Fantasy managers often fall into the same trap, overvaluing supposedly must-draft tight ends and completely missing out on the value of those fringe streamers. Turns out, the numbers from 14 NFL seasons, from 2012 to 2025, back that up big time. You might be leaving wins on the table by drafting TEs all wrong.
The Elite Crew Delivers
We all know the superstars, right? Guys like Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, and Jimmy Graham, they consistently delivered those elite or near-elite numbers. And the data absolutely backs that up. Over 14 NFL seasons, from 2012 to 2025, the top three tight ends, based on average draft position, absolutely dominated. They were cranking out an average of 200.5 fantasy points every single season. That’s big-time, game-changing production for your roster. But here’s where fantasy managers often get it wrong: once those first three TEs are off the board, a lot of folks feel that massive pressure to take the supposedly “next-best” one. That, my friend, is a huge mistake, and it could be costing you your season.
Your Mid-Round TE Pick Is a Trap
Because guess what? The next six tight ends after the elite tier, those TE4 through TE9 guys, averaged a mere 138.7 points per season during that same stretch. That’s a massive, massive gap from the top-tier studs. You’re giving up a ton of production right there. But wait, it gets even crazier. Suppose you’re savvy, you decide to completely fade tight ends in the mid-rounds and snag one super late. Those next six players, the TE10 through TE15 by ADP, averaged 134.0 points. Think about that for a second! The actual difference between taking a tight end in the fifth or sixth round versus waiting until the 14th or 15th round? It’s a measly 4.7 points across an entire season! We’re talking less than half a point a game! This summer, guys like Isaiah Likely, Dallas Goedert, and Dalton Kincaid were chilling in that TE10-15 ADP group. So before you hit that draft button next season, seriously consider that competitive advantage. Don’t be that manager taking a tight end in the middle rounds expecting gold. Play the percentages, grab some other talent, and find that high-upside sleeper later.
So the next time you’re staring at that draft board, feeling the pressure to grab a tight end in those middle rounds, just remember these numbers. Waiting could be your absolute secret weapon for building a winning roster. Think about the edge you’ll gain, stacking up legitimate talent at other positions and then snagging a high-upside sleeper late, rather than burning a valuable pick on a guy who won’t be materially better. Be smart out there, crush your opponents!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply