X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top Five Tight Ends In The 2023 NFL Draft Class

Dalton Kincaid - CFB DFS Lineup Picks, Daily College Fantasy Football, NFL Draft Rookies

Lance Fernandez provides an early look at the tight end prospects in the 2023 NFL draft that could make an impact in fantasy football Dynasty leagues.

With the 2023 Scouting Combine over, teams are gearing up for the upcoming NFL Draft. If they play their cards right, they can get more hits than misses throughout seven rounds. Meanwhile, fantasy football managers in dynasty leagues are also working to find the tight ends who can put their team on top.

Tight ends are some of the most versatile players on a team. They could serve as extra blockers during jumbo sets or short-yardage plays. They could also line up and be a target in the passing game. Teams that have been creative with their tight ends can keep opposing defenses on their toes.

While several talented tight end prospects are available in the 2023 NFL draft, there’s a clear distinction between the highly-rated ones and those needing much work to excel. Here are the five best dynasty options and some honorable mentions for tight ends in this year’s rookie class.

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

 

Michael Mayer – Notre Dame, Junior

  • Height: 6’ 4.5”
  • Weight: 208
  • Age: 21 years, nine months
  • 2022 Stats: 67 receptions, 809 yards, nine touchdowns, 12.1 yards per catch
  • Rookie TE Dynasty Rank: #1
  • Player Comparison: Zach Ertz

Mayer doesn’t have blazing speed, as shown by his 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but it’s hard to ignore his productivity, considering he had at least 800 receiving yards in his sophomore and junior seasons. Likewise, he is a great route runner who can find the soft spots on defense. Aside from averaging 60 catches in his three seasons with the Fighting Irish, he also exerts effort as a blocker.

Mayer is unafraid to get physical with defensive linemen and keeps his feet moving to win in the trenches. He is the best prospect in this class when both pass-catching and run-blocking are considered. However, his upside might not be as promising as the other tight ends, and his small hands could lead to dropped passes. Still, he could be a solid contributor to the right team from day one.

 

Dalton Kincaid – Utah, Senior

  • Height: 6’ 4”
  • Weight: 246
  • Age: 23 years, six months
  • 2022 Stats: 70 receptions, 890 yards, eight touchdowns, 12.7 yards per catch
  • Rookie WR Dynasty Rank: #2
  • Player Comparison: Isaiah Likely

Kincaid is the best bet for teams looking for tight ends who are legitimate threats in the passing game. He has the speed to outrun linebackers and the strength to dominate defensive backs. He did not participate in the drills during the Scouting Combine because he was working his way back from an injury. However, 70 receptions in one season is remarkable.

He is also impeccable in route running, helping him get open or create separation. However, his blocking needs work. At this point, massive defensive linemen can bully their way through him. Working on his strength and technique can improve his skill. Otherwise, NFL teams might not deploy him during short-yardage situations wherein extra blockers are needed.

 

Luke Musgrave – Oregon State, Junior

  • Height: 6’ 6”
  • Weight: 255
  • Age: 22 years, seven months
  • 2022 Stats: 11 receptions, 169 yards, one touchdown, 15.4 yards per catch
  • Rookie TE Dynasty Rank: #3
  • Player Comparison: Mike Gesicki

Football runs in Musgrave’s blood. His father, Doug, played quarterback for Oregon, while his uncle, Bill, played seven seasons in the NFL. Unfortunately, he is also coming off a season-ending knee campaign that limited him to two games in 2022. Despite that setback, he showed his potential during the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine.

He does have exceptional speed for his size, allowing him to blow past defenders. Musgrave can also shift directions on a dime and demonstrates good blocking skills. However, his health will be the biggest question, given that he only played a few games in four years.

 

Sam LaPorta – Iowa, Senior

  • Height: 6’ 4”
  • Weight: 249
  • Age: 22 years, two months
  • 2022 Stats: 58 receptions, 657 yards, one touchdown, 11.3 yards per catch
  • Rookie TE Dynasty Rank: #4
  • Player Comparison: Pat Freiermuth

Iowa has produced great tight ends like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant. LaPorta has had better numbers than them in his four seasons with the Hawkeyes. He finished with 1,756 yards and five touchdowns in 46 games. Watching him use his agility to get extra yards is a sight to behold.

He does have wide receiver skills, especially in route running. LaPorta is also good at catching the ball and going for extra yards in one motion. He is a fierce competitor who is also quite elusive for his size. However, his size and arm length allows defensive linemen to disrupt his timing. Still, he could be productive in an explosive offense, given that his alma mater ran a conservative offense.

 

Darnell Washington – Georgia, Junior

  • Height: 6’ 7”
  • Weight: 265
  • Age: 21 years, eight months
  • 2022 Stats: 28 receptions, 454 yards, two touchdowns, 16.2 yards per catch
  • Rookie TE Dynasty Rank: #5
  • Player Comparison: Logan Thomas

Washington was more of a blocking tight end at Georgia, but those who witnessed his impressive Combine performance think there’s more to his gigantic frame. He is solid as a blocker, a sixth lineman who can plow through linebackers and defensive backs. If he gets the ball, it will take more than one person to bring him down.

His route running and pass catching can be developed, and any improvement in that aspect can be scary for opposing teams. However, he is slow for a tight end, and his routes are predictable. Likewise, he also had health concerns via ankle and foot injuries. But he still is productive under the right system and thorough coaching.

 

Honorable Mentions

Tucker Kraft is a physical specimen with impressive quickness. He uses angles to block opponents and is also a good pass-catcher. Kraft finished the 2022 season for South Dakota State with 27 receptions, 348 yards, and three touchdowns. However, he must build his strength because defensive linemen can outmatch him.

Josh Whyle was one of Cincinnati's team captains last season, finishing with 32 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns. He makes good use of his height and frame to grab contested balls. He is also an adept pass-protection blocker and strives to make additional blocks downfield. While he runs hard after the catch, his routes can become predictable due to his average explosiveness.

Brenton Strange finished his junior season at Penn State with 32 receptions for 362 yards and five touchdowns. He is smaller than the other tight ends on the list, but he uses that advantage by evading tacklers. He is also an excellent lead blocker during sweeps. Strange can also adjust his body to catch passes. However, he might not be as good for traditional blocking duties.

Davis Allen successfully transitioned from a defensive player to a tight end. He finished his final year at Clemson with 39 receptions for 443 yards and five touchdowns. His basketball background allowed him to become a solid receiver, and he also puts his catching radius to good use. However, running the 40-yard dash at 4.84 seconds might work against him. Allen is also unreliable in breaking tackles.

Luke Schoonmaker had 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns in his final year at Michigan. He is a workhorse who dedicated himself to constant improvement. The Wolverines' pro-style offense made him an adept blocker who sustains his ground through leverage. His sure hands make him an asset in short and intermediate passing plays. There are questions about his durability, though, after missing the Fiesta Bowl due to a shoulder injury.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Nolan Arenado

Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Jake Burger

Expects to Play on Saturday
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
Cal Raleigh

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cody Bellinger

Swats Three Homers in Victory
Jake Burger

Leaves With Quad Discomfort on Friday
Carlos Correa

Exits Game With Mild Ankle Sprain
Edward Cabrera

Dealing with Posterior Elbow Discomfort
Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF