Drafting the proper tight end in fantasy football is a difficult and cumbersome task. The issues surrounding tight end draft strategy are primarily driven by the top-heavy nature of the position. Just a handful of tight ends produce on a consistent basis.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
More often than not, these reliable producers are scooped up in the early rounds of drafts. The 2023 season did feature some sleeper tight ends who turned out to be late-round gems. Most notably, Sam LaPorta sprung up from Round 14 and ultimately finished as the TE1 last season. Trey McBride, Dalton Kincaid, and Jake Ferguson also emerged to finish as top-12 tight ends.
It's unlikely that anyone will be able to ascend into the elite tight end ranks like Sam LaPorta. But it's certainly possible for a late-round tight end to finish the year as an impactful fantasy option. For this exercise, we'll be taking a look at a handful of tight ends who are drafted after pick 100 (per FantasyPros Consensus ADP) who could provide significant value to fantasy rosters.
2024 PPR Rankings
Top 250 Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Who are the best fantasy TE sleepers for 2024?
The top-3 tight end sleepers for 2024 include a few established veterans who have improved outlooks this season, on top of a rookie who would have a valuable role if he scales the depth chart. In no particular order, Noah Fant, Tyler Conklin, and Ben Sinnott could be undervalued steals for fantasy managers on Draft Day.
Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks
After several promising years in Denver, Noah Fant was pegged as the next breakout tight end. After being involved in the Russell Wilson trade package, Fant was moved to Seattle.
This move has been anything but kind to Fant. Since joining the Seahawks, he has failed to crack double-digit points per game. His best finish came in 2022 where he was the TE17.
Fant has been held back due to a lack of opportunity. The Seahawks have regularly utilized an ugly rotation of tight ends consisting of Fant, Will Dissly, and Colby Parkinson. The "tight end by committee" approach resulted in a 56.3 percent route participation for Fant.
Dissly and Parkinson are no longer with the team, opening the door for Fant to take on a larger workload. Ryan Grubb's air raid offense should also be able to take advantage of Fant's athletic gifts.
With the opportunity to earn the most targets during his time in Seattle, buying into Fant at a cheap price could pay off for fantasy managers.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | WR
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Tyler Conklin is one of the more under-the-radar tight ends in the NFL. He isn't known by more casual NFL fans, but he has played a key role in the Jets' offense in recent seasons.
Since assuming TE1 duties in 2021, Conklin has seen exactly 87 targets in three straight seasons. Last season, 87 targets ranked 13th among TEs.
Unfortunately, the Jets' offense has not been known to be an environment that leads to fantasy production. Conklin has not been an exception to this, finishing as a per-game TE2 in three straight seasons.
Conklin's path to paying off in a big way is by maintaining consistent volume while seeing a spike in touchdown numbers. Since 2021, Conklin has just six touchdowns, including zero in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers under center, 6-8 touchdowns are within the range of outcomes for Conklin. With six touchdowns last season, Conklin would have finished as the TE10.
As a secondary weapon in the New York offense, Conklin will have a hard time ascending into the truly elite tier of TEs. But for drafters who completely punt tight end, Conklin is a good bet to surge into the top-12 range.
2024 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY
Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders
If anyone on this list comes in a similar mold to Sam LaPorta, it's Ben Sinnott. Sinnott is a well-rounded rookie tight end who could end up playing a significant role in an ascending offense.
During his time at Kansas State, Sinnott was an impressive player. He was a phenomenal blocker but also showed crafty route-running ability and sure hands. His complete skill set could allow him to see a significant role as a rookie.
Sinnott will have to fight through some veteran competition to earn the starting job in Washington. Zach Ertz, 33, who has a strong relationship with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury stands in his way. However, Ertz has proven to be replaceable at this point in his career. He was fully supplanted by Trey McBride in Arizona last season after suffering a quad injury.
If Sinnott is able to become the starter, he will be in line for a rather valuable role. Tight ends are a big piece of Kingsbury's offense. During his tenure in Arizona, a tight end finished top 5 in targets and yards in each season. If Sinnott is given the keys to the starting job, he could contend to be this year's Sam LaPorta.
2024 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (PPR & STANDARD)
Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
2024 Fantasy Tight Ends: Deep sleeper TEs
If you're in deeper leagues with a bigger bench, then you might need to dig a little further for some more values. While the success stories are few and far between, there are several players who could be meaningful in fantasy despite a late-round ADP.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans: Chig Okonkwo has been a fairly strong target earner and efficient receiver through two seasons. A pass-heavy offense under Brian Callahan could unlock his full potential. He will also reportedly be running more downfield routes in the new offense, a massive boost to his fantasy value.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens: After Isaiah Likely burst onto the scene last season, the Ravens have reportedly adjusted their offense to include more 2-TE formations. If Mark Andrews misses any time, Likely becomes a high-caliber option in fantasy.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Gesicki could be in store for a career year in an elite Bengals offense. His ability to line up in the slot opens up the possibility to fill part of the void left by Tyler Boyd. Taking on part of Boyd's role would be a nice addition to his fantasy value.
Late-round TE dart throws
And if you're still craving more tight end picks or are in leagues with even bigger rosters, here are some more names to consider in the final rounds of drafts.
- Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers
- Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos
- Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
