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Kacey Kasem's four rookie tight end breakout candidates for 2025. Her top first-year TEs, including Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, Terrance Ferguson, and Mason Taylor.
You're here because you want to know which rookie tight ends will break out this season in fantasy. It doesn't happen often. Between 2016 and 2024, only five rookie TEs truly broke out. Every one of those players was drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft (top 35).
Hunter Henry recorded eight touchdowns in 2016 despite the presence of Antonio Gates. Evan Engram had a breakout rookie season, seeing an increased role due to injuries among wide receivers. Kyle Pitts topped 1,000 yards in 2021, a feat only accomplished by Mike Ditka and Brock Bowers (who finished as the overall TE1 in 2024). Sam LaPorta saw historical usage, finishing as TE1 the year before.
| Year | Player Name | Rookie Stat Line | Fantasy Finish | Why It Happened |
| 2016 | Hunter Henry | 36 rec, 478 yds, 8 TD | TE11 | Took over red-zone duties from Antonio Gates. Efficient scoring role. |
| 2017 | Evan Engram | 64 rec, 722 yds, 6 TD | TE5 | Injuries to WRs meant targets his way. Operated like a WR in a weak offense. |
| 2021 | Kyle Pitts | 68 rec, 1,026 yds, 1 TD | TE6 | Historic rookie yardage. Stepped in as Atlanta’s top receiving option. |
| 2023 | Sam LaPorta | 86 rec, 889 yds, 10 TD | TE1 | Heavy route volume in Ben Johnson’s system. Red-zone usage from Day 1. |
| 2024 | Brock Bowers | 112 rec, 1,194 yds, 5 TD | TE1 | Set rookie TE records in receptions and yards. Used like a WR in the slot. |
So, which tight ends have a real shot at breaking out in 2025? I'm here to try to make it clearer for you by highlighting four rookie tight ends who have talent, draft capital, offensive fit, and the opportunity to boom. While it is incredibly hard to break out in Year 1 as a tight end, these youngsters are set to succeed if things go right. All could become fantasy-relevant in the future, but we're just focusing on what they can do in their first season.
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Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
Before the NFL Draft, Tyler Warren was on everyone's radar as the TE1. The Chicago Bears opted to select Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, shocking many, as they already had a second-round pick in Cole Kmet. With Kmet in the picture, you could be concerned that Loveland won't get to eat. His draft capital would argue against that.
The 21-year-old tight end played mainly out of the slot with the University of Michigan and had a brilliant sophomore season. He started all 15 contests that season, tallying 649 receiving yards and four scores. His junior season saw him without quarterback J.J. McCarthy and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Although 2024 wasn't his best season, the Idaho native totaled 528 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.
6’5, 250lbs TE’s are not usually able to create man separation like this…
Colston Loveland can. pic.twitter.com/tjzPgxRs9h
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 5, 2025
He declared for the NFL Draft in December 2024. The Bears scooped him up as they were looking for a great pass-catcher who could give Caleb Williams an additional weapon. New head coach Ben Johnson will utilize Loveland to his full extent.
Johnson loves using 12 personnel, lining up 32.2% of offensive snaps in 12 personnel last season with Detroit. Another reason Johnson is ideal for Loveland is that he was instrumental in Sam LaPorta's 88-889-10 rookie season with the Lions in 2023.
26-year-old Kmet remains part of the offense, having been extended through 2027. He is a better blocker than Loveland, which will come in handy in 12 personnel sets. Kmet being in this offense could scare you off from Loveland.
Still, being selected as a top-10 pick while joining an offense that will rely on 12 personnel bodes well for the playmaker. I'm all in on Loveland as a late-round flyer.
Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
Loveland has a chance of breaking out, but another tight end with just a good a chance is Tyler Warren, drafted 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts. The Penn State standout was thought to be a top-10 pick before the 2025 NFL Draft, so when he fell to the Colts at 14, they pounced as they needed a TE.
The tight end started his college career sitting behind Pat Freiermuth, Brenton Strange, and Theo Johnson. Once those TEs headed to the NFL, it was Warren's time to shine.
His 2024 season was his best with the Nittany Lions, catching 104 receptions on 135 targets for 1,233 yards and eight scores. He also rushed 26 times for 218 yards and four touchdowns, showing his diversity. On top of that, he displayed his physicality by breaking 30 tackles that same season.
