6 Tight End Situations You Must Get Right in 2025
We've had full offensive projections live since February, making us one of the first, if not the first, fantasy football sites in the industry to publish detailed statistical outlooks. But when you release projections just weeks after the Super Bowl, you're forced to make a slew of assumptions. At that point, free agency and the NFL draft hadn't happened yet, and we didn't have much information about what the new offensive play-callers intended to do.
Since then, the landscape has become much clearer. We've also seen an onslaught of other analysts publish their expectations. The influx of opinions helps solidify a consensus, and that consensus heavily influences the average draft position (ADP) data we'll see as draft season approaches.
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Even with the benefit of hindsight, unanswered questions remain. Many won't be resolved until deep into training camp or the preseason. These gray areas are where the widest range of viewpoints emerge, and they are the very situations that can swing your fantasy draft. These are the spots where taking a stand matters most, and our goal is to help you gain an edge before you're on the clock.
Let's take a look at the key tight end situations and where we stand versus consensus:
- Kyle Pitts (ATL) will enjoy a rebound paired with Michael Penix Jr.
- Colston Loveland (CHI) won't be an instant-impact asset
- Evan Engram (DEN) will be Sean Payton's Joker
- Tyler Warren (IND) shouldn't be a draft priority
- Travis Kelce (KC) will return to form
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is a TE1 if Aaron Rodgers signs
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
| Projections | Games | Catches | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footballguys Consensus | 16.0 | 49.5 | 640 | 4.0 |
| Bob Henry | 16.0 | 44.0 | 565 | 4.0 |
| Jason Wood | 16.0 | 55.0 | 715 | 4.0 |
Assumption: Pitts will rebound and handily outperform his ADP
Pitts ranked just TE23 (PPR) on a per-game basis in 2024 and fared even worse (TE29) during Michael Penix Jr's three starts. His failure to build on a promising rookie year has extended into a three-season drought, turning him into a fantasy afterthought. His current ADP is TE17. We do not know whether Penix will thrive as a full-time starter, and therefore cannot be certain that Pitts will benefit from a rising-tide scenario. But the bet is worth making because the position has so few difference-makers. There is little upside in drafting a high-floor, low-ceiling tight end, especially if Pitts is your second option on a deeper roster.
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
| Projections | Games | Catches | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footballguys Consensus | 15.5 | 50.5 | 571 | 4.0 |
| Bob Henry | 15.0 | 50.0 | 580 | 4.0 |
| Jason Wood | 16.0 | 51.0 | 561 | 4.0 |
Assumption: Loveland is too overhyped thanks to recent rookie tight end successes
Sam LaPorta finished as the No. 1 fantasy tight end as a rookie in 2023. Brock Bowers matched the feat in 2024. Ben Johnson orchestrated LaPorta's breakout, which explains why the fantasy community is excited about Loveland in Chicago. But you should approach with caution. Loveland should only be considered as a TE2, and that means you probably won't get him given his ADP of TE10. There are too many uncertainties, including a new coaching staff and scheme, Caleb Williams' good-but-not-great rookie season, a proven veteran alternative in Cole Kmet, and the dynamic receiver trio of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III.
Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
| Projections | Games | Catches | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Footballguys Consensus | 15.5 | 69.0 | 651 | 4.0 |
| Bob Henry | 15.0 | 71.0 | 665 | 4.0 |
| Jason Wood | 16.0 | 67.0 | 637 | 4.0 |
Assumption: Engram will finish comfortably inside the Top 10, stepping into Sean Payton's coveted “Joker” role
We're in alignment with the industry on this one, as Engram's current ADP (TE9) aligns with our belief that the veteran is likely to be a key piece of the Broncos' emerging offense. The Broncos added an interesting developmental piece in receiver Pat Bryant, but otherwise the receiving corps returns intact, assuring Engram of a hefty target share as either the No. 1 or (more likely) No. 2 overall target.
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