Outlook: There are solid rookie seasons, and then there are the historic ones former Hawkeye Sam LaPorta put up last season. He wasn't only good for a rookie, he was the No.1 scoring fantasy tight end in any format imaginable. His 86-889-10 line on 120 targets put him in rarefied air in NFL history. LaPorta was thrust into an early season role as a receiver with the suspension to Jameson Williams, and continued to be the dance partner to St. Brown as the season continued. Not only did he also provide elite blocking, but was able to pile up 21 receptions, 178 yards and a score in the playoffs with a comically large brace on an injured knee. His historic start has already made him one of the best at his position, and with continuity in scheme and personnel, there is every reason to make LaPorta one of the first tight ends off the board.

Player Page | Track this player

Outlook: Nobody made bigger strides offensively for the Cardinals last season than McBride. After five games in 2023, the Colorado State alum had eight receptions for 79 yards and no touchdowns. He'd finish his second NFL campaign with 81 catches, 825 yards, and three scores. In the eight games he played with Murray, McBride posted a 53-538-2 line; if you project that over a 17-game schedule, that works out to 113 receptions, 1,143 yards, and 4.25 TDs.

Injuries played a part in McBride's rise to be sure -- Brown, the team's No. 1 receiver, didn't catch a pass after Nov. 26 -- and the arrival of Harrison as what the Cardinals hope will be a true WR1 puts a slight damper on the third-year tight end's outlook. Still, other than Harrison, none of Arizona's receiving options look as promising as McBride, and despite an influx of talent at the position around the NFL, it's hard not to view him as a top-five fantasy tight end for 2024.

Player Page | Track this player

Outlook: Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills showcased remarkable talent in his rookie season, despite initially starting as the second tight end on the team behind Dawson Knox. Despite this, he managed to amass an impressive 91 targets, a feat uncommon for rookie tight ends. Kincaid's emergence was notable, especially considering the rarity of rookies breaking into the top 12 at their position. However, his achievements were somewhat overshadowed by fellow rookie Sam LaPorta, who claimed the TE1 spot overall in 2023.

Now entering his sophomore season, Kincaid has solidified his position as the team's primary tight end, particularly with Buffalo's offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. Though he may have to contend a bit with Knox for playing time, Kincaid's prowess as a pass-catcher and overall playmaker positions him as a vital asset on a team in need of dynamic receivers. With the potential to ascend to fantasy superstardom, Kincaid offers managers both a high floor and elite upside, making him a wise investment despite a somewhat hefty draft price.

Player Page | Track this player