As the NFL draft approaches, Mike Clay unveils his 2025 fantasy football tight end rankings, highlighting standout players who are primed for success. The rankings exclude rookies, focusing on established performers who have made their mark on the league.

Leading the pack is Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, who set a rookie tight end record with 262.7 fantasy points last season. Following him is Arizona's Trey McBride, who has shown promise with high target shares and potential for improved touchdown production. San Francisco's George Kittle continues to be a top-tier option, especially with changes in the 49ers' receiving corps. Travis Kelce's performance has waned, prompting questions about his future as an elite tight end. Other notable mentions include David Njoku, T.J. Hockenson, and the emerging Sam LaPorta, each with intriguing upside in their respective offenses.

Fantasy football's landscape is rapidly evolving, particularly with the increasing popularity of best ball leagues, where players can draft multiple teams without managing them during the season. This format allows enthusiasts to engage in off-season drafts without the usual in-season pressure.

This offseason, there are several targets to consider across the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions. For quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears are prime candidates. Daniels emerged as a top performer in his rookie year, while Williams is expected to break out under new coaching following a challenging debut season.

Running backs like Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams and Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks show potential for continued success, with Williams showing consistency as an RB1 and Walker aiming to capitalize on improved health and an enhanced passing game. Wide receivers Drake London and Garrett Wilson are also key targets, both having established themselves as elite options in their respective offenses.

At tight end, Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders and Tyler Warren from Penn State are gaining attention, with Bowers already ranking as a top option in his rookie year. The right strategic picks during drafts can set players up for a successful fantasy football season.

Stacking players on the same NFL team is a potent strategy for boosting fantasy football lineups, particularly in best ball formats. Focusing on a quarterback along with key pass-catchers can significantly increase a team’s scoring potential. A successful offense provides a consolidated scoring opportunity, making predictions easier and enhancing a roster's overall ceiling.

Among recommended stacks, the Las Vegas Raiders' trio of quarterback Geno Smith, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers stands out. Even though the Raiders are rebuilding, Smith brings accuracy and efficiency, as evidenced by his impressive completion percentage and low off-target throw rate last season. Bowers is emerging as a premier tight-end talent reminiscent of Travis Kelce, showcasing dominance in target share. Meyers, coming off a career-best season, could become a focal point of the Raiders' passing attack, especially with a lack of competition behind him.

Similarly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers present a value stack with quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. This trio reunites under Mayfield, who had a breakout season with high passing yardage and touchdown output. Evans, a consistent performer, and Godwin, returning from injury, could provide substantial value in early drafts, indicating that leveraging these stacks can be a game-changer for fantasy managers aiming for success in the 2025 season.

The NFL offseason has seen significant player movement, with Sam Darnold signing a record $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, Davante Adams joining the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year deal, and Deebo Samuel Sr. being traded to the Washington Commanders. As the offseason progresses, attention shifts to early projections for the 2025 fantasy football drafts, particularly focusing on the tight end position.

Brock Bowers, who had an exceptional rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, is poised to be a top pick. Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals also stands out following a solid performance, while George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers remains a reliable option. Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions experienced a resurgence that may influence his draft stock. On the other hand, Jonnu Smith could be a sneaky value pick for the Miami Dolphins, while Evan Engram faces uncertainty after moving to the Denver Broncos.

Dynasty fantasy football is akin to the stock market, where player valuations fluctuate with each piece of news. Savvy managers can capitalize on these fluctuations by selling high on certain players. Key figures highlighted for potential sell-high opportunities include Brock Bowers, Saquon Barkley, George Kittle, Bucky Irving, and Justin Herbert. Bowers, despite a record-setting rookie season, faces competition from Trey McBride.

Meanwhile, Barkley's age and injury history pose risks for dynasty managers contemplating a sell. Similarly, Kittle’s aging status suggests cashing in before his value declines, while Irving's ranking may be inflated amidst a deep running back draft class.

Herbert's production under a changing offensive scheme raises concerns about his value, making him another candidate to consider flipping. Each player presents unique considerations for managers looking to strategize effectively this offseason.