2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Tight Ends
2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Tight Ends As the annual NFL Draft approaches, Dynasty Football managers are gearing up to evaluate the incoming rookie class. The tight end position, often tricky to project for fantasy production, offers a promising group this year. While landing spots and draft capital will ultimately shape their rookie-year value, this pre-draft ranking focuses on talent, college production, and potential fantasy upside. FullTime Fantasy‘s 2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Tight Ends is a great place to start. The 2025 tight end class lacks a singular elite prospect like Brock Bowers but boasts depth and variety. Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland headline the group as potential first-rounders with immediate fantasy relevance. Harold Fannin Jr.’s upside is undeniable, while players like Gunnar Helm and Elijah Arroyo offer intriguing value if they land in favorable situations. As the draft nears, keep an eye on team fits and offensive schemes—these will determine which of these rookies can make a splash in fantasy football come September 2025. For now, this ranking serves as a pre-draft roadmap for dynasty managers and forward-thinking redraft players alike. Here are the top 10 rookie tight ends for the 2025 fantasy football season. 1. Tyler Warren (Penn State) Tyler Warren stands out as the cream of the 2025 tight end crop. At 6’6” and 256 pounds, he’s a matchup nightmare with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. In 2024, Warren led Penn State with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate as a receiver. His physicality after the catch—ranking second among tight ends in missed tackles forced—makes him a YAC threat. While his run-blocking needs refinement, Warren’s receiving prowess and red-zone potential position him as a potential Day 1 fantasy starter, especially if he lands with a pass-heavy offense. Check out Tyler Warren’s scouting report here. 2. Colston Loveland (Michigan) Colston Loveland is another blue-chip prospect with first-round buzz. At 6’5” and 248 pounds, he anchored Michigan’s passing game in 2024 despite a lackluster offense, hauling in 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games before a shoulder injury sidelined him. His 37.6% target share and 2.67 yards per route run highlight his efficiency and reliability. Loveland’s versatility—he lined up in the slot, inline, and out wide—makes him a modern tight end with TE1 upside. If he lands with a quarterback who can maximize his skill set, he’s a prime fantasy target. 3. Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) Harold Fannin Jr. turned heads with a historic 2024 season at Bowling Green, setting NCAA tight end records with 117 receptions and 1,555 yards, plus 10 touchdowns. At 6’4” and 241 pounds, he’s a bit undersized for a traditional tight end, but his explosive receiving ability compensates. Fannin led all tight ends in forced missed tackles and posted elite yards-after-catch numbers (873 YAC in 2024). His production against Power Four teams like Penn State (11 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD) alleviates concerns about competition level. Fannin’s fantasy ceiling is sky-high if he lands in a creative offense. 4.. Elijah Arroyo (Miami) Elijah Arroyo’s limited usage at Miami belies his tantalizing potential. In 2024, he turned 35 catches into 590 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.9 yards per reception—the second-best among this class’s tight ends. