2024 NFL Draft: Tight End Landing Spots (Fantasy Football)

When discussing the 2024 NFL Draft class of tight ends, Brock Bowers‘ brilliance has rightly stolen much of the spotlight, potentially overshadowing other promising prospects who currently remain in the shadows. Despite many of these prospects still being unheralded at the moment, we now finally know their draft capital and landing spots to further assess their fantasy outlook in the NFL, potentially uncovering hidden gems.

While only three tight ends were selected in the first three rounds of this year’s draft compared to the nine taken last season, this class features some highly intriguing names. It is worth noting that even with a prospect as exceptional as Bowers, it remains highly unlikely that any player in this class will make as significant of an immediate impact as Sam LaPorta did last season. Despite LaPorta’s historic rookie campaign, he was not the first tight end selected in his class, and it is fair to say that even his biggest supporters did not anticipate his immediate success in the NFL.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the landing spots of every tight end drafted in 2024, providing fantasy managers with more insight into who might have the potential to exceed their current expectations and thrive at the next level.

Editor’s Note: For a complete look at each TE’s production profile and our rookie rankings for Dynasty, check out the Dynasty Pass part of the Ultimate Draft Kit+.

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, Pick 13

While we just witnessed historically productive rookie seasons from Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid last season, it is fair to state that neither player matches the elite prospect status of Brock Bowers. Bowers is a standout pass-catching tight end with ideal size, exceptional speed, and an impressive production profile to complement his remarkable athleticism. During his college career at the University of Georgia, he consistently led the team in receiving yards over three seasons. He is also a two-time national champion, John Mackey Award winner, and holds the school record for single-season receiving touchdowns with 13.

Bowers is a formidable threat before, at, and after the catch, and he might just be the best route-running tight end prospect we have seen. His polished footwork on crisp routes, combined with his innate physicality, makes him incredibly dangerous after the catch. While rookie tight ends typically take time to make an impact in the NFL, Bowers has the potential to exceed expectations and rewrite historical norms.

Fantasy Outlook

While it might seem logical for a team to prioritize other positions after investing a second-round pick in a promising tight end prospect just a year earlier, NFL teams do not always make moves that align with public expectations. Due to this, Bowers is now set to join a tight end room with Michael Mayer, who showed signs of a breakout late last season. While the team should leverage 2TE sets creatively in 2024, it is hard not to feel some concern about this landing spot. With that said, the addition of Bowers seems to pose more challenges for Mayer than for Bowers himself. We have seen elite tight end prospects like Kyle Pitts, who despite a productive rookie season, faced challenges following it up due to inconsistent quarterback play and coaching. While I believe Bowers has the potential to excel regardless of where he is playing, it is challenging to overlook the potential hurdles he may encounter early in his career.

Additionally, Bowers enters an offense anchored by Hall of Fame talent Davante Adams, known for commanding a significant target share each season. The only other notable wide receiver on the roster, Jakobi Meyers, will also receive his share of targets based on certain game scripts. Adams, Meyers, and Mayer will likely be Bowers’ primary competition for targets in his rookie season. Given the team’s investment in Bowers, they should prioritize feeding him the ball early and often, possibly utilizing him in a big slot role to showcase his versatility and unique skill set. Departures from the offense include Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow, and Austin Hooper, who accounted for over 20% of the team’s targets last season. While Jacobs has moved on, the team is likely to maintain a commitment to establishing the run under new head coach Antonio Pierce.

It is exceptionally rare for a tight end to become the centerpiece of an offense like Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews. However, Bowers possesses the rare talent to transcend expectations for the position. While Kelce benefits from playing alongside Patrick Mahomes and Andrews has the luxury of being paired with Lamar Jackson, Bowers is set to start his career catching passes from either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell with the Las Vegas Raiders. It is safe to say that these quarterbacks do not necessarily inspire confidence in supporting multiple fantasy assets in an offense.

