Justin Pottinger looks at late-round tight end fantasy football draft sleepers who could finish as a top-5 TE in 2024. Target these late-round gems in drafts.
In the unpredictable world of fantasy football, securing a reliable tight end can be a game-changer for your team. This year specifically, I found it to be the deepest position in fantasy, and this is the season when you can wait until a late-round tight end with top-5 potential falls into your lap. While the top-tier names often dominate the early rounds, savvy managers know the value of finding a late-round gem who can provide solid production without the hefty price tag. These overlooked tight ends might not have the flashiest resumes, but they often possess the potential to deliver significant returns, especially in a position as deep as tight end.
With depth at many skill positions this season, the tight-end landscape offers intriguing opportunities for those willing to dig deep. Whether it's an emerging talent stepping into a larger role or a seasoned veteran poised for a bounce-back year, the later rounds can be a goldmine for those who know where to look. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best late-round tight ends with the upside to significantly impact your fantasy roster.
Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Let’s take a few minutes and examine all the late-round tight ends who have a chance to finish top five in 2024.
Jake Ferguson is primed to be a fantastic late-round tight-end selection in PPR leagues this year, given his expected increase in responsibility within the Dallas Cowboys offense. As he steps into a more prominent role, Ferguson has the potential to become a key target for Dak Prescott, particularly in short-to-intermediate passing situations where he excels.
Last season, Ferguson led all tight ends in red-zone targets and was tied for third across the entire NFL with 23. Ferguson also hauled in 761 receiving yards, ranking the eighth highest between all tight ends. In an offense where Ferguson is now the second option in the receiving game, the Cowboys' high-powered style of offense will benefit Ferguson dramatically.
His ability to consistently find open spaces in coverage and his dependable hands make him a strong candidate to outperform his draft position. In a PPR format, where target volume is crucial, Ferguson's upside as a reliable option in the Cowboys' passing game makes him an appealing late-round pick -- being drafted as the TE8 is an absolute gift for a player who could quickly end up top five just off volume alone.
Ferguson is the tight end I'm advising everyone to draft this season.
David Njoku is an exciting late-round tight-end option in PPR leagues this year, thanks to his unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism, which makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses. Njoku finished as the TE6 last season and was phenomenal to end the year with Joe Flacco at quarterback.
Njoku stands out as a potential breakout candidate in a Cleveland Browns offense that is expected to lean more on the passing game. With Deshaun Watson entering this year healthy, Njoku is primed to see an uptick in targets, especially in the red zone, where his ability to outmuscle defenders and high-point the ball can lead to valuable scoring opportunities.
His role as a primary target in the middle of the field and his capability to create separation from linebackers and safeties positions him to become a go-to option in crucial situations.
3: David Njoku (CLE)
This is where the list begins. Njoku has blossomed under Kevin Stefanski into one of the league's most valuable TEs. As a pass catcher, he has the athleticism to align anywhere and is devastating after the catch. pic.twitter.com/wxP1TxNB3y
Njoku's potential for high volume in the passing game makes him particularly appealing in PPR formats as he averaged eight receptions through Weeks 10-17. His ability to turn short passes into substantial gains with his impressive run-after-catch skills adds to his upside, giving him the potential to deliver consistent fantasy points week in and week out.
For fantasy managers looking to secure a tight end with significant upside without investing an early-round pick, Njoku offers a compelling blend of opportunity and talent that could make him one of the season’s best values as he is being taken as the TE9 in most rankings.
Evan Engram is set to be one of the most valuable late-round tight-end picks in PPR leagues this season, offering a blend of athleticism and opportunity that few others can match. Coming off a strong year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Engram finished as the TE2 last season.
He has solidified his role as a critical weapon in an offense led by emerging star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With star wideout Calvin Ridley no longer with the team, Engram should be poised for an even more significant role in 2024.
His ability to line up all over the field, whether in the slot, out wide, or as a traditional tight end, gives him the versatility to exploit mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs.
Engram’s potential as a volume receiver makes him particularly appealing in PPR formats. He is being drafted as the TE10 in most formats, which would be a gift for any fantasy manager since he has the potential to finish as a top tight end.
With the Jaguars likely to emphasize a quick passing game to capitalize on Lawrence’s strengths, Engram is in a prime position to see an even larger share of the targets. His knack for gaining yards after the catch further boosts his value, as he can turn short passes into significant gains, piling up points for fantasy managers.
Given his role in a dynamic offense and his proven ability to produce, Engram is a late-round tight end who could easily outperform his draft position and become a key contributor to fantasy teams this season.
Evan Engram
•TE2 in 2023
•Ridley gone
•23.2% Target Share
•114 catches last season
•10.4 targets/game in last 10 games pic.twitter.com/8LFeTFKNIG
T.J. Hockenson could be a league-winning late-round tight-end pick in PPR leagues this year, particularly for managers willing to be patient as he recovers from injury. Although he might miss a few games to start the season, Hockenson's potential impact upon his return is substantial.
With Sam Darnold as the quarterback, Hockenson can become a go-to target, especially in critical situations like the red zone and third downs.
His elite route running and reliable hands make him a valuable asset who can deliver consistent production once he's back on the field; in a system where Darnold is likely to rely on his tight end for quick, safe throws, Hockenson's ability to command targets and turn them into receptions is valuable.
Hockenson is listed as the TE15 to enter the season, which is wild even to hear out loud, as the tight end was selected as a top-3 pick at the position in 2023. His value diminished that much over an injury. Especially in leagues formatted with IR spots, Hockenson is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to wait on making their tight-end selection.
#Vikings TE TJ Hockenson "Looked a little hesitant at times, a little bit moreso than a week or two ago" says @DWolfsonKSTP on @SKORNorth this morning.
He adds that it could be after the bye week before we see him, but nothing is definite yet.
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