Because of an abundance of coaching changes and free-agent movement, so much changes from year to year in the NFL, and thus fantasy football, that what worked two years ago might not be relevant this year or next.
Just ask the people who listened to fantasy analysts who gave the same old sad advice that you shouldn’t draft a rookie tight end.
If your trusted fantasy analysts gave you that advice, it’s time to move on to someone who understands the modern game.
It is true that in years past, drafting a rookie tight end was a risky and often unsuccessful proposition, but with what we have witnessed this season, it’s time to cue up Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changing.”
Detroit’s Sam LaPorta, Arizona’s Trey McBride and Buffalo’s Dalton Kincaid are all among the top 12 in fantasy points this season and have stabilized a position often considered a throwaway by most.
LaPorta has shined the brightest, earning the honor of Best Rookie Tight End.
From his first career touchdown in Week 3 to his massive three-touchdown game in Week 15, LaPorta’s production has been steady throughout the year — sitting behind just Travis Kelce and T.J. Hockenson in total fantasy points at the position.
McBride and Kincaid got off to slower starts, but by Weeks 6 and 7, both were must-plays for anyone smart enough to roster them.
Each one has been either second or third in targets on their respective teams and will continue to shine as you near your championship game.
In addition to the “Big Three,” we have also seen some potential breakouts who have contributed at times throughout the season.
They have been tougher to trust in the seasonal fantasy game, but players such as Green Bay’s Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft or even Dallas’ Luke Schoonmaker have helped cash numerous lineups on DraftKings, FanDuel and other DFS sites.
Even the Rams’ Davis Allen saw his time to shine when he filled in for an injured Tyler Higbee in Week 14.
Football is continuously evolving, and those who play the fantasy game need to as well.
Stop ignoring rookie tight ends because some stodgy, old analyst stuck in 1992 told you not to draft them. Pay attention to the emergence of this position and how each year, we receive a bigger and better influx of rookie tight ends capable of dominating at the NFL level.
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In fact, the University of Iowa has become a tight end factory lauded by NFL coaches across the league, so maybe keep names like Erick All and Luke Lachey on your radar for next season.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to Fantasy-Alarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.