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, Arroyo’s speed (estimated 4.5-4.6 40-yard dash) and zero career drops scream upside. His versatility—lining up in the slot or as a wingback—adds to his appeal. Arroyo needs to bulk up and refine his route-running, but in the right system, he could emerge as a deep-league fantasy sleeper as a rookie. Miami TE Elijah Arroyo has a compelling second- and third-level acceleration that is magnified when he’s using burst motion. I would think that any NFL team using a lot of that would find him quite interesting. pic.twitter.com/vQwMpDcCTw — Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 30, 2025 5. Gunnar Helm (Texas) Gunnar Helm emerged as a breakout star for Texas in 2024, stepping up after Ja’Tavion Sanders’ departure. The 6’5”, 252-pound senior recorded 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the Longhorns in catches. Helm’s 80% catch rate and short-area quickness make him a reliable chain-mover with sneaky upside. While not an elite athlete, his soft hands and ability to win above the rim suggest he could carve out a role as a possession tight end with red-zone appeal. His fantasy value hinges on landing with a quarterback who targets tight ends consistently. 6. Mason Taylor (LSU) Mason Taylor, son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, brings a polished two-way skill set to the table. At 6’5” and 251 pounds, he finished his LSU career with 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns. In 2024, he posted 36-plus catches for the third straight year, showcasing consistency. Taylor’s athleticism and reliable hands give him a high floor, though his lack of elite production limits his ceiling. He profiles as a backup or committee tight end in the NFL, making him a late-round dynasty stash rather than an immediate fantasy contributor. 7. Terrance Ferguson (Oregon) Terrance Ferguson’s 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine—the fastest among tight ends—underscored his big-play potential. At 6’5” and 255 pounds, he averaged 13.7 yards per catch in 2024 (43 receptions, 591 yards). Ferguson’s speed and size make him a vertical threat, though his lack of run-blocking prowess could cap his snap count as a rookie. His fantasy value depends heavily on landing with a team that prioritizes his receiving skills over blocking. He also boasted a lofty 9.32 Relative Athletic Score. Terrance Ferguson is a TE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.32 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 91 out of 1331 TE from 1987 to 2025. https://t.co/eU0MCtjhuQ pic.twitter.com/HQRrNyN6wr — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 30, 2025 8. Oronde Gadsden II (Syracuse) Oronde Gadsden II’s classification as a tight end is debated—he’s often more of a big slot receiver—but at 6’5”
2025 NFL Free Agents: Tight Ends
2025 NFL Free Agent Movement: Tight Ends In fantasy football, there is no offseason. Before the NFL finalizes its year, fantasy football fans are preparing for the next draft season. That is especially true in dynasty football. Part of good preparation is knowing about the upcoming crop of NFL free agents. The draft can dramatically shake rosters. However, free agency begins in March and is the first major “new” season event. Therefore, it is important to note which veterans are signing and how that could impact the upcoming NFL draft. Let’s conclude FullTime Fantasy‘s free agent analysis with another underwhelming group. This is our 2025 NFL Free Agents: Tight Ends. Also, check out our Free Agents: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers. Player Pos. 2024 Team 2025 Team Type Age 2024 Salary Evan Engram TE Jaguars Denver UFA 31 $7,000,000 Tyler Conklin TE Jets Chargers UFA 30 $6,750,000 Juwan Johnson TE Saints Saints UFA 29 $6,005,000 Mo Alie-Cox TE Colts UFA 32 $5,850,000 Durham Smythe TE Dolphins Bears UFA 30 $3,375,000 Harrison Bryant TE Raiders Eagles UFA 27 $3,250,000 Pharaoh Brown TE Seahawks Dolphins UFA 31 $3,200,000 Austin Hooper TE Patriots Patriots UFA 31 $3,000,000 Zach Ertz TE Commanders Commanders UFA 35 $3,000,000 Mike Gesicki TE Bengals Bengals UFA 30 $2,500,000 Marcedes Lewis TE Bears UFA 41 $2,000,000 Johnny Mundt TE Vikings Jaguars UFA 31 $2,000,000 Jordan Akins TE Browns UFA 33 $1,950,000 Kenny Yeboah TE Jets Lions UFA 27 $1,425,000 Chris Manhertz TE Giants Giants UFA 33 $1,377,500 Ian Thomas TE Panthers UFA 29 $1,300,000 Tanner Hudson TE Bengals Bengals UFA 31 $1,292,500 Ross Dwelley TE Falcons UFA 30 $1,292,500 MyCole Pruitt TE Steelers UFA 33 $1,260,000 Hunter Long TE Rams Jaguars UFA 27 $1,242,174 Tommy Tremble TE Panthers Panthers UFA 25 $1,231,609 Nick Vannett TE Titans UFA 32 $1,210,000 Geoff Swaim TE Browns UFA 32 $1,210,000 Eric Saubert TE 49ers Seahawks UFA 31 $1,210,000 C.J. Uzomah TE Eagles UFA 32 $1,210,000 Irv Smith Jr. TE Texans UFA 27 $1,125,000 Hayden Hurst TE Chargers UFA 32 $1,125,000 Josiah Deguara TE Jaguars UFA 28 $1,125,000 Tyler Davis TE Packers UFA 28 $1,075,000 Jack Stoll TE Dolphins Saints UFA 27 $1,055,000 John Bates TE Commanders Commanders UFA 28 $1,050,604 Kylen Granson TE Colts Eagles UFA 27 $1,046,591 John FitzPatrick TE Packers RFA 25 $985,000 Stephen Carlson TE Bears Bears UFA 29 $985,000 Teagan Quitoriano TE Texans RFA 25 $985,000 Quintin Morris TE Bills RFA 26 $985,000 Jody Fortson TE Chiefs UFA 30 $985,000 Peyton Hendershot TE Chiefs RFA 26 $985,000 Shane Zylstra TE Lions Lions RFA 29 $985,000 Luke Farrell TE Jaguars 49ers UFA 28 $959,505 Jake Tonges TE 49ers ERFA 26 $915,000 Blake Whiteheart TE Browns ERFA 25 $915,000 Brady Russell TE Seahawks ERFA 27 $915,000 Brayden Willis TE 49ers ERFA 26 $915,000 Tucker Fisk TE Chargers ERFA 26 $915,000 Dalton Keene TE Texans RFA 26 $915,000 Feleipe Franks TE Panthers Falcons UFA 27 $875,556 Stone Smartt TE Chargers Jets RFA 28 $855,000 Travis Vokolek TE Cardinals ERFA 27 $832,500 Lucas Krull TE Broncos ERFA 27 $832,500 Cam Grandy TE Bengals ERFA 26 $795,000 Robert Tonyan TE Vikings Chiefs UFA 31 302,400 Stephen Sullivan TE Panthers SFA 29 $302,400 Tommy Sweeney TE Bears SFA 30 $302,400 Baylor Cupp TE Chiefs SFA 25 $256,667 2025 is not a good year to need a tight end in fantasy or the NFL. The only above-average starter even available is Zach Ertz. However, Ertz turns 35 this season and ranked outside the top 25 in yards per route run, yards per catch, and separation. Ertz earned a raise over last year’s $3 million salary but is likely to sign a short-term deal with a contender or re-sign with the Commanders. The Jets restructured Tyler Conklin‘s contract, allowing him to hit unrestricted free agency this year. The timing might work to Conklin’s benefit as the lack of available talent will help Conklin sign another multi-year deal. Still, Conkin is a serviceable NFL tight end but has middling fantasy value as a streamable TE2. Juwan Johnson signed a 2-year, $12 million deal with New Orleans in 2023 but will test the open market. A return to the cash-strapped Saints is unlikely. Johnson has a pair of top-20 PPR finishes under his belt. However, he has never had the opportunity to be a full-time starter. There is a good chance he finally gets his chance and could secure a 3-to-4 year deal in the neighborhood of $28-32 million. Mike Gesicki posted overall TE13 numbers while also splitting snaps. The best-case scenario would be for Gesicki to return to Cincinnati, who led the league in passing and ranked sixth in scoring. If that happens, Gesicki will garner attention as a solid late-round value for fantasy managers who punt the position. However, if Gesicki joins a lesser offense, he will have a hard time being fantasy-relevant. The majority of the remaining veteran free-agent tight ends won’t attract much fantasy attention. Austin Hooper has some solid games in New England but is merely an aging journeyman. Hayden Hurst could attract attention but will be 32. A dark horse to have dynasty value is Tommy Tremble who has flashed potential and will be 25. Tremble could warrant attention as a potential starter, making him a proactive waiver wire dynasty stash. Position Grade: 2/10 The 2025 NFL season is just getting started and it’s time to get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord! All morning on Sunday, Senior Analyst Jody Smith will be standing by to answer all your crucial start/sit and keep you updated with all the latest news and injury updates. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! GET THE LATEST ARTICLES AND UPDATES Subscribe to our FREE newsletter – Breaking Fantasy news & site updates! Like and share our new Facebook page! Be sure to pay attention to our giveaways for your shot at some sweet prizes!
