The 2022 NFL Draft (April 28-30) doesn’t have a generational talent at the tight end position as it did last year with Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, so expectations should be tempered. That said, there are quite a few Day 2 prospects who, given the right offense and an early edge on the depth chart, could surprise us – and have an impact in fantasy.
Rookie tight ends rarely deliver fantasy results in Year 1. Even the aforementioned Pitts was thought of as a bit of a dud despite posting 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown. The Falcons left a lot to be desired in 2021, so some positive touchdown production should give fantasy managers high hopes. Only three rookie tight ends have gained more than 700 yards since 2000—Pitts, Jeremy Shockey (894 yards in 2002) and Evan Engram (722 yards in 2017). This is important to keep in mind. It might be more worth it to simply be familiar with this draft class for the future rather than commit to them during fantasy drafts.
The NFL Combine (March 1-7) will help us take a closer look at all the prospects, but most of what we need to know has already been played out on the field and put on tape.
