Your fantasy football draft is just around the corner, and finding that hidden gem at tight end can be the difference-maker! We’ve scouted five overlooked players poised for breakout 2025 seasons, including a potential rookie sensation and a veteran primed for a resurgence. Are you ready to snag a league-winning sleeper?
The countdown to the 2025 NFL season is nearly complete, and as fantasy football drafts enter their final stages, the strategic selection of a tight end has never been more critical. Unearthing hidden value at this position can be the decisive factor in building a championship-contending roster, offering a significant advantage over competitors who overlook these potential breakout stars. This comprehensive analysis delves into five tight end sleepers for the upcoming season, poised to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional returns on draft day.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz, despite being 34, presents a compelling case as a significant sleeper. Ranked surprisingly low, barely inside the top 20, Ertz’s potential for a resurgence is substantial, especially with a developing quarterback like Jayden Daniels entering his second NFL season. His proven ability to command targets in the red zone, exemplified by seven touchdowns last year, coupled with the defensive focus on star receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, positions Ertz to be a consistent and highly productive target down the middle of the field for the Commanders.
Rookie sensation Tyler Warren is another enticing prospect, currently flying under the radar outside of most top 10 tight end rankings. His collegiate performance at Penn State was nothing short of remarkable, boasting 104 catches, 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns in his final year. Warren’s exceptional athleticism and versatility, including over 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, suggest he could be a dynamic weapon in the Giants’ offense, offering both receiving prowess and a rare rushing upside for the tight end position.
Chig Okonkwo, often an afterthought in tight end discussions, is ripe for a breakout in his fourth NFL season. While his first three years have been inconsistent, the arrival of top overall pick Cam Ward as the Titans’ new franchise quarterback dramatically alters his outlook. With established threats like Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett drawing attention, Okonkwo, currently ranked around No. 23, could become a reliable third option, benefiting from a rookie quarterback’s tendency to target the middle of the field and providing excellent late-round value in fantasy drafts.
Evan Engram, when healthy, has demonstrated elite production, making him a prime fantasy football sleeper. His 2024 season in Jacksonville was marred by injuries, leading to a dip in numbers, but his previous 2023 campaign saw him amass an impressive 114 catches for 963 yards. Under Sean Payton’s innovative Broncos offense, Engram is slated for an amplified “joker” role, a strategic utilization that historically boosts tight end production. Paired with a promising young quarterback like Bo Nix, Engram is poised to re-enter the top tier of tight ends.
Hunter Henry of the Patriots offers low-end TE1 value, particularly due to the lack of elite receiving options on the New England depth chart. This situation guarantees him a significant target share, including opportunities in the slot. While his touchdown numbers were modest last year with two, the potential for increased red-zone targets, especially with rookie quarterback Drake Maye developing, makes Henry a reliable option for consistent catches and a strong contender for improved scoring opportunities, making him a viable sleeper.
The landscape of fantasy football is constantly evolving, and identifying undervalued assets is paramount to success. These five tight ends — Ertz, Warren, Okonkwo, Engram, and Henry — each possess unique attributes and circumstances that position them as high-upside sleepers for the 2025 season. Their potential to outperform their average draft position makes them essential considerations for any fantasy manager looking to gain a competitive edge and secure a crucial positional advantage.
Ultimately, a keen eye for value and a willingness to take calculated risks are hallmarks of a successful fantasy draft. By prioritizing these hidden gems at tight end, managers can construct a robust roster capable of weathering the season’s challenges and consistently delivering points. The upcoming season promises to be filled with unexpected stars, and these tight ends are at the forefront of that potential.
