois
And here is a list of the “honorable mentions” rookie Tight Ends! For a more detailed breakdown of these players (and over 100 more!), check out the IDP+ draft guide!
Thanks for reading my article on rookie Tight Ends! Follow me on Twitter at @AvgJoes_ff and the @IDP_Plus main account! For the best articles and fun IDP + offensive fantasy football banter, please consider becoming a subscriber!
