As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts. Key rankings for tight ends have emerged, highlighting players poised to deliver significant value. These rankings, curated by renowned analyst Nathan Jahnke, take into account depth charts, projected roles, and coaching strategies to identify the most promising options for fantasy teams.
Brock Bowers Leads the Pack
Brock Bowers, tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to build on a historic rookie season. In 2023, he led all tight ends with impressive statistics, finishing first in receptions and receiving yards, which translated into the highest fantasy points among his peers. With a new quarterback and offensive play-caller, Bowers anticipates an uptick in target opportunities. However, the presence of other capable tight ends in the Raiders’ roster may lead to a reduced snap count for Bowers, as the coaching staff has a history of employing tight end committees.
Emerging Talents: Warren and Loveland
The rookie trend in tight ends continues with Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, who aim to follow in the footsteps of Bowers and Sam LaPorta as elite fantasy options during their inaugural seasons. Their performances will be closely monitored as they aim to establish themselves among the league’s best.
Consistency from McBride and Kittle
Following his emergence as the primary tight end for the Arizona Cardinals, Trey McBride has solidified his position as a top fantasy asset. Since taking over in the middle of the 2023 season, he has maintained impressive averages of 15 PPR points per game. With the Cardinals retaining their coaching staff and offensive players, McBride is expected to repeat his success, potentially increasing his touchdown count after a relatively low total last season.
Meanwhile, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers remains a formidable presence in the tight end landscape. Known for his exceptional run-blocking and big-play potential, Kittle’s performance has been somewhat limited by the 49ers’ run-heavy strategy and his injury history. Nevertheless, his connection with quarterback Brock Purdy has resulted in significant yardage gains, positioning him firmly among the top three fantasy tight ends.
Hockenson’s Recovery and Future Outlook
T.J. Hockenson, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, is navigating the aftermath of a significant injury, having torn his ACL and MCL at the end of the 2023 season. His swift recovery is commendable, but concerns linger about whether he will regain his previous form. Hockenson has historically been a top performer, ranking among the top six fantasy tight ends in points per game from 2020 to 2023. As he moves further from his injury, expectations will be tempered, but his ability to make contested catches remains a valuable asset.
In conclusion, the tight end position for the 2025 fantasy football season is shaping up to be competitive. With established stars and emerging rookies, players and analysts alike will keep a close eye on performances leading up to the draft. As teams finalize their strategies, understanding the potential of these athletes will be crucial for success in fantasy leagues.
