The tight end position is always a tough one to nail in fantasy football. While the guys at the top are typically more reliable, some options have emerged over the years that could’ve been waiver wire pickups that turn into solid assets.
With so much volatility at the position, it’s hard to say that you should outright avoid some of these players, but even with that, there are some come draft day I’ll look at on my big board and think, “Eh, if they’re there next round, maybe I’ll give him a shot.”
Below, we’ll examine three tight ends you’ll likely be better off without in 2024.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Tight Ends to Avoid
David Njoku (TE – CLE)
Speaking of tight ends that can pop up and have some value, David Njoku fit that bill perfectly in 2023, but I have a hard time expecting that to continue.
Right now, Njoku is going as the TE11 or No. 101 overall. While this isn’t terrible value, he’s a prime candidate where you could get caught in a trap of starting him reluctantly but not wanting to bench him “just in case.”
Most of Njoku’s production came with Joe Flacco under center for the Browns last year.
With Deshaun Watson as his quarterback (Weeks 1-3 and 9-10), Njoku saw 26 targets, catching 20 for 176 yards and one touchdown.
Watson technically started Week 7 but had just five attempts, so I removed that game from the data set.
While extrapolating stats over a full season isn’t the best argument, it’s still worth mentioning that, based on that line above, Njoku would’ve finished a full 17-game slate with Watson with a stat line of 88 targets, 68 receptions, 599 yards and three touchdowns. This would typically be a fine stat line. Still, a lot of that is held up by the receptions, which I’d expect to drop in 2024 with the addition of Jerry Jeudy and another season of Amari Cooper.
Watson is not a good quarterback and hasn’t been able to stay on the field for numerous years. This is a recipe for disappointment.
T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN)
Without Kirk Cousins leading the offense, T.J. Hockenson’s value has shrunk dramatically, whether Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy is throwing him passes.
Hockenson played in 15 games in 2023 and finished as the TE4. He had just one game above 100 yards, finishing with 95 receptions, 960 yards, and five scores.
The offense has new starting quarterback options while competing with Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson for targets, and the team signed running back Aaron Jones to a big-time deal to come in and help take some stress off the quarterbacks in this offense.
Since January 9, 2022, Darnold has just two games with two passing touchdowns or more.
The value for anyone not named Jefferson or Jones in this offense is severely limited.
Take a pass.
Travis Kelce (TE – KC)
Ok, here we go.
Using the term “avoid” doesn’t necessarily mean I think Travis Kelce will be a bust.
As the TE1 and going No. 36 overall, I’m not sure I’d go for it and take him there.
Kelce will turn 35 during the season. In 2023, he finished the regular season with 93 receptions, 984 yards and five touchdowns. He didn’t catch a touchdown pass past Week 11 in the regular season.
Of course, he had a fantastic postseason, catching 32 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns over four games, but the 2024 Chiefs offense looks far different.
Of course, wide receiver Rashee Rice faces a potential suspension, but even without considering that, the Chiefs added two dynamic threats in Marquise Brown in free agency and Xavier Worthy in the first round of the draft.
To me, this “avoid” status comes from value. There are other players I’d take there, including fellow tight end Sam LaPorta. At some point, his age and the added offensive weapons need to be a factor. Kelce could be fine in 2024, but I’d rather avoid that risk and take someone with a bit more upside.
More Players to Avoid
- DBro’s Players to Avoid (Premium)
- Erickson’s Players to Avoid: QB | RB | TE
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