Updated Tight End Ranks
Having participated in countless mock drafts at this point, it is appropriate to readjust our ranks as we approach the NFL season. Commentary is added next to those players who have significantly moved up or down in the Tight End Ranks. Each player who has moved has a +/- next to his name indicating how many spots he moved.
George Kittle, 49ers.
Travis Kelce, Chiefs.
Zach Ertz, Eagles (+3). I was too low on Ertz before. He plays more than 80% of the snaps, which is a huge percentage for a tight end, he’s been productive for a long time, and the Eagles’ WR corps is in flux. I still fear Dallas Goedert cutting into his workload even more, but I think that the Iggles can find creative ways to get them on the field at the same time.
Darren Waller (-1). He played over 90% of the snaps, but I don’t think it’s going to repeat this year because they signed TE Jason Witten (who played 75% of the snaps for Dallas last year), drafted WRs Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards, and signed WR Nelson Agholor. The Raiders simply have more weapons than they had a season ago, which likely reduces Waller’s target share.
Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers (-1).
Mark Andrews, Ravens (-1).
Hunter Henry, Chargers.
Evan Engram, Giants (+1).
T.J. Hockenson, Lions.
Dallas Goedert, Eagles (+5). Dude can ball. And I just feel better about him than the other guys below him.
Mike Gesicki, Dolphins (+3. With WRs Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns opting out, WR Preston Williams returning from a knee injury, and no real pass-catching threats at running back, the offense should run through Gesicki and WR DeVante Parker.
Tyler Higbee, Rams (-2). He was a bona fide star down the stretch, but I’m not convinced that the Rams offense we saw in December will be the Rams offense of 2020.
Noah Fant, Broncos (+3). This ranking is all about banking on a second-year leap for Fant, who was the Broncos’ first round pick in 2019. I may still be too low on him.
Jace Sternberger, Packers (-1). I have high hopes for Sternberger, but he’s totally a projection. He’s not done anything of note at the NFL level.
Hayden Hurst, Falcons (+2). Hurst is getting a ton of hype as he assumes the “Austin Hooper role” in Atlanta’s high-flying offense. While there is potential there, I do think the hype is a bit overblown. It’s not like he was playing in a bad offense last year - Lamar Jackson led the league in touchdowns - and yet Hurst still wasn’t productive. I think people assume Hurst’s production will increase simply because Atlanta’s WR depth chart behind Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley is uninspiring. Hurst could end up having a career year, but he’s a much safer bet as a backup than as your starter.
Greg Olsen, Seahawks (+4). Olsen is a sneaky bet for double-digit touchdowns this year. Russell Wilson throws a ton of touchdowns compared to his peers, and the only WRs of note are Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Russ loves to look for tight ends in the end zone, which could benefit Olsen if he’s able to hold off Will Dissly for starter’s snaps.
Irv Smith Jr., Vikings (+8). My favorite potential breakout candidate at tight end. With the Vikings’ lack of options at wideout, they figure to rely heavily on their tight ends. Smith showed promise last year as a rookie.
Jared Cook, Saints (-7). Jared Cook is a turd, and he’s likely going to lose snaps to Adam Trautman as the year progresses. I would not feel comfortable drafting him as a starter, which is where he is going in most drafts right now.
Austin Hooper, Browns (-7). I just don’t believe in Hooper all that much, which is why I moved him down so much. I acknowledge he had a good season in 2019. I just don’t think he’s special. I have found myself regularly passing on him in drafts.
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (-2). As noted in our article examining snap count data, Rudolph still plays more than 75% of the snaps for his team. Only 5 other tight ends can say that. Opportunity can lead to production. But he didn’t produce much last year…
Eric Ebron, Steelers (-2). CAN he have a big year? Sure. We’ve seen it before. See: 2018 Colts. Is he likely to? No. See: Rest of his career.
Chris Herndon, Jets.
Cole Kmet, Bears.
OJ Howard, Buccaneers.
Ian Thomas, Panthers (+1).
Jack Doyle, Colts (-5). This guy already played a TON last year. His 811 offensive snaps were behind only Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, Darren Waller, Jason Witten, and George Kittle among tight ends. Do we really expect him to play more than that this year to become fantasy-relevant?
Tyler Eifert, Jaguars (+3). Reunited with old friend Jay Gruden, Eifert could potentially be the Jags’ key option in the red zone.
Jimmy Graham, Bears (+1). Graham is nominally the starter for the Bears, but he was washed up three years ago.
CJ Uzomah, Bengals (-2). Uzomah is terrible, and could lose snaps to Drew Sample.
Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (-2).