Welcome to the 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Season: Tight End Shuffle Up Series

As we dive into the new fantasy football draft season, it’s time to explore the Shuffle Up series, starting with the tight end position. The dollar values listed below are not based on scientific metrics but rather reflect my personal assessment of the talent clusters. Feel free to use these tiers as you see fit. In the coming weeks, we will also cover quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Disagree with my rankings? Great! Join the discussion on X/Twitter: @scott_pianowski.

Tier 1: The Big Tickets

• $23 Sam LaPorta
• $21 Travis Kelce
• $19 Trey McBride
• $19 Mark Andrews
• $18 George Kittle
• $18 Kyle Pitts
• $17 Dalton Kincaid

Travis Kelce had a puzzling end to the 2023 season, scoring only one touchdown in his final nine games and finishing as the TE10 over that period. However, he exploded in the playoffs with a 32-355-3 line, indicating a potential strategy of load management by the Chiefs for the regular season. Kelce turns 35 in October, and while he’s one of the best tight ends ever, I’m hesitant to draft him at his Yahoo ADP of 25.4.

George Kittle is the master of long-distance touchdowns, with 11 scores from outside the red zone over the past three years. However, his fantasy value is limited by modest target volume, having seen 94 or fewer targets in four straight seasons. While Kittle is one of my favorite real-life players, he won’t be a target for me entering his age-31 season.

Kyle Pitts, still just 24 years old, has faced fantasy frustration due to inconsistent coaching and subpar quarterback play. Despite this, the fantasy market remains bullish on Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Pitts has plausible upside that should not be overlooked.

Trey McBride emerged as a fantasy star in the second half of last season, ranking top three in catches, targets, and yards among tight ends over the final 11 weeks. With Kyler Murray back for a full season and McBride being a top target in the Cardinals’ offense, he deserves a top 3-5 ranking on draft boards.

Tier 2: Legitimate Building Blocks

• $16 Evan Engram
• $15 David Njoku
• $14 Jake Ferguson
• $13 Dallas Goedert
• $11 Brock Bowers
• $11 Dalton Schultz
• $10 T.J. Hockenson
• $10 Pat Freiermuth

Jake Ferguson led tight ends in red-zone targets but scored just five touchdowns last season. As the second option in Dallas’s passing game, some positive regression could be on the horizon, making him a proactive pick.

Pat Freiermuth had seven touchdowns as a rookie but only four in 28 games since. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as potential quarterbacks, the upgrade might be marginal. If you draft Freiermuth, consider pairing him with another tight end who offers upside.

Tier 3: Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down

• $9 Cole Kmet
• $9 Luke Musgrave
• $9 Hunter Henry
• $8 Cade Otton
• $6 Juwan Johnson
• $6 Chigoziem Okonkwo
• $5 Tyler Conklin
• $4 Tucker Kraft
• $4 Isaiah Likely
• $4 Noah Fant

Luke Musgrave performed well in the first half of the year before a kidney injury sidelined him. The Green Bay offense is crowded with talented young receivers, but with Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur leading the way, there’s potential for profit.

Isaiah Likely shone late last season, with 25 catches and six touchdowns in his final seven games. The Ravens could use Likely alongside Mark Andrews, but the team’s deep receiver room and strong running game could limit his opportunities. Likely’s upside is tied to Andrews’ health.

Tier 4: Bargain Bin

• $3 Ben Sinnott
• $2 Mike Gesicki
• $2 Michael Mayer
• $2 Taysom Hill
• $2 Zach Ertz
• $1 Ja’Tavion Sanders
• $1 Dawson Knox
• $1 Jelani Woods
• $1 Gerald Everett
• $1 Tyler Higbee
• $1 Jonnu Smith

As you prepare for your fantasy football draft, keep these tiers in mind and use them to navigate the tight end landscape. Remember, the value of these players can change rapidly based on preseason developments and injuries. Happy drafting, and let the debate begin!