2023 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rookie Tight End Sleepers

With rookie drafts underway, it’s time to evaluate this year’s 2023 rookie tight-end draft class. And that includes identifying some rookie sleepers.

Some of these players may not have the draft capital you typically look for in your prized young acquisitions, but there’s a chance you could hit big with one of these players in the late rounds of rookie drafts or even by picking them up as a free agent before the season starts. After all, those who have played in dynasty leagues know well the stories of players like Arian Foster and Victor Cruz, who became post-draft studs despite not being drafted. 

Let’s scour through the depth charts and find some solid dynasty rookie sleeper TEs for your upcoming rookie drafts.

Note: The players listed are not necessarily ranked in order.

[bet-promo id=”388335″ ]

Dynasty Rookie Draft Sleepers: Tight Ends

Darnell Washington, TE PIT

The Steelers already have a solid option in Pat Freiermuth, but Washington is an elite-level athlete who may have been under-utilized in college. It may take him a couple of years, and there’s no doubt he’s a boom or bust option. Still, there’s a lot to like here! The Steelers have long been known for their ability to work with pass catchers.

Brenton Strange, TE JAX

The Jaguars have Evan Engram for the time being, so Strange can be brought along slowly. Penn State has churned out some solid prospects in the past and using second-round draft capital on Strange is nothing to scoff at.

One thing you didn’t see at the NFL Combine was his ability to churn out receiving yards after the catch. While not at the same level as Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid, Strange should be on your radar based on his athleticism alone.

Tucker Kraft, TE GB

This group of tight ends is sure to fall in rookie drafts. But just because they aren’t first-round rookie prospects in dynasty drafts doesn’t mean it’s a bad tight-end class.

Kraft is a perfect example. While the former South Dakota State tight end may not be a household name and has to compete with fellow rookie Luke Musgrave in Green Bay, he could still be a diamond in the rough among tight ends. Chances are one of these two is going to emerge and the draft capital is going to be much higher on the other GB TE prospect. Kraft had an elite athleticism score at the combine and could win the battle at tight end to play an important role in the offense as early as this year.

Luke Schoonmaker, TE DAL

The Cowboys made Dalton Schultz an all-pro at the tight end position, so Schoonmaker landed in one of the best spots among all tight ends.

While his college football stats from the 2022 season don’t jump off the page, he will battle Jake Ferguson to start in the 2023 season and could be the next starter in Dallas eventually. His situation alone should have him on your rookie class draft boards and squarely on the radar for a late pick.

Josh Whyle, TE TEN

The Titans have seemingly been looking for a traditional tight end for years. If you’re in a deep league, Whyle is certainly worth a look with that in mind. Chig Okonkwo is getting all the hype right now, but he’s still largely unproven.

While Whyle doesn’t project as an elite tight end, he’s certainly someone to keep in your TE rankings for the 2023 NFL Dynasty rookie draft season. There are some out there who believe Whyle will overtake Okonkwo in training camp.

Will Mallory, TE IND

The Colts reportedly want to use multiple tight ends to make life easier on Anthony Richardson. If that’s the case, Mallory could carve out some value at the TE position as early as the 2023 season.

Jelani Woods is going to be the first tight end in line to emerge, but Kylen Gransen and Mo Alie-Cox aren’t really scaring anyone. If two tight ends can sustain value with Indianapolis, Mallory could eventually be one of them. As such, he’s a tight-end prospect to keep your eye on for the 2023 NFL season. Richardson will need as many safety valves as he can get.

Elijah Higgins, TE MIA

The Dolphins took Higgins but want to move his future NFL position from receiver to tight end. This is an interesting development since Miami only has Durham Smythe, Tyler Kroft, and Eric Saubert currently ahead of Higgins on the depth chart.

He has a long way to go before he’s the next TE in line, but you can certainly see a path to relevance for him in fantasy football leagues. There’s some real intrigue brewing here in South Beach.

Too mainstream to mention: Dalton Kinkaid, Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta, Luke Musgrave

Dynasty Fantasy Football: 2023 NFL Draft Rookie TE Sleeper Resources

For a complete list of all the Dynasty Rankings by position, check out our sister site Dynasty League Football’s extensive resources for dynasty content and rankings:

  • 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
  • 2023 Dynasty Rookie Quarterback Rankings
  • 2023 Dynasty Rookie Superflex Rankings
  • 2023 Dynasty Quarterback Rankings
  • [bet-promo id=”388335″ ]

    Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings Explained

    2023 Dynasty Rookie Tight End Sleepers Methodology

    Quarterbacks and pass catchers tend to have a much longer career arc but are more volatile week-to-week. When evaluating sleepers, it’s important to note not just the draft capital used on these players but their situations. Is there a clear path on the depth chart? Are they behind players who tend to get hurt? Are they in a system that fits their skill set? Did they drop in the draft due to character or health issues? These are all questions you need to answer when identifying your sleepers.

    How to Dominate Your Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Draft with Rookie TE Sleepers

    Study. Drafts are won and lost in the later rounds, not the first. It’s easy to rank the mainstream “blue chip” players and secure them early. However, dynasty rookie drafts are won in the later rounds as you can snag productive players for a fraction of the cost.

    2023 Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Tight End Rankings FAQ 

    What is the difference between Dynasty Rankings and Superflex Dynasty League Rankings?

    Dynasty rankings consist of a list of the top players who are expected to make an impact in the NFL for the upcoming season and for future seasons. These rankings are crucial for fantasy football players in traditional dynasty leagues, as they help determine the best players to add to their roster for long-term success.

