Fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the 2024 season are faced with a changing landscape at the tight end position. With a new wave of young, talented pass-catchers making their mark in the league, the days of relying solely on established veterans like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are slowly fading away. This shift has implications for fantasy draft strategies, particularly when it comes to players like Trey McBride and Dalton Kincaid, who could see their fantasy value impacted by the evolving tight end landscape.
The Tight End Evolution
In the past, fantasy managers could count on a select few tight ends to deliver consistent production week in and week out. Names like Kelce, Andrews, and George Kittle were the cream of the crop, while the rest of the tight end pool often struggled to match their output. However, the emergence of a new generation of tight ends has changed the game, with more players now capable of making a significant impact for fantasy teams.
This influx of talent has created a more level playing field at the tight end position, with fewer clear differentiators between the top options. While having a player like Kelce on your roster used to be a major advantage, the gap between him and the rest of the pack is narrowing as younger tight ends continue to improve and assert themselves as viable fantasy options.
Drafting Strategies for Tight Ends
When it comes to drafting tight ends in 2024, fantasy managers are faced with a variety of options and considerations. The traditional approach of targeting a top-tier tight end early in the draft still holds value, as players in Tiers 1 and 2 can provide a significant edge if they live up to expectations. However, the cost of acquiring these elite tight ends has shifted, with top options now typically going off the board in the top 60 picks rather than the top 20.
For those looking to wait on tight end, the middle rounds offer a solid mix of players who can provide consistent production without the same upside as the top-tier options. Tight ends in Tier 3, typically drafted between the 60th and 80th overall picks, represent a good balance of risk and reward, offering the potential for a breakout season without the same level of investment as the top options.
If waiting even longer to draft a tight end is your strategy, Tier 4 players become the focus, with options available starting around the 90th overall pick. While these players may not have the same ceiling as the elite options, they can still provide solid production on a week-to-week basis and serve as viable fantasy starters.
The Rise of Two-Tight End Strategies
One intriguing trend in fantasy football is the rise of the two-tight end strategy, where managers target multiple tight ends in the draft to increase their chances of unearthing a breakout player. This approach offers flexibility in lineup decisions, as managers can use their tight ends in the flex spot, trade them for other roster upgrades, or even replace their primary tight end if necessary.
When considering which tight ends to target for a two-tight end strategy, players like Brock Bowers, T.J. Hockenson, and Pat Freiermuth stand out as potential breakout candidates who can provide value beyond their draft position. By diversifying their tight end investments, fantasy managers can increase their chances of hitting on a valuable asset at the position.
Pre-Draft Considerations
Before diving into your fantasy draft, it’s important to consider a few key factors that can impact your tight end strategy. Firstly, take into account how receptions are scored in your league, as this can influence the value of tight ends relative to other positions. If receptions are weighted heavily in your scoring system, prioritizing tight ends early in the draft may be a wise move.
Additionally, assess the depth of the running back and wide receiver positions in your draft pool. If you believe there are plenty of viable options at these positions, focusing on tight end early can help you secure a valuable asset while still building a competitive roster overall.
Lastly, evaluate the target share of tight ends on their respective teams. If a tight end is not projected to finish as one of the top options in targets, consider streaming the position or avoiding it altogether in your draft. Targeting players who are heavily involved in their team’s passing game can increase your chances of finding a consistent fantasy contributor at tight end.
Conclusion
As fantasy football continues to evolve, so too does the landscape at the tight end position. With a new wave of talented pass-catchers entering the league, fantasy managers have more options than ever when it comes to drafting tight ends. Whether you choose to invest heavily in a top-tier option, wait for value in the middle rounds, or target multiple tight ends for added flexibility, there are plenty of strategies to consider when building your fantasy roster in 2024. By staying informed on the latest trends and developments at the tight end position, you can give yourself the best chance of success in your fantasy football league this season.