NEWSLETTER
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.
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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:
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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.