    The main difference between the two is Superflex rankings include an additional premium on the quarterback position as the Superflex format allows for the starting of a second quarterback in the lineup. In Superflex Rankings, the players’ value as potential quarterback starters is taken into account. Whereas in traditional Dynasty Rankings, the rankings are primarily based on the players’ long-term value and contribution to a dynasty fantasy football team.

    In short, quarterbacks are going to be valued more in superflex leagues. There are fewer in the league and they score points on a more consistent basis.

    Why are quarterbacks and wide receivers often at the top of Dynasty Player Rankings?

    Quarterbacks and wide receivers are often at the top of dynasty rankings because they are key positions in fantasy football. Quarterbacks are the most valuable players on the field as they control the offense and have the ability to rack up points through passing touchdowns. Pass catchers are also valuable, as they can make big plays and score touchdowns. Again, both positions also have a longer career arc than running backs.

    written by

    Ken Kelly is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format. Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK

    more fantasy-football news

    How Zack Moss to the Bengals Impacts Fantasy Football

    The Cincinnati Bengals orchestrated a backfield makeover, trading veteran Joe Mixon to the Texans and signing Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million deal. This move leaves fantasy football managers wondering how Moss' arrival impacts the Bengals' backfield and his...

    The Fantasy Football Impact of Aaron Jones to the Vikings: RB2 Redemption or Risky Realignment?

    On March 12th, a changing of the guard occurred within the NFC North. Veteran running back Aaron Jones landed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving his longtime home with the Green Bay Packers. The fantasy football...

    The Fantasy Football Impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers: WR1 Revival or Bust?

    The NFL offseason keeps churning, and fantasy football managers are scrambling to adjust their draft strategies. The fantasy football impact of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers could be massive. One of the more impactful moves involved star wide receiver Diontae...

    Fantasy Football Fallout: Marquise Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024

    One year after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their receiving corps with the addition of burner Marquise Brown on a one-year, $11 million deal. While not the flashiest name on the free-agent market, Brown injects a...

    How Saquon Barkley to the Eagles Impacts Fantasy Football: An Ideal RB1 Fit

    The NFC East running back carousel made a stop in Philadelphia on Monday, March, 12th. Saquon Barkley inked a 3-year, $37.7 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing with the Eagles....

    How Calvin Ridley to the Titans Impacts Fantasy Football: A WR3 With Solid Upside

    Initially expected to choose between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots, Calvin Ridley landed a lucrative four-year, $92 million deal with the Titans, sending a smidge of shockwaves through the fantasy football community. Let's delve deeper into how...

    The Fantasy Football Impact of D’Andre Swift in Chicago

    The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with D'Andre Swift on a three-year deal worth $24 million as one of the earliest of the free agent RBs to find a new home. Let’s dive into the fantasy football implications of Swift’s...

    Fantasy Football Fallout 2024: Keenan Allen Traded to the Bears

    Late night on March 14th, the Chicago Bears traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen for a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears keep adding fantasy weapons, while the Los Angeles Chargers continue to free up salary cap...

    The Fantasy Football Impact of Josh Jacobs to the Packers in 2024

    The free agent running back carousel continues to spin this week with its next stop in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Josh Jacobs is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Packers worth $48 million to replace Aaron Jones who has...

    How Austin Ekeler to the Washington Commanders May Positively Impact Fantasy Football in 2024

    On Monday, March 11th, Austin Ekeler made a coastal switch by signing a two-year deal worth $11.4 million with the Washington Commanders. He joins a young running back room already consisting of Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez. Let’s delve into...

    Latest News

    OH MY: ANTHONY EDWARDS JUST HAD THE BEST DUNK OF THE YEAR

    Anthony Edwards has done it again. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar jammed the most impressive poster dunk of the season against the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Pushing the pace in transition during the third quarter, Edwards passed the ball...

    De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, De'Aaron Fox must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

    Malik Monk Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Grizzlies – Monday, March 18, 2024

    Will Malik Monk make three 3-pointers when the Sacramento Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 10:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Malik Monk's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the GrizzliesMalik Monk's over/under for three-pointers...

    Bogdan Bogdanovic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

    At 10:30 PM ET on Monday, it'll be the Atlanta Hawks against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Bogdan Bogdanovic needing three trifectas to beat his 3-pointer prop.Bogdan Bogdanovic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersBogdan Bogdanovic's over/under for three-pointers in this...

    Anthony Davis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks at 10:30 PM ET on Monday, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this clash requires just one make from Anthony Davis.Anthony Davis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksAnthony Davis' over/under...

    Dejounte Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – Monday, March 18, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, Dejounte Murray must make four from downtown on Monday, when his Atlanta Hawks face the Los Angeles Lakers, tipping off at 10:30 PM ET.Dejounte Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the LakersDejounte Murray's over/under for three-pointers...

    D’Angelo Russell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, D'Angelo Russell must make three from beyond the arc on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers play the Atlanta Hawks, starting at 10:30 PM ET.D'Angelo Russell's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksD'Angelo Russell's over/under for...

    LeBron James Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Hawks – Monday, March 18, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, LeBron James needs to make three from downtown on Monday, when his Los Angeles Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at 10:30 PM ET.LeBron James' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HawksLeBron James' over/under for...

    Finally, a Team Wanted the Reigning NL Cy Young Winner

    The rumors all wound up being true: Blake Snell would take a two-year deal in the $60 million range, the Giants were probably the favorites now, and the pressure was on to get something done. Per Jon Heyman, it two...

    Damian Lillard Pulled Up to Watch the Bulls Play the Trail Blazers

    Damian Lillard wants to be traded to the Chicago Bulls confirmed. The Milwaukee Bucks All-Star starter was a surprise guest at the Chicago Bulls' Monday night game. Lillard made the drive down from Milwaukee for an opportunity to sit courtside...

    more fantasy-football news