The tight-end position can be frustrating. You have your Tier 1 and Tier 2 guys like Kittle, Ertz, Kelce, Andrews, Hurst, and Waller. But after that, you’re looking for diamonds in a sea of disappointment. Often, in smaller leagues, people stream tight-ends depending on week-to-week matchups. To counter the lack of production out of tight-ends, many leagues have started giving premiums to tight-ends. What if I could tell you that there are five future TE1s that are going into their sophomore year? And all of these guys are going late, and by late I mean not being considered even TE2’s in Dynasty leagues. Don’t make the same mistake.
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Foster Moreau, Las Vegas Raiders
What do you look for in a tight end? Size? Speed? Explosiveness? Hands? Foster Moreau is elite in every category as a tight end. The former LSU Tiger is huge at 6-4 250-pounds and is nearly as freakish of an athlete as his teammates Darren Waller and Henry Ruggs. Moreau wasn’t used to his full ability in college, but in his rookie campaign, he caught five TDs, all within the red-zone. He was actually targeted within the ten-yard-line at the same rate as Waller, catching all four of his targets for TDs. A true red-zone threat, the addition of Jason Witten diminishes his value in 2020, but beyond 2020, the Raiders have a future stud sitting at tight-end.
He was faster and stronger than Hockenson, and just as agile. Moreau also only ran 120 routes over the whole season as compared to Waller’s 470, yet finished the season as TE38. A monster in the red-zone, at a position that is touchdown-dependent to be fantasy relevant, the Raiders can only hold him back for so long. If he ran 240 routes and produced at the same level, he would have ended the year with 42 catches for 348 yards and ten touchdowns, good for TE12. Snap him up quick before he changes his ranking of TE39 on FantasyPros and TE33 at YardsPer.
Jace Sternberger, Green Bay Packers
This man showed out at Texas A&M. He had 48 receptions for 832 yards and ten touchdowns. The man dominated the SEC. Whilst not a burner, Sternberger is a smooth athlete and runs great routes. He also is playing with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The former Aggie can pick up yards underneath on crossing or flat routes, and in the red-zone, he’s sure-handed and is strong at the catch-point.
See Where Jace Sternberger Lands In Our Dynasty Rankings!
Sternberger can be both a safety blanket and a red-zone threat for Aaron Rodgers, or Jordan Love. Matt LaFleur has used tight-ends in his offense consistently over the last three years, averaging over 60 targets a season for his tight end room. Besides Adams, there are few receiving threats on the Packers roster, which Sternberger can capitalize on. Unfortunately, the young athlete was placed on the Covid-19 Reserve list. The uncertainty surrounding his situation has made Jace Sternberger ‘s dynasty stock drop a bit, but expecting a full recovery, the stud has the potential to be a surprise TE2 this season and become a TE1 in the future. Add in that he’s expected to also play as a big slot, Sternberger could beat Graham’s 60 targets last season. With Funchess out of the picture, Jace Sternberger could stake a claim to being the Packers’ second target and is a great dynasty buy.
Josh Oliver, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oliver was unfortunate in 2019, missing the majority of his rookie year with back fractures and a hamstring strain. He wasn’t overly productive at San Jose State, but he did show promise as a receiving threat. With great hands, he made up for his quarterback’s inaccuracy and embarrassed collegiate defenders with above-average NFL athleticism. His floor is high considering his polish as a route-runner and ability to win in traffic, a consistent TE2 if he never develops enough. His ceiling is a TE1 that is a mismatch in both the red-zone and the open field.
With only the oft-injured Tyler Eifert ahead of him, the path to snaps is relatively clear. Oliver will get a chance to grow alongside the rest of the Jags’ young receiver core, and with his size, he gives Jacksonville a safety blanket they haven’t had since Mercedes Lewis. Currently, Oliver is dirt cheap, around TE35 which is one place behind Greg Olsen. If Eifert misses time, the young Jag could turn in some quality games this season and raise his stock. Pick him up before he makes his value blow up.
Related | Finding Late Round Tight End Values In 2020 Fantasy Drafts
Chris Herndon, New Jork Jets
Herndon had a great rookie campaign, but missed his sophomore year with a rib fracture and hamstring sprain. The promise from his first year has boosted his stock to TE22 in Dynasty, but he’s still under-valued.
In his rookie year, he was TE15. It was only in his sixth game that he became fantasy relevant. If he had kept his pace of 9.4 fantasy points per game, he would have been TE5 with ease. Herndon also did this with only four touchdowns, and a rookie Sam Darnold.
Since 2000, only 13 tight ends have had over 50 targets and over 500 receiving yards in their rookie season. Amongst these tight ends, Herndon had the fourth-highest yards-per-reception average.
There are some great names on this list, and with some lackluster receiving options in New York, Herndon has a chance to build on his rookie campaign. The majority of players on that list exploded in their second season. Herndon’s second true season is next year, where he will be healthy and able to compete. Herndon will become a regular TE1 that you can rely on.
