Who’s truly elite at tight end in fantasy football? The 2025 season is shaping up with a thrilling mix of consistent veterans and electrifying newcomers ready to dominate your league. We’ve crunched the numbers and identified the top 10 targets, including two surprising breakout candidates that could redefine the position. Will your draft strategy include these game-changers?
Navigating the tight end position in fantasy football remains one of the game’s most perplexing challenges, often determining the fine line between a championship contender and a team scrambling for weekly production. As the 2025 season approaches, managers face a familiar yet evolving landscape, characterized by a handful of undisputed elite options alongside a compelling array of emerging talents poised to reshape the league. Securing a consistent, high-impact fantasy football tight end is a strategic advantage that can elevate an entire roster.
Brock Bowers, for instance, enters the 2025 campaign with immense hype, having shattered rookie receiving yard records in 2024 despite less-than-ideal quarterback play. With the addition of Geno Smith and a stable pass-catching environment, Bowers is primed to build upon his stellar debut, showcasing his potential as a true game-changer and a top-tier fantasy football tight end. His athleticism and red-zone prowess make him an invaluable asset for any fantasy roster.
Trey McBride has quietly ascended to become a premium option at the position, demonstrating remarkable consistency in 2024. Despite experiencing unusually bad touchdown luck, recording only two scores on an impressive 111 catches and 1,146 yards, he still finished as TE2. Should McBride maintain his elite receiving volume and see a natural positive regression in his touchdown rate, he possesses a legitimate pathway to claiming the overall TE1 title, making him a cornerstone for fantasy success.
The seasoned veteran George Kittle continues to defy expectations, consistently delivering top-five fantasy production throughout his illustrious career, save for injury-shortened seasons. Coming off his best statistical output since 2018, where he eclipsed 1,300 receiving yards, Kittle embodies reliability. His dynamic playmaking ability and integral role in the 49ers’ offense ensure he remains a highly sought-after commodity in tight end rankings, offering both a high floor and significant upside.
T.J. Hockenson, when healthy, has proven himself as a high-end fantasy contributor for several years. While his 2024 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just ten games without a touchdown, his previous performance as TE4 in 2023 with nearly 1,000 yards underscores his potential. Hockenson is projected to become a crucial security blanket for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025, positioning him for a strong bounce-back season and consistent target share.
Evan Engram emerges as a significant sleeper pick for the upcoming season, having inked a new two-year deal with the Broncos after an injury-plagued 2024. His Pro Bowl 2023 season saw him set career highs in catches (114) and yards (963), showcasing his receiving upside. Under Sean Payton’s offense, Engram is expected to assume a “big slot” role akin to Marques Colston, suggesting a high volume of targets and making him a compelling mid-round value at tight end.
Mark Andrews’ fantasy production has seen some fluctuation, yet he concluded last season with a career-high 11 touchdowns. Despite his receiving yardage trending downwards over the past two seasons, Andrews remains an excellent fantasy tight end. His proven red-zone efficiency and connection with his quarterback ensure he maintains a valuable spot in the top 10, presenting a similar yet slightly less consistent outlook than some of his peers.
The 2025 class introduces intriguing rookie talents like Tyler Warren, who, despite his newcomer status, has impressed with his physical prowess and performance throughout training camp. At 6-foot-5 and nearly 260 pounds, the former No. 14 overall pick excels in yards after catch and offers immense upside as a red-zone threat. Following a trend of rookie tight ends finishing as TE1 in recent seasons, Warren possesses the talent to continue this remarkable trajectory and become a breakout player.
Similarly, Colston Loveland, a top-10 draft pick, signifies a clear offensive plan for immediate involvement. The Bears’ decision to select Loveland despite existing offensive weapons speaks volumes about his projected role. His impressive 37% target share and 40% air yards while active at Michigan highlight his receiving capabilities. Under Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme, Loveland is expected to see significant work, solidifying his position as a high-upside rookie tight end to watch in 2025 fantasy football rankings.
