It might be way too early for tight-end rankings. But admit it, you’re already missing fantasy football. You’re probably already jumping on the mock drafts just for some practice. Part four of the rankings has some real sleepers who might not even be drafted come August. You’ll be able to pick some of these guys up on waivers.
Way Too Early Fantasy Tight End Rankings – Part 4
37. Gerald Everett
Everett is one of the most powerful ball carriers in the league. An erratic Chargers offense hasn’t helped him for the last couple of seasons. But Jim Harbaugh is here to save the day (maybe). Everett’s contract runs out in March, but he’ll likely re-sign with the Chargers, or they’ll place the franchise tag on him. And if Justin Herbert can stay healthy Everett should have an even better season in 2024. And his 2023 total of 51 catches was the second most he’s had in a single season.
When Harbaugh coached the 49ers in 2013 Vernon Davis caught 52 passes and scored 13 touchdowns. If Harbaugh can replicate that with the Chargers Everett could be the best tight end in fantasy football. It all depends on how highly you rate Herbert.
38. Tyler Higbee
Staying in LA, the Rams tight end had a down year in 2023. He caught 47 passes, which was his fewest since 2020. And his 495 receiving yards were his fewest since 2018. The Rams passing offense revolved around Puka Nacua in 2023. But if defenses figure out how to cover him in 2024 Higbee could be an important piece for Sean McVay.
Higbee scored 108.5 fantasy points last season, but he missed two games. Higbee did average 10.5 yards per touch in 2023, his best average since 2020. The Rams extended his contract in September. So, he’s far from over the hill, the Rams just need to use him more regularly.
39. Durham Smythe
Another tight end on a team with superstar receivers, Smythe only caught 35 passes in 2023. That may not seem like a lot, but it was the third most in the Dolphins team. He didn’t catch a touchdown pass though as the Dolphins preferred to run it in the redzone. Despite that Smythe still scored 71.6 fantasy points last season. If Mike McDaniel can find a way to use him as a redzone target Smythe could have an even better season in 2024.
40. Colby Parkinson
The Seahawks tight end looks like he should play lead guitar in a thrash metal band and who knows, he might do that in the offseason. But he’s 6 feet 7 inches tall and, like Smythe, should be one of his team’s biggest red-zone weapons. But he hasn’t been so far in his career. He’s only caught 50 passes in the last two seasons and only four of them have been scoring passes. But with Noah Fant hitting free agency Parkinson should have an expanded role in the Seahawks passing game.
Parkinson only scored 61.7 fantasy points in 2023. But he’s stepped up the depth chart and with a new offensive coordinator, he should have a better season in 2024.
41. Daniel Bellinger
The Giants offense was a disaster in 2023. Daniel Jones only won one game out of the six he played. And Jones got injured and Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor had to play in the next 11 games. They even had to entice Justin Pugh out of retirement to bolster their offensive line.
Bellinger only caught 25 passes (five fewer than in 2022) and failed to score a touchdown. But the tight end did average 10.2 yards per touch when they managed to get him the ball. He only scored 50.5 fantasy points last season, but with a more stable lineup (and a head coach who doesn’t want to fight his defensive coordinator) he should have a better 2024.
42. Irv Smith Jr.
We’ve all been waiting for the Irv Smith Jr. Breakout season for about four years now. And his move to Cincinnati looked like it was going to accelerate his career. But then Joe Burrow got injured. And then Smith Jr. Suffered an injury of his own. Surely his luck has to change this year?
The tight end only started 6 games in 2023 and he only caught 18 passes. He has to be better in 2024, surely?
43. Connor Heyward
Heyward should be a much bigger part of the Steelers’ offense than he has been up until now. Hopefully, Arthur Smith will realize that. Heyward can line up at tight end or as a fullback. He only had 24 touches of the ball in 2023 but averaged 7 yards per touch. That was a better average than any of the Steelers running backs managed.
Heyward only scored 39.7 fantasy points in 2023 but with a new offensive coordinator and hopefully a more varied offense that will improve in 2024.
44. Harrison Bryant
Bryant only scored 37.9 fantasy points in 2023, but he showed an awful lot of promise. The late-blooming tight end only caught 13 passes, but he scored three touchdowns. And eight of those receptions came in the last six games of the season when he hauled in 80% of his targets.
45. Donald Parham Jr.
Parham is an elite tight end and red-zone threat when he’s available. But due to a serious concussion and several other injuries, he’s very rarely available. 2024 has to be Parham Jr.’s last chance to show he can be a valuable player in the Chargers’ team.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