Ultimately, Adams will likely remain the team’s primary target in 2024, but Bowers has the potential to emerge as the next key playmaker. The landing spot may seem uncertain at the moment, and there were potentially better options, but we are focusing on Bowers’ talent and potential rather than the current situation. Bowers could very well be like a flower that blooms in unfavorable conditions, poised to become a foundational piece of a beautiful garden.

Ben Sinnott, TE, Washington Commanders

Round 2, Pick 21 (53)

If you have been tuning into the podcast lately, you have probably heard the guys express their admiration for Kansas State prospect Ben Sinnott. While “The Sinnotter” may not be as heralded of a prospect as Bowers, he possesses tremendous promise that has largely gone unnoticed until recently. Sinnott stands out with an impressive production profile, imposing size, and a standout performance at the NFL combine, positioning him as a potential day-one contributor in the NFL. While Sinnott is widely recognized for his exceptional blocking abilities, his high football IQ and relentless demeanor make him a formidable threat after the catch. Additionally, he demonstrates polished route running and impressive body control, especially considering his size. It is fair to state that Sinnott has yet to even scratch the surface of his full potential, poised to potentially emerge as a commanding fantasy asset at the next level. 

Fantasy Outlook

You could not script a better landing spot for a player whose nickname translates to “The Senator” than catching passes in the nation’s capital as a Washington Commander, standing with the people and playing for the people. With desirable second-round draft capital, Sinnott is immediately expected to be an integral part of a team undergoing a complete transformation. The Commanders are hungry for a new identity under new ownership, new coaching staff, and new quarterback Jayden Daniels, drafted second overall to lead the charge in creating a winning culture.

As the 2024 season approaches, the team faces significant departures, including Curtis Samuel, Logan Thomas, and Antonio Gibson, who collectively accounted for over 35% of the team’s targets in 2023. This opens up substantial opportunities for remaining players and new additions like Luke McCaffrey, drafted in the third round to fill Samuel’s slot role. Additionally, the team bolstered its tight end room by signing Zach Ertz, who is expected to contribute with veteran leadership and as a red zone threat.

Sinnott will benefit from playing alongside experienced veteran Ertz, a valuable opportunity and luxury to start his career. A rookie season similar to Trey McBride‘s in Arizona, learning the ropes while showing glimpses of potential, could be on the horizon for Sinnott in 2024. Like McBride, Sinnott may see a breakout in his second season rather than his rookie year, creating potential buy-low opportunities along the way. Overall, the future looks exceedingly bright for this rookie tight end, drafted in the same class as the team’s new franchise quarterback, poised to be a pivotal building block for the organization’s future.

For more information on “The Sinnotter”, check out my 2024 NFL Draft Rookie Profile on Ben Sinnott. 

Tip Reiman, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Round 3, Pick 18 (82)

Tip Reiman is an imposing figure, standing tall at 6’5” and weighing 271 lbs. His primary strength lies in his exceptional blocking ability, which is the cornerstone of his skill set. However, his offensive production profile is currently lackluster and requires substantial development before it can generate excitement for fantasy football. Despite this, given his size and impressive athletic profile, Reiman possesses the potential to evolve into a fantasy asset if drafted into a situation that allows him to expand his offensive capabilities.

Fantasy Outlook

Here’s a tip: avoid Reiman in your rookie drafts! Despite being the third tight end drafted in his class, Reiman’s fantasy relevance is limited by his projected role with the Arizona Cardinals. The team already boasts a budding superstar in Trey McBride, who is expected to command the majority of snaps crucial for fantasy production. Consequently, while we wish Reiman a successful rookie year, his primary responsibilities in blocking will not generate excitement from a fantasy perspective.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers

Round 4, Pick 1 (101)

Ja’Tavion Sanders is a prospect who generated a ton of buzz in the months leading up to the NFL draft. Sanders boasts an impressive production profile, having achieved consecutive seasons with over 600 receiving yards in the crowded University of Texas offense. While his athleticism appears evident on tape, his performance at the combine was not particularly strong. This likely had a negative impact on his draft stock, compounded by his perceived lack of blocking skills and raw talent that requires further development. Sanders may require some time to adjust to the NFL and needs to fill out to compete with more physical defenders, but he possesses adequate size, strong hands, and smooth route running for his position.

