The NFL tight end position is experiencing a renaissance, with players like Brock Bowers and Trey McBride leading the charge. Bowers, drafted 13th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, showcased remarkable skills, amassing 112 receptions and 1,194 yards in his rookie season. He proved to be quarterback-proof, adapting to various signal-callers, and is poised to become a top 5 fantasy asset next season.

Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals also shone brightly, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards, though his two touchdowns suggest room for improvement. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers quietly made noise with over 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, while Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins had a career year with 884 yards and eight touchdowns. The future looks promising for fantasy tight ends.

The Arizona Cardinals are gaining national attention, with several players recognized in Pro Football Focus's annual 101 players list for their strong performances in the 2024 season. Running back James Conner ranked #81, cornerback Garrett Williams came in at #73, while tight end Trey McBride solidified his place as a top-50 player at #42, trailing only stars Brock Bowers and George Kittle.

However, one significant player missed the cut: safety Budda Baker. Despite a stellar season, marked by a second-place finish in total tackles (164) and a solid PFF grade of 77.8, he was overlooked for recognition alongside notable safeties such as Jessie Bates III and Derwin James. Baker’s impressive play and his recent three-year, $54 million contract extension underscore his importance to the Cardinals, especially as a defensive leader.

George Kittle is the top tight end in the league, with a PFF receiving grade of 92.4 and a run-blocking grade of 70.8, showcasing his well-rounded skills. Trey McBride followed him closely, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards but struggled with touchdowns, only scoring once through the air until Week 17. Brock Bowers of the Raiders had an impressive rookie season, setting a rookie tight end record with 1,194 receiving yards.

Mark Andrews rebounded from a slow start to lead in red-zone touchdowns, while Jonnu Smith found success in Miami, achieving personal bests across multiple categories. Austin Hooper remained a reliable option for the Patriots, while Isaiah Likely made the Ravens' tight end duo formidable. T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta rounded out the top performances, both showing steady production despite injuries and team dynamics.

Fantasy managers should be cautious about relying on certain tight ends as touchdown regression looms. Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, for example, had a stellar 2024 season with a 16.0% touchdown rate, which is unsustainable given his overall target volume and historic averages. Andrews’s low target count paired with a high touchdown catch rate raises concerns for 2025.

Tucker Kraft from the Green Bay Packers capitalized on teammate injuries but is expected to face stiffer competition in the upcoming season, making his touchdown total likely to dwindle from the seven he posted last year. The same can be said for Zach Ertz, who at 35, experienced a surprising resurgence in 2024 with seven touchdowns, but his age and status as a tight end make him a regression candidate for 2025.

Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is establishing himself as a potential top tight end in PPR formats, especially as the 2025 season approaches. His combination of talent and increasing role within the Cardinals' offensive scheme positions him as a strong candidate for the TE1 spot.

Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith is thriving with the Miami Dolphins, where his unique receiving skills are being effectively utilized. This utilization showcases Smith's ability to contribute significantly to Miami's passing attack, making him a valuable asset moving forward.