Tyler Warren is so versatile, the ability to create with the ball in his hands is second to none. His speed and vision paired with a physical style is so impressive. pic.twitter.com/RZuHU65j98
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) March 24, 2025
Indianapolis was in desperate need of a tight end. Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Jelani Woods aren't exactly TE1 pedigree. Warren comes in and immediately slots in as the No. 1 TE in the offense. Anthony Richardson needs that security blanket, especially considering his accuracy issues on short-to-intermediate throws. And remember, the Colts also brought in turnover king Daniel Jones for one more shot.
Head coach Shane Steichen might have a difficult decision in the QB room, but at least his tight-end situation is clear. Steichen was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles from 2021 to 2022 and played a significant role in shaping Dallas Goedert's career.
Look for Warren to come out strong on Day 1 as an integral part of Steichen's offense. He is a rookie worth taking a shot on late in drafts, as the volume should be there.
Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams
A rookie tight end with a more challenging path to breaking out in Year 1 is Terrance Ferguson, drafted by the Rams with the 46th overall pick. Ferguson spent four years at Oregon as the primary TE, showing steady development. He averaged an impressive nine yards after the catch per reception in 2024 while catching 43 balls for 591 yards and three touchdowns.
The Rams snagged the 22-year-old with the 46th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He'll enter a tight-end room led by Tyler Higbee. Higbee is recovering from an ACL injury and turning 32, so drafting a tight end in the second round made sense. The veteran has been a staple in the Rams offense for nearly a decade, but Ferguson could push for involvement early on.
15th career receiving TD for Terrance Ferguson, tying the UO all-time record among tight ends 👏#GoDuckspic.twitter.com/4W70IGMOEy
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 1, 2024
Los Angeles typically leans on 11 personnel, and Matthew Stafford doesn't have a track record of feeding his tight ends consistently. With target hog Puka Nacua constantly showing up and a preference for pushing the ball downfield, Ferguson likely won't see strong volume early. Plus, the Rams added Davante Adams to the mix.
Still, Sean McVay's offense focuses on maximizing yards after the catch -- something the TE is talented at.
The Ducks standout is more of a dynasty stash than a redraft sleeper. Eventually, he could replace Higbee, but unless Higbee struggles to return from the ACL injury, the breakout odds in Year 1 are slim for Ferguson.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets
LSU's top tight end for the past three seasons had been Mason Taylor. He spent time playing alongside Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, Taylor's numbers jumped once those WRs left for the NFL.
He went from 29 receiving yards per game in 2023 to 45.5 in 2024. Although Jayden Daniels' departure meant Garrett Nussmeier would be under center, Taylor's usage jumped to nearly 37 routes per game, up from 28.1 in 2023.
The New York Jets took a shot on Taylor in the second round of the NFL Draft, choosing him with the 42nd overall pick. He joins a roster that has lacked a true pass-catching tight end for years.
Tyler Conklin has handled TE1 duties, but he recently signed a $3M deal with the Chargers for 2025. The Jets drafted Jeremy Ruckert in 2022, but they've relied on him mainly in run-blocking situations. Stone Smartt was added in free agency, but he looks to be a depth piece. Taylor has a real shot at starting reps as early as Week 1 with the tight-end room looking the way it does.
The only ball that #LSU TE Mason Taylor let hit the ground came on a deep corner route late in the session where he dove to try and pull it in.
Everything else got snared by those 10'' hands.
Taylor had a 1.8% drop rate this fall (per @PFF_College) pic.twitter.com/LAyOdZRQDI
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) March 1, 2025
Landing in New York isn't the most glamorous spot, as Justin Fields is expected to start at quarterback. Volume may be hard to come by in a run-heavy, scramble-focused offense. We know Fields loves to scramble. He also loves to take sacks.
New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand had been with the Lions since 2020. He brings over experience working with both T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta and should be instrumental in developing Taylor.
The 21-year-old has the tools to develop into a TE1 down the line. He holds his own as a blocker and is a capable receiver, which gives him a leg up on most of the tight ends on the Jets roster. While a full breakout in Year 1 is unlikely, he should flash in spurts and is well worth a stash in dynasty leagues.
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