Colston Loveland was the TE18 in fantasy points per game during his debut NFL campaign last year, but don’t let that number fool you. This dude, along with Tyler Warren, hasn’t even come close to hitting his ceiling yet, and if you’re not ready for what these two sophomores are about to drop in 2026, you’re already behind. Fantasy football drafts are in full swing right now, and identifying young talent on the verge of a major leap is how you grab a championship.
Colston Loveland’s Late Season Surge is No Accident
Listen, if you’re thinking Loveland is too good to be a “breakout” candidate after last year, I hear you, but you’re missing the bigger picture. The 22-year-old Bears tight end logged 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. Those are solid numbers, sure, but the real story is what he did down the stretch. Over the final nine weeks of the fantasy season, Loveland wasn’t just good, he was *elite*, emerging as the fifth highest scoring tight end during that span. He truly flashed his potential by becoming a focal point of Chicago’s passing attack, putting up crazy stat lines like 6-94-1, 10-91-1, 8-137-0, and 4-56-0 in his last four games, which included their two playoff appearances. He saw a combined 48 targets in those four contests, with at least 10 targets in every single one. That’s why he’s already being taken as the third tight end off the board in fantasy drafts. Analyst Justin Boone says Loveland has the best chance to challenge Brock Bowers and Trey McBride for the fantasy scoring crown. You’ve been warned.
Tyler Warren’s Opportunity is Massive in Indianapolis
While Loveland might be getting all the buzz at TE3, don’t sleep on Tyler Warren. Boone still ranks him as TE4, but you can snag him a round or two later in your drafts, and that could be a steal. Warren was the TE6 in fantasy points per game through Week 10 last year before injuries hit and then his quarterback, Daniel Jones, tore his ACL. But get this: Michael Pittman Jr. is now a Steeler, and Alec Pierce is recovering from ankle surgery, sidelining him in training camp. That leaves a clear, wide-open runway for Warren to dominate targets in Indianapolis. He already led the Colts in targets as a rookie with 112, just nudging out Pittman’s 111. Jones, coming off a serious knee injury, is likely going to want to get the ball out quick, and that plays right into Warren’s wheelhouse. He finished second among all tight ends in total yards after the catch, a skill that screams “breakout” at the position. If you’re looking for that young tight end with elite YAC ability who could be a top-two target in his offense, Warren is absolutely your guy.
The 2026 fantasy season is upon us, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. You’ve got the chance to grab a championship, and these two sophomores, Loveland and Warren, are primed to be the difference-makers. Don’t miss out on what they’re about to unleash.
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.
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