Rookie Sleeper Picks, Tight Ends

Continuing our roundtable series on rookie sleeper picks, the Footballguys staff shifts the focus to the tight end position today.

RELATED: See Rookie Sleeper Quarterbacks here
RELATED: See Rookie Sleeper Running Backs here
RELATED: See Rookie Sleeper Wide Receivers here

Today's question: Now that the NFL Draft is over and we know the landing spots, who is a rookie tight end sleeper pick who has the potential to surprise everyone?

Rams' TE1 in Waiting

TE Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams

Jeff Haseley: The Rams may have a prolific wide receiver corps under head coach Sean McVay, but they have also consistently utilized the tight end role in McVay's offense. Tyler Higbee, before his major injury, consistently recorded over 60 receptions. The tight end position has a vital role in the Rams' offense, and they have now invested second-round capital in a player who can make an immediate impact this season. He was the fastest tight end at this year's NFL Combine, and he has solid size at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds. As long as he is committed to learning the offense and is ready for McVay's instruction, his athleticism and ability put him atop the depth chart among other options on the Rams' tight end list.

Meng Song: There's a lot of hype surrounding Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren in the 2025 rookie class, and for good reason. Both are phenomenal tight end prospects and carry first-round NFL Draft capital. There's even a bit of hype on Mason Taylor, who some had mocked as a potential first-round draft pick as well. However, there's been little to no mention in fantasy circles about Terrance Ferguson, who the Rams drafted just a few picks behind Taylor in the early second round.

Tyler Higbee is 32 and looked to have lost a step since his return from the ACL and MCL tear late last season. And while Ferguson won't be a focal point of the offense with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in that Los Angeles offense, the rookie out of Oregon can be fantasy relevant immediately as a rookie if he finds the end zone. At 6-foot-5, Ferguson has the size to become a go-to red zone target for Matthew Stafford, and he also has enough speed to threaten up and seam and create yards after the catch.

Although the Rams have become more run-heavy in the red zone in recent seasons, there's still an opportunity for Ferguson if he can win the starting role over Higbee. Last year, Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen combined for six targets inside the opponent's 10-yard line, which would've tied Mark Andrews for 12th-most in the league. In 2023, the Rams' tight ends combined for nine such targets, which would've tied Sam LaPorta for fourth-most in the league. And in 2022, when Higbee played all 17 games, his 10 inside-the-10 targets tied Zach Ertz for second-most in the NFL behind only Travis Kelce. Given his second-round draft capital, age, and talent, Ferguson can quickly ascend the depth chart in Los Angeles and have close to double-digit touchdown upside if he's able to grasp Sean McVay's playbook.

Corey Spala: Terrance Ferguson looks to claim the TE1 role for the Rams. This selection comes one year after the Rams attempted to trade up and select Brock Bowers. Ferguson has the desired athleticism and blocking ability to play the position. He was one of the most productive tight ends in 2024 in yards per route run and yards after catch per reception. McVay should be scheming to Ferguson's strengths and finding creative ways to get the ball into his hands. I would not be surprised to see a 75+ target season for Ferguson.

A Deep Sleeper in Tennessee

TE Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans

Jeff Blaylock: Gunnar Helm, the seventh tight end taken in this year's draft, proved to be a reliable pass catcher for a loaded Texas offense during his breakout senior season. He caught a team-leading 60 passes, surpassing higher-drafted tight ends Colston Loveland (56), Mason Taylor (55), Terrance Ferguson (43), and Elijah Arroyo (35).

Helm lacks elite athleticism and speed to line up wide or threaten with deep routes. Helm's strength as a receiver is settling into zones and beating linebackers with his shiftiness, giving him enough space to attack the ball aggressively. His blocking is adequate but needs improvement to see the field regularly.

Helm slots behind Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle on the Titans' depth chart, which will limit his potential this season. Dynasty managers with deep benches or taxi squad slots can afford to be patient with Helm as he develops. He may never become an everyday starter, but he has the potential to be one of the top second tight ends in the league.

Rachel Tootsiepop: Chig Okonkwo has finished as the TE21 in PPR formats in each of the last two seasons—hardly a mark of fantasy significance. With the Titans entering a rebuild and rookie quarterback Cam Ward now under center, there's an opportunity for a new tight end to emerge. The team added veteran wideout Tyler Lockett in free agency and drafted Elic Ayomanor to bolster their receiving corps. Still, they selected tight end Gunnar Helm in the fourth round, at pick 120, ahead of Ayomanor. Helm posted 60 receptions for 686 yards in his final season at Texas, showing he's capable of contributing as a pass-catcher. Rookie quarterbacks often lean on tight ends as safety valves, which could work in Helm's favor in 2025.