The tight end position typically causes headaches for fantasy football managers. A draft strategy of pursuing one of the elite options leaves you weaker in another position and hoping you can select one of the breakout tight ends. Or one that won’t hurt your weekly lineup. Why not have both — an elite tight end that won’t cost you top draft capital? Here are three must-have tight ends to draft for 2024 fantasy football.

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Must-Draft Tight Ends

Evan Engram (TE – JAX)

Fantasy football managers might be skeptical regarding Evan Engram, but he finished as the TE2 in fantasy points per game in his second season in Jacksonville. He averaged 10.2 half-PPR fantasy points per game and finished first among tight ends in targets (143) and receptions (114).

Engram’s concerns are that he produced these numbers with wide receiver Christian Kirk on injured reserve (IR) for four games, which were Engram’s best outings. In addition, quarterback Trevor Lawrence never developed chemistry with Calvin Ridley in his first and only season with the Jaguars. However, Engram became Lawrence’s go-to target and his role will likely increase next season with Ridley exiting via free agency.

The Jaguars will look to improve their WR group in the 2024 NFL Draft. That will not deter the high-volume looks Engram will gain from Lawrence, which will sustain his status as a must-have tight end for the 2024 fantasy football season.

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)

Beyond CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys do not have another legitimate offensive option for Dak Prescott. However, Jake Ferguson stepped in at tight end and played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ playoff season. Ferguson continued the TE legacy in Dallas by finishing as the TE8 last season, catching 71 of his 102 targets for 761 yards and five scores. The former Wisconsin Badger finished first among TEs in red zone targets, eighth in receiving yards and ninth in receptions.

His highlights exploded with a massive playoff performance against Green Bay, where Ferguson was Prescott’s top option. Ferguson caught 10 of his 12 targets for 93 yards and three touchdowns as the Cowboys tried to mount a comeback.

The Cowboys have plenty of question marks on offense heading into the 2024 season, but not with Ferguson, who should remain one of the top targets on the team’s offense.

Ferguson was showcased on a list of players ESPN predicted would beat early statistical projections for the upcoming season. The Cowboys’ tight end is one of my must-have tight ends to draft this season.

Trey McBride (TE – ARI)

Trey McBride entered last season in a timeshare at tight end with Zach Ertz. Ertz got banged up in Week 7, which opened the door for McBride to establish himself as a true difference-maker. Mcbride caused a stir in the tight-end landscape of fantasy football.

McBride was the focal point of the Cardinals’ offense and the No. 1 read for quarterback Kyler Murray. He was the TE4 from Week 8 through the rest of the season and finished the season with 81 receptions on 106 targets for 825 receiving yards and three scores. His chemistry with Murray allowed McBride to finish first among tight ends in target rate at 26.1 % and fifth in fantasy points per route run.

The Cardinals own a bevy of draft picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, including the fourth overall selection. Unless they can obtain a king’s ransom for that pick, the Cardinals will have the luxury of selecting an essential position at wide receiver. They can choose either of the top elite wideouts in Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr.

Whether the Cardinals hit the jackpot and obtain an elite wideout in the draft, their offense will depend upon the chemistry between McBride and Murray. This combo will lead McBride to continue to establish himself as a must-have tight end for fantasy football managers.

More Fantasy Football Draft Advice

• Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
• Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
• DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
• Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)

Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow him @CALL_ME_SOS.