Fantasy football analysts, myself included, have definitely gotten caught saying "this is the year of the tight end" more times than we can count. But if you called it for 2025, you were absolutely right, and it looks like it could get even wilder this season. Last year, a staggering 15 tight ends crushed it, averaging at least 8.0 half-PPR points per game. That's a serious jump from just 10 in 2024, and it blows past the combined total of 15 tight ends hitting that mark across both 2022 and 2023. It's time to get a plan for your draft.
Tier 1: Bowers and McBride Are About to Explode
Okay, let's talk about the top dogs, the guys you're eyeing in Rounds 2 and 3: Brock Bowers and Trey McBride. Look, McBride was the Fantasy TE1 last season, no doubt, but I'm telling you, Bowers is the guy in the top spot for 2026. This dude is set to lead the entire position in targets, and yeah, I'm calling it: he finishes as the best Fantasy tight end this year. He's absolutely worth snagging as early as the middle of Round 2. Remember his rookie campaign in 2024? Amazing. He put up 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns on a ridiculous 153 targets. He took a hit in 2025 with injuries a knee injury lingered all season plus some rough quarterback play and a struggling offense, limiting him to 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets in 12 games. If Bowers stays healthy, he's not just a good pick, he's a legitimate candidate for Fantasy MVP. You heard it here first.McBride's Monster Season and What's Next
Now, Trey McBride was flat-out magical last season, averaging a massive 14.4 half-PPR points per game. The next closest tight end was Tucker Kraft, way back at 12.1. McBride led the position in targets with 169, catches with 126, and yards with 1,239. He even tied Dallas Goedert for the touchdown lead with 11. That's pure dominance. But I'm expecting some regression this year. The Cardinals' run game should take a huge leap forward with Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier stepping up, and James Conner hopefully staying healthy. Plus, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson should be healthy all season. McBride is still going to be awesome, absolutely. But if you have to pick, I'd draft him after Bowers in early Round 3. This isn't just about rankings, it's about strategy, people! These tiers are your blueprint for Draft Day. Get your plan locked in, because with guys like Colston Loveland also in the mix in Tier 2, there's serious tight end talent to be had. Make sure you don't miss out on these game-changers.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.