Fantasy Football Expert Justin Edwards looks at the initial Fantasy Football TE rankings and projections for 2023.
“We have a few surprises that sit atop the list. Though the rankings will shift throughout the Summer months, it’s important to keep an eye on fluctuating average draft positions (ADPs) to keep a leg-up on your league mates!”
2023 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings
*As always, the projections and rankings are courtesy of 4for4’s half-point TE PPR rankings!
# | Player | Team |
1 | Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs |
2 | Mark Andrews | Baltimore Ravens |
3 | T.J. Hockenson | Minnesota Vikings |
4 | George Kittle | San Francisco 49ers |
5 | Dallas Goedert | Philadelphia Eagles |
6 | Darren Waller | Las Vegas Raiders |
7 | Evan Engram | Jacksonville Jaguars |
8 | David Njoku | Cleveland Browns |
9 | Kyle Pitts | Atlanta Falcons |
10 | Tyler Higbee | Los Angeles Rams |
*Get the Full 2023 TE Draft Rankings
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What Stands Out:
Darren Waller is a top-six option despite finishing 2022 as fantasy’s TE28.
Analysis:
After a down year filled with injuries, Darren Waller has a new quarterback, a new home, and ample opportunity for a high target share.
A Lack of Competition
One of the biggest complaints about the furthered development of Daniel Jones is the dearth of talent the team has surrounded him with early in his career.
The Giants took minor steps to get that receiver room up to below-average-to-average this offseason, mostly revolving around third-round pick Jalin Hyatt, but he could also be perceived as a redundant asset on a team already filled with slot options.
This may turn into a benefit for the newly acquired Darren Waller, who has the opportunity to soak up targets, assuming he has fully recovered from lower body injuries.
At first look, that feels like an uphill battle, as Daniel Jones targeted the position at a minuscule 14.9% rate last year, a higher rate than only two full-time starters (Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Allen).
However, we have to consider the lack of talent at the position, as well as a lingering eye injury to rookie Daniel Bellinger. If we rewind to the 2021 season on 4for4’s Team Stat Explorer, when Evan Engram was the starting TE, Jones targeted the tight end position at a 20.5% clip.
It’s not unreasonable to assume that Waller may lead the team in receiving yards during the 2023 season as an underneath option for Daniel Jones, who is notoriously opposed to testing the defense deep.
Waller is easily in the best spot for a TE who finds himself on a new team; above Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, or any of the rookies.
Who is Darren Waller?
Darren Waller is an NFL tight end for the New York Giants who played college football at Georgia Tech and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Waller was previously the highest-paid tight end in the league with the Las Vegas Raiders before being traded this off-season for a compensatory 2023 third-round pick.
Are there any other tight ends to look out for in the 2023 fantasy football drafts?
It’s difficult to predict with certainty who will emerge as top tight ends in the 2023 fantasy drafts. However, several up-and-coming players to keep an eye on include Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons, Greg Dulcich of the Denver Broncos, and Michael Mayer of the Las Vegas Raiders. With their potential and youthfulness, they could make valuable additions to fantasy teams in the future.
How often are fantasy football rankings updated?
Fantasy football rankings are updated frequently during the offseason and leading up to the start of the regular season. It’s important to check for the latest updates to make informed decisions.