Fantasy Outlook

It is worth noting that draft capital matters far less for tight end prospects compared to other positions, given the success of numerous tight ends drafted in later rounds in the NFL. Despite falling to the fourth round, Sanders’ landing spot with the Carolina Panthers offers several promising aspects. First and foremost, Sanders faces minimal competition for the starting role at the beginning of his rookie season. With Hayden Hurst departing this offseason, the remaining tight end options of Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are extremely underwhelming.

The Panthers are aiming for a rebound after a challenging 2023 season. Bryce Young, coming off an extremely disappointing rookie year, struggled to connect with last year’s second-round pick, Jonathan Mingo. Despite DJ Chark‘s departure opening up more targets, the offense made significant acquisitions to support Young, including trading for Diontae Johnson. Carolina also addressed their running game by drafting Sanders’ college teammate Jonathon Brooks. These additions, along with Adam Thielen and Mingo, will be the primary pass catchers in the offense. Unless Young significantly improves, it is highly unlikely that all of these assets will be reliable fantasy options in the upcoming season. 

Ultimately, Sanders has landed in a situation where he has been handed the keys to the car, but it might take a few driving lessons before we fully trust him behind the wheel. For now, he can be viewed as a solid stash in the later rounds of rookie drafts, but he should not be relied upon to be a consistent fantasy asset in 2024.

Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants

Round 4, Pick 7 (107)

Assessing a prospect who was heavily underutilized in college, resulting in an underwhelming production profile, presents challenges in evaluating their true potential. This is particularly evident with Theo Johnson, who epitomizes this concept among tight end prospects in his class. While Johnson’s college production may not be standout, his athletic profile is undeniably intriguing. Standing at 6’6” and 259 lbs, Johnson impressed with a 4.57 40-yard dash time and a 39.5” vertical jump at the combine.

While limited college utilization may not be the sole reason for his lack of production, and he may require more development before becoming a contributor, his impressive size and testing results deserve attention from every dynasty manager.

Fantasy Outlook

For a raw prospect brimming with athletic potential, a landing spot offering the potential for early playing time is highly desirable. Fortunately, Johnson found himself with the New York Giants, currently in full rebuild mode and eager to find playmakers to pair with first-round selection Malik Nabers. Unconfirmed rumors suggesting Darren Waller‘s retirement further open up an immediate opportunity for Johnson to compete for the starting role with Daniel Bellinger this offseason.

While Bellinger showed promise in his rookie season, he has since quieted down, creating a significant opportunity for the incoming rookie. Personally, I see parallels with the Dallas Cowboys‘ situation from last season. After Dalton Schultz departed for the Houston Texans, Dallas invested in Luke Schoonmaker with decent draft capital, with many expecting him to replace Schultz. However, Schoonmaker saw limited playing time while Jake Ferguson emerged and had a strong fantasy football season. Although the situation in New York may have less significance and fantasy relevance, I anticipate Bellinger getting the first shot at the starting job in 2024. Whether he can perform well enough, like Ferguson did, to secure the role remains to be seen. Regardless, there is currently a clear enough path to fantasy relevance to take a shot on Johnson with a later pick in rookie drafts.

Erick All, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Round 4, Pick  15 (115)

Erick All is a compelling prospect who likely would have been drafted higher if not for his extensive injury history. Most recently, he suffered an ACL tear in October and also had a season-ending back injury in 2022. These injuries have significantly impacted his college production and cast uncertainty on his ability to reach his full potential in the future. However, when healthy, All showcases intriguing talent with solid agility and athleticism, along with an expanded route tree for his position. Achieving success at the NFL level will undoubtedly be an uphill battle for All, but he has demonstrated time and again that he is a determined fighter willing to do whatever it takes to become the best version of himself.

