Selecting a bounce-back candidate at tight end is certainly more challenging than at running back or wide receiver.
Realistically, expectations for any player drafted outside of the top eight at the position should be tempered, as the lower in rankings one scans, the more touchdown-dependent things become for production purposes. Though tight end is more robust than in prior seasons with a slightly larger second tier for fantasy managers, it is difficult to have full confidence in any double-digit choice.
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Fantasy Football Bounce-Back Candidates: Tight End
Kyle Pitts (ATL)
Pitts is the standout, easy choice. I’ve consistently included him in my breakout or undervalued pieces this offseason, and I’m confident in his potential to break into the top five at the position by the end of the season. Atlanta’s offseason developments could not have benefitted him more.
The Falcons have made significant changes that directly benefit Pitts. They addressed their most glaring positional flaw by signing Kirk Cousins to a long-term contract. Having him under center will be a night-and-day change from Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke, and Desmond Ridder.
Cousins excels at throwing catchable, accurate passes and has a track record of success with throwing to tight ends. Additionally, Atlanta finally came to their senses and canned Arthur Smith, bringing in Raheem Morris as the new head coach and Zac Robinson as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Robinson, who was previously with Los Angeles as their quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, has been effusive in his praise for Pitts. Robinson’s desire to get Pitts involved early and often this season is a testament to the tight end’s potential.
It’s important to note that Pitts has finally recovered from the Grade 3 MCL tear that he suffered at the end of 2022. This is by far the healthiest that he has been since entering the league, and if he can avoid any major bumps and bruises, his potential for success is limitless. His recovery is a beacon of hope for his future performance.
David Njoku (CLE)
Wait a minute, wait a minute. A bounceback season from a player that finished as the TE6 last year? What gives? Yes, I know what you are thinking. In this instance, I’m referring to a bounceback for Njoku specific to when Deshaun Watson is under center.
For those unaware of how much more prolific Njoku was without Watson, consider that during the six games with Joe Flacco under center, Njoku averaged over six receptions and 80 receiving yards per contest with four touchdown receptions. In the other 11 games, his averages plummeted down to just over 4 receptions for 44 yards per game with two touchdown receptions. And, for all watching, it was pretty obvious why Flacco wanted to get Njoku so involved – he’s an athletic marvel who has never been given a genuine opportunity with Cleveland since joining the team in 2017.
Before 2023, Njoku’s best statistical season came in 2018, when he played all 16 games (there was a shorter season back then), catching 56 passes on 88 targets for 639 yards and four scores. For some reason, the Browns then forgot about his existence and refused to view him as a focal point in the offense.
Still just 28 years old when the season starts, Njoku deserves to be more involved for Cleveland, who will need to shift their offensive philosophy around until Nick Chubb returns from his ACL injury. After Amari Cooper, the team has no proven threats that act as a secondary option for passing situations, and Njoku fills the chain-moving role that is so desperately needed. Jerry Jeudy has at best been sporadically productive throughout his largely disappointing career, Elijah Moore is uninspiring at best, and youngsters Cedric Tillman and David Bell are total unknowns.
All we are saying, Cleveland, is to give Njoku a chance. Improved play from Watson will be a crucial factor, and even if he can’t revert back to the elite game-changer that he was from 2018-2020, getting the ball into the hands of your dynamic tight end is necessary.
Pat Freiermuth (PIT)
After finishing as the TE12 in each of his first two seasons in the league, fantasy managers were anxious to see if “The Muth” could take the next step forward in his development and emerge as an upside option each week. Sadly, horrific quarterback play coupled with a nagging hamstring injury derailed the hype train, and his 2023 season was best left forgotten.
Pittsburgh underwent significant changes during the offseason, inheriting two reclamation quarterback projects under center with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson is the presumed starter, who will look to resurrect his career after royally flaming out with Denver.
During his twelve-year career, Wilson has excelled as an accurate passer close to the line of scrimmage who will occasionally take deep shots on play-action calls. This mindset (along with Wilson’s career YPA of 7.7) fits in perfectly with Freiermuth’s strengths as a hard-nosed receiving threat over the middle of the field with terrific hands. Wilson will test the free agency waters again after the season’s conclusion, and getting back on track is paramount.
Outside of Freiermuth (and in a similar situation as Cleveland mentioned above), the Steelers’ main receiving threat is George Pickens, with a bevy of young (and unproven) options behind him. Although I love Roman Wilson‘s long-term outlook, I don’t envision him as a major threat to siphon away targets from Freiermuth, especially in the first half of the season.
The offensive philosophy for new coordinator Arthur Smith is straightforward – grind opponents into submission by running the ball and involving tight ends in the passing game. Freiermuth is a safe bet to revert to form in 2024.
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