Sleeper tight ends are players expected to exceed their draft position. The tight-end position is volatile; outside of the top-tier assets, the remaining production is variable. Production can be due to touchdowns or weeks where an offensive target leader is injured. Let’s identify versatile sleeper tight ends who will offer upside within the structure of their offense.
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Now, let's look at tight ends drafted outside of the Top 10 who could provide TE1 production.
To be clear, we define sleepers as players who we think will perform better than most expect and be undervalued at their average draft position.
Sleeper TE: Brock Bowers, Las Vegas (ADP: TE11)
The notion that rookie tight ends can't be quality fantasy assets has been turned on its head recently.. It is plausible for a rookie tight end to produce, like every other tight end, so long as they are a top target on their respective teams. Bowers has the opportunity to claim the second target behind Davante Adams. New Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense should favor Bowers. During the preseason, Bowers lined up in-line, out-wide, in the slot, and in the backfield, where he caught a play-action pass.
Additionally, there may be carries for Bowers as Las Vegas practiced this during camp. He is being drafted as TE11 or the 99th overall selection. If you are risk averse, this selection is not for you. Some even label Bowers as a potential bust. But Bowers' versatility and opportunity to be a top target makes his perceived risky selection worth the potential reward.
Sleeper TE: Taysom Hill, New Orleans (ADP: TE18)
Hill’s versatility offers a unique upside being drafted as the TE18, or 159th overall. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak let Hill know his importance to the offense. Hill’s skillset will be utilized as a wide receiver, running back, and occasionally as a quarterback. In the preseason opener with the starters, his utilization was two snaps out-wide, two in-line (TE), one backfield, and one in the slot. The important factor for any backfield snaps is the contribution around the goal line. Hill had seven goal line carries in 2023 for three touchdowns. Within 10 yards, he had 18 carries for three touchdowns. New Orleans has no firepower after Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. The door is wide open for Hill to outproduce his draft cost.
Sleeper TE: Jonnu Smith, Miami (ADP: TE26)
In 2023, Smith had the eighth most yards-after-catch among tight ends while having the 19th most receptions. Mike McDaniel is a creative play-caller who has been utilizing Smith’s athletic skillset during the preseason. Smith has received jet sweeps, screens, and plays out of the backfield. McDaniel will find innovative ways to get Smith the ball to utilize his ability to create and produce in space. Smith is an easy selection as TE26, or 199th overall. I would not be surprised if Smith finishes as a back-end TE1.
Final Thoughts
You do not want to be the leaguemate who drafts a tight end first. Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta will undoubtedly be favored in their respective offenses; their draft cost is just too high, given their fantasy output. It will behoove you to not draft a tight end within the first couple of rounds. The progression in the average draft position for the nominated sleeper tight ends establishes the opportunity to find potential TE1 production later in your draft. There is massive value and reward to be found when waiting to draft a tight end. It will be important to remember to take an educated guess on a player. Find the versatile asset who will be schemed within an offense.