Fantasy Outlook

Setting aside his extensive injury history, All finds himself in a promising landing spot despite being a fourth-round pick. The Cincinnati Bengals boast one of the league’s premier offenses led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Despite this offensive firepower, the team has struggled to find a reliable tight end to complement their assets.

The departure of Irv Smith Jr., who failed to live up to expectations with only a 4% target share, underscores the need for a dependable tight end. While Drew Sample is primarily used for blocking and Tanner Hudson‘s late-season production may not be sustainable, the key addition to the tight end room is Mike Gesicki. Although Gesicki’s productivity has been modest since his early years with the Miami Dolphins, he brings exceptional athleticism and is slated to be the team’s starter to begin the season. However, Gesicki is on a one-year deal, leaving the long-term tight end situation uncertain. Cincinnati also drafted Tanner McLachlan in the sixth round, adding competition for snaps.

Although maximizing his full potential after consecutive season-ending injuries will be challenging, All remains an intriguing prospect when healthy. If provided with the opportunity for a starting role with the team, he could become a fantasy-relevant asset in Cincinnati’s offense. Due to this, he is well worth a flier at the end of rookie drafts.

AJ Barner, TE, Seattle Seahawks

Round 4, Pick 21 (121)

AJ Barner is a tight end prospect with a winning pedigree, known mostly for his impressive size and athletic abilities. He spent his initial three collegiate seasons at the University of Indiana before transferring to Michigan, where he contributed to securing a national championship last year. Barner’s strengths lie predominantly in his blocking skills, which limit his offensive statistical output. As a result, he is not projected to become a fantasy-relevant player in the NFL.

Fantasy Outlook

Despite not facing significant competition on the depth chart, Barner’s fantasy prospects are constrained by his anticipated role with the Seattle Seahawks. The team boasts one of the league’s strongest wide receiver groups and is expected to continue to heavily utilize Noah Fant at tight end, commanding the lion’s share of snaps and opportunities. Consequently, Barner’s primary focus on blocking is unlikely to generate excitement from a fantasy outlook, making it challenging to envision him evolving beyond this role.

Cade Stover, TE, Houston Texans

Round 4, Pick 23 (123)

Cade Stover emerges as a compelling prospect, boasting adequate size, a commendable production profile, and intriguing athletic attributes. His entire collegiate career was spent at Ohio State, where he blossomed in 2022 into a formidable receiving threat. In 2023, he earned the distinction as the Big Ten Conference Tight End of the Year, tallying an impressive 41 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, Stover exhibits nuanced route running ability for his position, coupled with reliable hands and the ability to execute athletic catches when necessary. Transitioning from originally playing defense earlier in his football career, he continues to refine his offensive skill set, demonstrating glimpses of potential as a significant contributor and potential starting tight end in the NFL.

Fantasy Outlook

If you were hoping for Stover to join a team where he could step directly into a starting role, landing with the Houston Texans might not be the most ideal scenario. The Texans already boast an established starter in Dalton Schultz, who finished as the TE10 in 2023 and impressed enough to earn a lucrative three-year, $36 million contract to remain with the team. Adding to the competition, Brevin Jordan is also on the roster and likely to serve as Schultz’s primary backup in the upcoming season. This setup presents a significant challenge for Stover to secure playing time in his rookie year and beyond.

However, a silver lining is that Stover will be reunited with his collegiate quarterback CJ Stroud, offering established chemistry on the field. Nonetheless, for Stover to carve out a fantasy-relevant role in the near future, the Texans would need to transition away from Schultz. Despite this, Stover remains an intriguing prospect worth rostering in dynasty leagues with deep benches, given his potential to succeed if he secures a starting role down the line.

