The 2023 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and 259 players got drafted. However, how does the incoming rookie fit with their new teams? What impact will those rookies have on the rest of the roster?
These are the questions fantasy football players have to ask themselves when making decisions over the next few months. However, I am here to answer those questions for you. Let’s look at the top five tight ends drafted this year and see what impact it has on them and their NFL team.
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NFL Draft Domino Effects: Tight Ends (2023 Fantasy Football)
Dalton Kincaid (BUF) | Round 1 Pick 25
Buffalo wanted to add to Josh Allen‘s weapons this offseason. After adding a pair of veterans in free agency, the Bills traded up on draft night for Kincaid. The former Utah star tight end is an excellent receiver and can create mismatches all over the field.
Impact on the Other Tight Ends:
Some will look at this move and think Dawson Knox is getting replaced. However, that isn’t the case. Instead, Kincaid will be more of a big slot receiver than a traditional tight end in Buffalo. Last year Knox had 48 receptions on 65 targets for 517 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. While those numbers will take a hit with the rookie in town, the veteran tight end should have similar production in 2023 and beyond.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Stefon Diggs remains the alpha receiver in this offense. However, Gabe Davis will likely see his target volume drop this year. The veteran receiver had 93 targets last season, a career-high. While he remains the No. 2 wide receiver, Kincaid could pass him in Allen’s pecking order. Meanwhile, role players like Trent Sherfield, Deonte Harty and Khalil Shakir likely won’t have any fantasy value next year and moving forward if Kincaid is healthy.
Sam LaPorta (DET) | Round 2 Pick 3
Many were surprised to see LaPorta go ahead of Michael Mayer on draft night. However, the former Iowa star had 111 receptions for 1,327 receiving yards and four touchdowns over the past two years despite awful quarterback play. Meanwhile, the Lions had a massive hole at tight end after they traded T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings at the trade deadline last year.
Impact on the Other Tight Ends:
The Lions got nine receiving touchdowns from Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell last season. However, all three have limited receiving upside. While they were solid last year, the Lions knew they had to upgrade the tight end position. Therefore, it will be no surprise to see LaPorta as the starting tight end in Week 1.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the only proven pass catcher on offense. Jameson Williams was a first-round pick last year but had only one reception as a rookie. Furthermore, he is suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season. Yet, the Lions waited until the seventh round to add a wide receiver. That means they expect LaPorta to make an immediate impact as a rookie. The former Iowa star tight end likely finishes second on the team in targets this season.
Michael Mayer (LV) | Round 2 Pick 4
The former Notre Dame star was the betting favorite as the first tight end drafted. However, Mayer landed in a solid spot possible for fantasy players. He can play the traditional role on the line of scrimmage and the move around the formation role. Mayer has strong hands but is also a talented blocker. He is pro-ready and should make an impact as a rookie.
Impact on the Other Tight Ends:
Las Vegas traded away Darren Waller earlier this offseason. Then they signed veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard in free agency. However, neither will keep Mayer off the field as a rookie. Hooper hasn’t totaled more than 444 receiving yards in three straight years. Meanwhile, Howard is a former first-round bust. The only keeping Mayer from being the TE1 in redraft leagues is the Raiders’ wide receiver core.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Davante Adams remains one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Last year, he finished second in the league in targets (180) and third in receiving yards (1,516). Meanwhile, the Raiders added Jakobi Meyers in free agency and have Hunter Renfrow. Mayer won’t see a huge target share with those three wide receivers healthy. However, he should finish second on the team in red zone targets as a rookie, only behind Adams.
Luke Musgrave (GB) | Round 2 Pick 11
Many expected the Packers to spend a Day 2 pick on a tight end. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when they used the 42nd overall pick on Musgrave. The former Oregon State star had a limited college career, totaling only 47 receptions for 633 receiving yards and two touchdowns in four years. However, he has athletic ability and significant upside.
Impact on the Other Tight Ends:
Green Bay lost Robert Tonyan in free agency. That left them with Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis as their top two tight ends. Yet, the Packers used a second-round pick on Musgrave. Then they spent a third-round selection on Tucker Kraft. The veterans on the roster won’t have much of a role outside of blocking. However, which rookie will earn the starting job? My money is on Musgrave.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Over the past two years, Green Bay has spent six picks on wide receivers and two on tight ends. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is in New York, and Jordan Love is taking over with one career start under his belt. Assuming the young quarterback isn’t awful, Christian Watson should be his No. 1 pass catcher. After that, it’s up for grabs. We will see if either rookie tight end can become Love’s security blanket.
Luke Schoonmaker (DAL) | Round 2 Pick 27
Dallas wanted Dalton Kincaid on Thursday night, but the Bills traded ahead of them for the Utah star. However, the team pivoted and grabbed Schoonmaker late in the second round. The former Michigan tight end had a solid final year in Ann Arbor, totaling 35 receptions for 418 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He isn’t a flashy player but can play multiple roles in Mike McCarthy’s offense.
Impact on the Other Tight Ends:
Last year Dalton Schultz played on the franchise tag following his impressive 2021 season. However, the Cowboys let him walk in free agency, leaving them with a pair of second-year tight ends. Jake Ferguson was a 2022 fourth-round pick, while Peyton Hendershot was an undrafted free agent. The duo had 30 receptions on 38 targets for 277 receiving yards last season. Both are better blockers than pass catchers.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
While the rookie should be the Week 1 starting tight end, he won’t have much impact on the rest of the offense. McCarthy said he wants to run the ball more this year. More importantly, CeeDee Lamb is a target hog, while Dallas traded for Brandin Cooks this offseason. The Cowboys have three talented wide receivers and a star running back. Schoonmaker might be the starting tight end, but his fantasy value will be limited, especially this year.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
