Zack Kuntz: Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Zack Kuntz.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Zack Kuntz

Zack Kuntz (Jets)

From Penn State to Old Dominion, Zack Kuntz joins us to talk about his collegiate journey and what he learned from that transition. ⬇️

?: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @zackkuntz_717 pic.twitter.com/ecK3iSNm6L

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 12, 2023

Stats:

2022 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 62nd
- PFF receiving grade: 51st

2021 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 9th
- PFF receiving grade: 25th

Career
- 44.7% and 66.5% of his snaps were from the slot over the last two years
- 74th percentile college dominator

Scouting report:

Zack Kuntz’s elite athleticism pops up immediately on film. He looks like a thoroughbred stallion galloping down the seam with explosive lateral quickness to snap off the top of his routes fluidly. He can create early separation against linebackers in coverage. He subtly changes directions seamlessly on posts and corners.
He moves through contact well in his routes, but play strength isn’t one of his strong suits. Kuntz creates plays after the reception thanks to his straight-line speed and not his ability to weave through traffic or break tackles. Among 24 FBS tight ends in his 2021 breakout season with at least 59 targets, Kuntz had the 11th-lowest missed tackles forced and third-lowest YAC per reception. He’s a “high cut” player who plays like it, as he has difficulty busting through tacklers once they get their hands on him.
Kuntz has a solid set of hands to pluck the ball out of the air. He routinely catches the ball away from his body. His strength at the catch point is inconsistent, reflected in his 41.7% contested catch rate in college.
He was utilized as a lead or pulling blocker at Old Dominion, much to the detriment of their rushing attack. A huge part of blocking is tenacity and effort, which aren’t present in his film. Kuntz is passive as a blocker with a weak punch and a flimsy anchor. He looks like someone who is just going through the motions.

Player Comp: Mike Gesicki

Dynasty Outlook: Kuntz’s elite athleticism didn’t do him any favors in the NFL Draft as he plummeted like a stone into the seventh round before he was snatched up by the New York Jets. Kuntz likely doesn’t see the field this season as he’s the TE4 on the depth chart behind C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin, and Jeremy Ruckert. Kuntz isn’t a bad taxi squad stash. Next year the Jets can cut C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin saving roughly 10.1 million against the cap. If this were to happen Ruckert and Kuntz could form a well matched 12 personnel tandem in New York.