Jared Wiley, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

Round 4, Pick 31 (131)

Standing at an imposing 6’6” and weighing 249 lbs, Jared Wiley is a towering figure. While his production was modest in his first four seasons at TCU, Wiley burst onto the scene in 2023, tallying 47 receptions for 520 yards and leading all tight ends in the nation with eight touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him First-team All Big-12 Conference honors. Wiley demonstrates solid technique, particularly in blocking, which should facilitate his transition to the next level given his impressive size. Although he continues to refine his footwork for route running, Wiley possesses notable speed for his stature and exhibits strong hands, making him a formidable threat in the end zone. His size enables him to excel in physical matchups, consistently winning battles at the catch point. While Wiley is not without flaws, he has shown glimpses of potential to evolve into a starting tight end in the NFL with further refinement and development.

Fantasy Outlook

Although Wiley is unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role in his initial seasons in the NFL, his landing spot with the Kansas City Chiefs presents a potentially intriguing scenario. This has elevated him as one of my top targets to acquire and stash at the end of rookie drafts this year. Despite the Chiefs featuring the legendary Travis Kelce, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, there is a strong possibility that Kelce’s illustrious career is drawing to a close. While he recently signed a two-year extension, it is likely that he will finally decide to hang it up in the next couple of seasons.

Wiley stands to gain invaluable experience by learning from a player of Kelce’s caliber. He should absorb all the knowledge and advice possible from Kelce while they are together on the team. If Wiley continues to progress as an offensive threat, there is a conceivable scenario where he could emerge as Kelce’s successor. While he still has much to learn, his measurements and athletic testing are strikingly similar to Kelce’s when he was a prospect, including a comparable 40-yard dash time, split times, and three-cone drill performance. 

While it is essential to temper expectations, the prospect of Wiley evolving into Kelce’s successor and becoming Patrick Mahomes‘ next starting tight end is too enticing to overlook. There is always the chance that Wiley may never get the opportunity that I am envisioning, but taking a late-round flier on him in rookie drafts is worthwhile to see how his potential unfolds. Few players at his position and draft range offer such an intriguing opportunity for future success.

Tanner McLachlan, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Round 6, Pick 18 (194)

Tanner McLachlan emerges as another intriguing prospect, despite being drafted in the sixth round. He boasts impressive size, two years of strong collegiate production, and intriguing athletic qualities. Notably, McLachlan possesses an exceptionally high motor, a trait that scouts and evaluators are sure to appreciate, as he consistently gives his all on every play. In 2023, he wrapped up the season with 45 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, McLachlan holds the University of Arizona’s record for receptions by a tight end, concluding his college career with 79 receptions. Remarkably, this is four more than the great Rob Gronkowski achieved with the program. Although McLachlan faces a challenging path to securing a starting tight end role at the next level, his relentless attitude and ongoing development provide hope for defying the odds.

Fantasy Outlook

Despite his low draft capital, McLachlan landed in an intriguing spot with the Cincinnati Bengals. The team features one of the league’s top offenses, spearheaded by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Despite this offensive firepower, the Bengals have struggled to find a consistent tight end to complement their talented roster.

The departure of Irv Smith Jr., who fell short of expectations with only a 4% target share, highlights the need for a reliable tight end. While Drew Sample is mainly utilized for blocking and Tanner Hudson‘s late-season production may not be sustainable, the notable addition to the tight end room is Mike Gesicki. Although Gesicki’s production has been modest since his early years with the Miami Dolphins, he brings exceptional athleticism and is expected to start the season as the team’s primary tight end. However, Gesicki is on a one-year deal, leaving the long-term tight end situation uncertain. Cincinnati also drafted Erick All in the fourth round, adding competition for playing time.

