rookie tight ends
rookie tight ends
Kyle Pitts is without a doubt the best (fantasy) tight end prospect in this class, and maybe the best pass catching tight end we've ever seen. He has the size of a tight end, making him an amazing mismatch weapon, but has the speed and route running of a legitimate #1 wide receiver. His best trait may be his ability to make contested catches using his size, sticky hands, and ball tracking ability to high point the ball anywhere on the field, in any type of coverage. The only nitpicking that can be done about his game is his pass blocking, but if you let that stop you from drafting him, you're missing out. His draft capital in rookie drafts will be immense. Don't expect Kelce level numbers in year 1, but he should be very productive regardless of landing spot.
Pat Freiermuth is the prototypical TE at 6'5" 258 lbs. He shows a very well rounded playstyle, with top notch pass catching and decent blocking. His is well suited to play as a big slot at the next level, and is a sure handed receiver who rarely makes body catches or focus drops. He is not a YAC machine, but finds soft spots in the defense with room to run. He could use some work on pass protection, but is reliable enough to get drafted in rounds 1 or 2. He should thrive as a lead receiving TE at the next level, and could even provide well for fantasy in teams that use a lot of 12-personnel.
He plays very similarly to Freiermuth in that he is a very fluid pass catcher and excels in the middle of the field on crossing routes. He rarely, if every, drops the ball, and can hold on to the ball through big hits. While he is not the most athletic, he is definitely pro-ready in that he understands the nuance of the position. The only nitpicks are his slow feet and his tendency to peel off blocks early. Hunter Long will likely be valued higher by the NFL than he is in fantasy, but not for long.
Brevin Jordan is a willing blocker who can hold is own against all but the best rushers. He has great hands and is super athletic, but needs to show some sharpness in his routes so he doesn't have receivers draped all over him when he's making catches. He is a very versatile prospect and should only get better with time at the next level. Jordan should develop into a #1 TE rather quickly given he lands with a team willing to give him immediate playing time.
This is where we're drawing the line with the TEs. The one's above the line have starting potential and are pro-ready, the rest are projects, backups, or nothing.
Yeboah's game evolved when he transferred from Temple to Ole Miss and he had a career year. He is a great pass catching option, showing quick releases, solid routes, and great hands. He can also adjust to off-target passes and contested catches with his body control. He can be utilized all over the field as a pass catcher, but will need to work on his blocking at the next level. He also is lacking elite speed. Yeboah profiles as a developmental TE, with the potential for the coveted year 3 breakout.
McKitty is a very well rounder prospect and is reasonably good at both catching and blocking. He only plays at one speed, but performs very well after the catch. He profiles as a project at the next level, and potentially a TE2 on a team that uses heavy 12 personnel.
At the next level, Tremble can end up as backup TE, or TE2 in 12 personnel sets. He has the requisite athleticism to get open and catch passes, but his route running needs work, and he often jumps his routes and is left waiting for the ball. He has the athleticism to be a decent fantasy option in the NFL in a high volume passing attack, but is definitely a developmental option.
Eubanks is coming off a slightly disappointing season, although he flashed at times. While he has the size, pass catching acumen, and blocking skill needed to get drafted in the later rounds, his athleticism does not show up on film and he sometimes shows drops on difficult catches. He has the potential to be a mismatch, but will need to be well coached. Eubanks best fit is as TE2 in a run-heavy attack, similar to the role Firkser played for the Titans in 2020.
Other rookie tight ends