So to begin this list, I’m throwing out the top three players at both positions based on our Expert Consensus Rankings. Everybody knows Patrick Mahomes (QB – KC) and Travis Kelce (TE – KC) are must-have players. Thanks, Captain Obvious!

I’ve written this list twice before in February and March, and let’s just say it’s changed quite a bit. Previously, I listed Deshaun Watson (QB – HOU) (before his allegations) and Carson Wentz (QB – IND) (before his injury) as must-have QBs. I also listed Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI) (assuming Zach Ertz (TE – PHI) would be ousted from Philly) and Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL) (before his draft price got out of control) as must-have tight ends. All four of those guys are off this version of my must-haves list.

Without further ado, here’s my final list of must-have quarterbacks and tight ends for the 2021 season.

Average Draft Position (ADP) referenced using FantasyPros consensus ADP.

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Must-Have Quarterbacks 

Russell Wilson (QB – SEA): ADP QB6
Don’t let Wilson’s disappointing finish to the 2020 season deter you from riding with him in 2021. Through Week 8, Wilson was the frontrunner to win MVP and had posted 2,151 yards and 26 passing touchdowns. But Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense hit a wall starting in Week 9, and he only surpassed 300 yards and two touchdowns in just one game the rest of the way.

Part of that was due to an unimaginative offense led by former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Seahawks became overly reliant on chucking the ball deep to their phenomenal receivers, and opponents caught on eventually. Wilson connected on just 7-of-27 pass attempts on passes of 20+ yards during the second half of the season.

Schottenheimer is out, and Seattle’s offense should get a breath of fresh air with the arrival of Shane Waldron, who previously served as the passing game coordinator for the Rams. With Waldron, the Seahawks should implement more passes off play-action that get Wilson rolling out of the pocket. That’s better suited for his abilities than the dropback, chuck, and duck philosophy from last season.

So long as DK Metcalf (WR – SEA) and Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA) are healthy, Wilson should put up an excellent season.

Justin Herbert (QB – LAC): ADP QB7
I’m all in on Herbert after his fantastic rookie season. Yes, I’m aware of the sophomore slump. But I’m confident Herbert’s encore could be a top-5 finish.

Herbert seemed different from day one when he was thrown into action in Week 2 after the Chargers training staff punctured Tyrod Taylor’s (QB – HOU) lung. Plenty of rookie quarterbacks would’ve crumbled at that moment, but Herbert delivered a 311-yard performance and almost upset the Chiefs in his first start.

From there, Hebert continued to exude composure and control, a rare trait for a rookie. He’s got a wonderful arm and the Chargers invested in improving his protection by signing center Corey Linsley (C – LAC) and drafting tackle Rashawn Slater (OT – LAC) 10th overall. The supporting cast is really good, and Herbert will get to enjoy a full season with Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC) as his running mate.

The sky seems to be the limit for Herbert. Anyone who wants to see him do it again is completely justified. But I think I’ve seen enough to buy-in.

Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR): ADP QB11
What’s not to love about Stafford in his new home of Los Angeles? He’s got great coaching and a great supporting cast, even though Cam Akers (RB – LAR) was lost for the year to an Achilles injury. For the first time perhaps ever, Stafford has the infrastructure to succeed. He should offer a pretty safe floor and has the upside to be the fantasy MVP if everything goes right.

As the QB12 in ECR, the market may even be a little soft on Stafford. I see no reason why Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) is ranked above him. But that’s okay, if I opt to wait on QB, I know Stafford will be there.

Tom Brady (QB – TB): ADP QB9
It’s boring, I know. But guess what? Unless you think Brady is cooked, he’s most likely going to finish as a QB1 if he plays a full season. I’m not willing to bet against Brady anymore. Sure, he doesn’t have quite as much upside as the ranked guys around him. But can you find a safer floor than Brady’s?

With Mike Evans (WR – TB), Chris Godwin (WR – TB), Antonio Brown (WR – TB), a good offensive line, and a fine enough running game around him, I have no concerns. If I miss out on the first three guys on this list, I’ll gladly sign up for the 4,200 yards and 35-to-40 touchdowns Brady will give me.

Must-Have Tight Ends 

Logan Thomas (TE – WFT): ADP TE9
I’ve been a fan of Thomas since last season and I’m not backing down now. Thomas successfully made the transition to tight end and broke out in 2020, finishing as the TE7. In February, I begged the market to give him more respect, as he was only ranked as the TE17 for 2021. Now, he sits as TE9.

Much has been made about how Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB – WSH) will add explosiveness to Washington’s offense, benefitting players like Terry McLaurin (WR – WSH) and Antonio Gibson (RB – WSH). However, Thomas is rarely mentioned in those conversations and I don’t get why.

A converted quarterback, Thomas is a mismatch nightmare with great athleticism and awesome hands for a 6-foot-6, 250-pound man. I’m willing to bet on him to deliver another good season.

Irv Smith Jr. (TE – MIN): ADP TE14
Smith is my must-have tight end if I decide to wait until the very last minute to take one. A breakout season is definitely on the table. He’s really fast, closed the 2020 season on a high note, and should enjoy a larger work share with Kyle Rudolph (TE – NYG) out of Minnesota.

With Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN) and Adam Thielen (WR – MIN) requiring a ton of attention from opposing defenders, Smith could carve a nice season out as Minnesota’s tertiary weapon. Smith offers unique upside this late in the tight end ranks.

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