WINNERS
KYLE PITTS – ATLANTA FALCONS
The most obvious winner among all rookie tight ends just happens to be the best rookie tight end, perhaps of all time. Pitts lands in a situation in which he can have an immediate impact. He gets an elite quarterback flanked by two elite wide receivers in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the league. This is as close to a sure thing as you can get.
PAT FREIERMUTH – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
They have called him “Baby Gronk” and you can see why. He’s an excellent run blocker and more than adequate pass catcher. This means he should see plenty of game time. However, there are a lot of mouths to feed in Pittsburgh and we don’t know which Big Ben we’re going to get this year. We need to lower expectations for this year but he should be a consistent figure in this offense for years to come.
BREVIN JORDAN – HOUSTON TEXANS
This is an unfortunate landing spot for Jordan due to the quarterback uncertainty but the Texans are in need of playmakers. His athleticism and lack of other receiving options might overcome a bad situation. He has the size, the speed, and the hands which can cause matchup nightmare’s at the tight end position. Even a half-competent quarterback should be able to take advantage.
LOSERS
HUNTER LONG – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Possibly the best all-around tight end in this class but doesn’t wow in any particular way. That could help him see the field early but there won’t be much fantasy value from him. He’s behind a better, established tight end and the Dolphins have enough outside weapons to not need a second tight end much. He’s more of a compliment than a stand-alone option.
TOMMY TREMBLE – CAROLINA PANTHERS
As of right now, he would be the sixth target, at best, on this Panthers squad. He should easily beat out Ian Thomas for playing time but will spend a lot of time behind newly acquired Dan Arnold. If you can stash him in dynasty, do it. This season won’t yield much but if Sam Darnold turns things around and this offense gets going, Tremble will be the number one tight end and a major target in this offense
KENNY YEBOAH – NEW YORK JETS
Yeboah comes into an offense with just too many pieces and a very unproven offense. Aside from being the number two tight end, there are six quality receivers and at least three running backs who are more than capable pass catchers. There are simply not enough targets to go around. Perhaps him and rookie Zach Wilson develop a connection that bears fruit in the future but it won’t happen anytime soon.