TIGHT END USAGE STILL ON THE RISE IN THE NFL? LOOKS LIKE A SAFE/CHEAP BET IN FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTS THIS YEAR.
Tight End Fantasy Success over the last decade
High End (1-4) / Mid Level (5-8) / Low End (9-12)
7. Khalil Shakir
14 3rd Down Receptions
76.2 Catch %
59% Zone Win Rate
54.1% Success Rate
Josh Allen's security blanket. Even with Moore joining the team, I believe this will open up Shakir's routes even more. First year without Mcdermont, but Shakirs role will be the same.
3. Amon Ra St. Brown
19 3rd Down Receptions
69.1 Catch %
58.1% Zone Win Rate
52.8% Success Rate
The other Elite of this grouping, again just shows how relevant this style can be for fantasy. WR1 Floor is just one of the safest players in fantasy to have.
6. Cooper Kupp
15 3rd Down Receptions
67.4 Catch %
57.2% Zone Win Rate
51.9% Success Rate
The original Power Slot, or at least one of the all time ones. He is who he is, maybe there's still a little left in the tank.
2. Jaxson Smith Njigba
22 3rd Down Receptions
73.5 Catch %
68.5% Zone Win Rate
58% Success Rate
The Elite of this grouping, this makeup can be extremely fantasy beneficial. Look for JSN to maintain his dominant play.
Slot Monsters
There were Seven (7) Players that hit these secure receiver thresholds in the 2025 NFL season. Sure handed veterans with high floors.
1. 3rd Down Receptions 14+
2. Catch % 65%+
3. Zone Win Rate 55%+
4. Success Rate 50%+
1. Wandale Robinson
34 - 3rd Down Receptions
65.7 Catch %
57.2% Zone Win Rate
51.4% Success Rate
With Carnell Tate locking up the outside, Wandales role in Dabol's system should be very similar to what he's had. Being apart of the Cam Ward year 2 breakout could be huge.
5. Rome Odunze
42.5% Air Yards
85.8% Out Wide
42.8% Man Win Rate
14.2 ADOT
Just like Watson, Rome has a clear path as the outside receiver in a Ben Johnson offense. Yes The air yards are inflated with Caleb, but look for Rome to have multiple 30+ games this season.
Deep Threat Production
With the league moving to two wide receiver sets, the X position could be a lot more impactful this season. Five (5) Receivers hit the following thresholds during the 2025 NFL season
1. Team Air Yards 36%+
2. Out-Wide % 75%+
3. Man Win Rate 42%+
4. ADOT 10+
4. Christian Watson
38.2% Air Yards
91.5% Out Wide
46.1% Man Win Rate
18 ADOT
With the Packers clearing house this offseason, this sets up to be his best opportunity yet. He was a WR1 for the second half of 2025, so the upside is there.