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Who should I draft for fantasy football in 2025? Fantasy football outlooks for T.J. Hockenson, Evan Engram, and Tyler Warren. Don Fanelli provides his expert draft advice.
T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook
Hockenson is entering his seventh season and his fourth as the starting tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. His 2024 season was a difficult one, as he returned from a torn ACL and MCL suffered on Christmas Eve 2023. In his 10 games, he only managed 41 catches for 455 yards and zero touchdowns, well below his usual production. However, he is now a year and a half removed from the injury and is expected to be back to his original, reliable self.
With Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the season and Justin Jefferson dealing with a hamstring issue that may persist, Hockenson could temporarily become the top passing option to start the season. As a former first-round pick in 2019, Hockenson has a proven track record, although he has never surpassed 960 receiving yards or six touchdowns in a single season.
With a new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, it will be crucial for him to establish chemistry quickly, especially since he has yet to play in any preseason games. RotoBaller projects Hockenson as the TE5, and his current average draft position of 69 suggests that there is optimism about his return to form. His draft position offers good value for a potential top-five tight end.
Friendly reminder that TJ Hockenson’s season-long TD total is set at only 3.5!
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) August 14, 2025
Evan Engram Fantasy Football Outlook
Engram is entering his ninth season at 30 years old, and his first as the starting tight end for the Denver Broncos. A former first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017, he spent his last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Broncos this year. Engram's 2024 season was cut short by a labrum tear in his left shoulder, which required surgery. Before that, he also dealt with a hamstring injury that caused him to miss four games. His 2024 stats were limited to 47 catches, 365 yards, and one touchdown after a career-high season in 2023 of 114 catches for 963 yards and four scores.
Engram has a reputation for being a PPR monster, and with several players competing for the number two target position behind wide receiver Courtland Sutton in Denver, he has a promising opportunity to receive targets. Although he hasn't scored more than six touchdowns since his rookie year, he remains a reliable option for moving the chains.
We've already seen some chemistry develop with second-year quarterback Bo Nix this preseason, with the two connecting for a 58-yard catch against the Arizona Cardinals. While Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a history of getting the most out of his tight ends, Engram may not be the type of versatile "joker" Payton has utilized in the past. RotoBaller has Engram projected as the TE8, and he is currently being drafted in the middle of the seventh round, which is a reasonable value for a veteran coming off injuries.
Evan Engram is my emergency TE if I miss out on one of the Top 3.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) August 17, 2025
Tyler Warren Fantasy Football Outlook
Rookie tight end Warren was the Indianapolis Colts' first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after having an outstanding senior year at Penn State. He has quickly established himself in this new offense, competing for targets alongside wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Warren's preseason performance has been impressive, achieving a 71% route participation and a 25% target share in his first game, and a 91% route participation and a 30% target share in his second game with the starters. The Colts have also announced that Daniel Jones will be the starting quarterback for the season, which is a positive development for all the team's pass-catchers.
Warren had a massive senior year at Penn State, recording 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 218 yards and four touchdowns, averaging over 90 total yards per game. With Josh Downs currently dealing with a hamstring injury, Warren could quickly become the second primary target in the offense.
Although Jones has not traditionally focused heavily on his tight ends, this new team and offense may prioritize involving their first-round pick early and often. If Jones improves his passing touchdown rate this season, Warren's talent could position him for a spot as a top-five tight end. RotoBaller currently projects Warren as TE11, but with an ADP of 97, he presents a high-upside draft pick.
Gronk sees himself in Tyler Warren🏈 pic.twitter.com/J6nBFKhCMr
— DudesOnDudes (@DudesOnDudesPod) August 21, 2025
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
All three tight ends have significant potential in PPR and half-PPR formats, as they could emerge as key targets for their teams. However, only one of them has the potential for a significantly higher ceiling.
If you're open to taking a chance on an unproven rookie, I believe Warren can greatly exceed his average draft position. He is coming off a massive college career and can be acquired a round or two cheaper than Engram and Hockenson. Unlike the others, he is not recovering from a significant injury and has the potential to become the most reliable offensive weapon for the Colts this season. Additionally, it's worth noting that the last two seasons have seen a rookie tight end finish as the TE1 (Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers).
If you're searching for a proven veteran who delivers top-tier production in a pass-heavy offense, Hockenson could be the right choice for you. I think using a mid to late fifth-round pick on him is reasonable, but I would prefer to target higher-upside wide receivers available around his draft position.
If you're aiming to secure a reliable performer each week, with the potential for a consistent floor, Engram could be a decent pick in the middle rounds. While his impressive performance in 2023 is hard to overlook, it was an outlier in what has otherwise been an average career. Additionally, his career average of under 10 yards per reception limits his potential for significant upside.
Whoever you choose, remember to assess your roster needs, consider your league's scoring, and draft accordingly to maximize your chances of success at the tight end position in the 2025 season.
Who Should I Draft Tool
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Who Should I Draft? Some common 2025 fantasy football draft decisions are regarding players like T.J. Hockenson, Evan Engram, and Tyler Warren. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Draft your optimal fantasy football teams for 2025. Our free Who Should I Draft? tool will help make your fantasy football draft decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to draft... all free! Make the right decisions.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Draft
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Draft tool for 2025 drafts: T.J. Hockenson, Evan Engram, and Tyler Warren
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