One of the best ways to get an edge over the competition in fantasy football is by taking the time to dig into the rookie class that will be pouring into player pools in between seasons. It can be extremely beneficial to know the molds of each important player and how quickly and effectively their game may or may not translate to the NFL. Some players may thrive better in certain systems or wind up in landing spots that don’t have as clear a path to fantasy success as others. Being in the know on which players have the ability to be a significant contributor on day one is a golden ticket to winning your leagues on draft day. Here, I’m going through the top tight ends in this year’s draft class and seeing who may be the best for fantasy football out the gate. There are some great prospects in this bunch of hybrid pass-catchers that have the chance to alter a team’s offense upon impact.

#1 Tyler Warren – Penn State

Player Comp: Taysom Hill | Landing Spot: New York Jets

Tyler Warren is one of the more unique tight end prospects in recent history, shooting up draft boards after an impressive, 2024 season as the focal point of Penn State’s offense. The Nittany Lion had a litany of targets thrust his way by any means necessary, with manufactured looks getting the football in his hands as much as possible. He accounted for 53 percent of his team’s passing offense with 104 catches on the year, dwarfing the next-closest teammate at 46 receptions. There are some concerns about how his game will translate, with 31 screen receptions and 63% of his receptions coming within five yards of the line of scrimmage. He even had a package as the wildcat QB, and he totaled 26 carries for 218 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He is a big body with a monstrous 6’5″, 256 lb build, and while he lacks immediate burst when turning upfield, he is a beast with a full head of steam. Warren’s not as polished of a route runner, but he is an undeniable talent that could be molded into one of the best in the league in a hurry.

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#2 Colston Loveland – Michigan

Player Comp: Dallas Goedert | Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams

Arguably the best route runner in this year’s tight end class, Colston Loveland has the potential to become a team’s top target in his rookie season. He is smooth as butter, with some finesse in his routes that are rare for a man that massive. He’s got impressive speed for a 6’6″, 248 pound tight end, and can run any route imaginable. That immense size is matched by a large catch radius and some reliable hands, but can have trouble with focus on contested catches in tight windows. Loveland’s a great all around player, even with some solid run blocking chops. He does have a couple knocks to his game, but he should be able to overcome them when getting his footing in the NFL. He only forced seven missed tackles in his last two seasons, and surprisingly lacks some physicality for his stature. There may be a decent chance Loveland outproduces Warren in their rookie year, and he could erupt if he winds up at a fitting landing spot.

#3 Harold Fannin Jr. – Bowling Green

Player Comp: Juwan Johnson | Landing Spot: Chicago Bears

Harold Fannin Jr. had one of the best college tight end seasons in recent memory, averaging 120 yards per game and leading all of college football in receiving yards in 2024. While he was often looking like the best player on the field against the MAC competition at Bowling Green, he still showed out against the better opponents on their schedule. He had at least 125 yards in 8-of-13 contests, capping off the year by feasting in the bowl game against Arkansas State, ending with 17 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown. He was undeniable, but he likely won’t have the same athletic separation in the NFL. Interestingly, Fannin was a safety in high school and is just 20 years old in 6’3″, 241 lb frame. He had some average athletic testing at the combine, and ran a 4.71 40-yard dash. With an amazing top speed, he’s also impressively sturdy, with 34 missed tackles forced after the catch in 2024.

#4 Elijah Arroyo – Miami

Player Comp: Jonnu Smith | Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers

One of Cam Ward’s top targets from the 2024 season, Elijah Arroyo is another strong rookie out of Miami that is something more of a boom-or-bust prospect. At an impressive 6’5”, 250 lbs He’s the fastest tight end in the class, and that’s clear as day on film. He missed significant time in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons with simultaneous bone bruise and ACL injuries, and because of that he totaled just 46 catches in four seasons. Though the sample was rather small, he had an average depth of target of 11.1 yards and had just one drop in all of 2024. He shredded man coverage and operated mostly out of slot alignment. One interesting note I first heard from Josh Norris at Underdog, Arroyo had just 11 receptions within 9 or fewer air yards, which is where most tight ends do their damage. However, they also pointed out that Miami WR Xavier Restrepo’s presence may have limited the underneath looks available to Arroyo, and could add those to his arsenal at the next level. He may have more trouble contributing right away, but he is extremely exciting as a dynasty option or late round flyer in best ball.

#5 Mason Taylor – LSU

Player Comp: Tucker Kraft | Landing Spot: Houston Texans

Son of Hall of Fame pass rusher Jayson Taylor, Mason is a player who has a statistical profile opposite of the previous entry on the list. His talent on tape is much more apparent than his underwhelming contributions in the box score might suggest. He had 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. Taylor had some great athletic testing to go with great size at 6’5” 250 lbs. He’s fast enough to win downfield, a fluid route runner despite his size, and has some good YAC ability. Taylor works really well in the intermediate area between 5 and 15 yards. He lacks some physicality when separating from defenders, and he needs to improve his run blocking as well. He should be a solid NFL TE, but his landing spot will likely dictate his year one production.

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