Despite All being the higher draft pick between the two, that does not guarantee that he will emerge as the more promising asset at the professional level. This was evident in 2018 when the Baltimore Ravens drafted Hayden Hurst ahead of Mark Andrews. Additionally, All has a history of significant injuries, which could hinder his development. If All is held back or faces further injury setbacks, McLachlan could have a clearer path to becoming the more promising option moving forward. Given the potential for McLachlan to earn a starting role and become a fantasy-relevant asset in Cincinnati’s offense, he presents a compelling late-round option in rookie drafts.

Jaheim Bell, TE, New England Patriots

Round 7, Pick 11 (231)

Jaheim Bell is an intriguing prospect to discuss, even though he was selected in the seventh round of this year’s draft. Despite being undersized for his position, Bell showcases a remarkable athletic profile and displayed decent production during his collegiate career. While he demonstrated glimpses of potential in his first three years at the University of South Carolina, Bell truly emerged as an NFL prospect last season after transferring to Florida State.

It is unlikely that Bell will thrive as a blocker at the professional level due to his smaller stature for the position. However, he possesses offensive capabilities that could allow him to succeed in a role tailored to highlight his unique strengths and athleticism.

Fantasy Outlook

Bell is unlikely to see much playing time in his rookie year, but his landing spot with the New England Patriots could be worse. The team has struggled mightily since the end of the Tom Brady era, particularly on offense, freeing up potential opportunities for playmakers. They began their rebuilding efforts by drafting Drake Maye as their quarterback for the present and future, while also adding promising weapons like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker at wide receiver.

Notably, heading into the offseason, New England had no tight ends under contract for 2024 and beyond. Unfortunately for Bell, this changed in a big way. Although the departure of Mike Gesicki frees up 8% of available targets, Hunter Henry‘s substantial 3-year, $30 million deal and the addition of Austin Hooper on a one-year contract as his backup make it unlikely that Bell will secure a sustainable role with fantasy upside any time soon.

Given these circumstances, Bell is not a priority in rookie drafts but could be worth stashing on your taxi squad in deeper leagues. He profiles as an offensive weapon who could be deployed in specialized roles, akin to how the similarly undersized Jonnu Smith was used with the Atlanta Falcons last year. However, it is highly unlikely that Bell will see significant playing time in the foreseeable future regardless.

Devin Culp, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 7, Pick 26 (246)

Devin Culp, despite being the last tight end selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, boasts intriguing qualities that make him intriguing for fantasy football purposes. In fantasy football, key attributes we value in a tight end include size, speed, and elite athleticism. While Culp may not possess all the desired traits for the NFL, he ticks all three boxes for fantasy football. Culp impressed with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the third-fastest time for any player weighing at least 230 lbs. Although his production profile is lacking, it is worth noting that he played alongside three wide receivers drafted this year: Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan. Despite his exceptional speed, Culp’s lack of a complete skill set may limit his ability to secure a significant role in the NFL.

Fantasy Outlook

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not boast the strongest tight end group in the league, they have promising options poised to take on significant roles in 2024. Chief among them is Cade Otton, who has been a prominent figure in the team’s offense over the last couple of seasons. This includes logging an impressive 96% snap share in 2023 and running the second-highest number of routes among tight ends on the year. Although he received a combined 19 targets in Tampa Bay’s two playoff games, Otton did not consistently hold a featured role throughout the regular season, despite his high snap count. Behind Otton are Ko Kieft, primarily used for blocking, and Payne Durham, mainly contributing on special teams.

Given Culp’s limited blocking skills, it is challenging to foresee a significant role for him in the team’s immediate future. However, Culp stands out as the only tight end on the roster with notable speed, which could potentially pave the way for a role down the road. Ultimately, Culp is a raw prospect who needs to evolve into a more well-rounded player before he can make a significant impact that would earn him a spot on fantasy football radars moving forward.

For more information on tight ends, here is a must-read article on The Dynasty Lifecycle of Tight Ends, written by Marvin Elequin.