Late Round Tight Ends to Target this year in Best Ball

July 2, 2024

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Megan Shoup

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Last year Steve and I were both 50+% exposure to TE Sam LaPorta. That obviously paid off big time. But we were high on the Late Round TE build last year in general and targeted tight ends like Jake Ferguson, Luke Musgrave, Hunter Henry, and Trey McBride. We of course missed on some late-round tight ends too like Gerald Everett, Michael Mayer, and Logan Thomas.

As I mentioned in last week’s article about starting drafts 1QB/3RB/5WR/1TE, I’m definitely doing more Elite TE builds this season than I did last season. I see the value in discounted prices in elite tight ends and I do want exposure to those players and build structures.

With that said, I still see the case for the Late Round TE build this year and I’m comfortable drafting three tight ends in Rounds 13-18. So I will still have a high exposure of drafts to the Late Round TE build. I discussed the 1QB/4RB/5WR start for Late Round TE builds in this article last month.

When I do the Late Round TE build, here are eight late-round tight ends that I target most. There are other late-round tight ends I like in addition to this list too. But I believe a combination of three of these eight tight ends offers both floor and ceiling. Basically, I’m looking to cobble together a TE room of players the public is undervaluing and can provide a nice floor but also the necessary spike weeks.

Luke Musgrave (ADP 150)

Musgrave was a late-round TE I liked last year and while he got injured, we saw the potential. He’s also the TE1 on the 10th highest team projected points in 2024 and a great way to get value exposure to the Packers.

Hunter Henry (ADP 160)

Just like Musgrave, I was high on Henry last year and I’m running it back. No, the Patriots offense is not likely to be a top offense this season. But with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye, I believe it could outperform expectations. And I believe Henry will be the main beneficiary in the passing game as the other receivers are very young and inexperienced. Obviously an excellent red zone target for either QB.

Tyler Conklin (ADP 176)

It may not be sexy, but it says it right on Conklin’s Underdog Fantasy write-up: 3 straight years of 87 targets. The upgrade of Aaron Rodgers is a big factor here, as Conklin should be the 3rd red zone target behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.

Noah Fant (ADP 179)

We’re going back to the Noah Fant well again. Cue the Michael Scott “I’m ready to get hurt again” gif. But he got a good deal in free agency to be the TE1 for the Seahawks. And in this new offense with OC Grubb, it could be more pass-heavy and benefit Fant.

Chig Okonkwo (ADP 188)

I’ve stated over and over how high I am on the Titans offense as a whole this year. I think they are underpriced and a value stack, and that includes Chig.

Jonnu Smith (ADP 189)

Another top offense we want to target is the Dolphins and they finally have a tight end we can target in drafts. I think Mike McDaniel will utilize Smith’s athletic skill set in various formations, as we know how creative he uses his weapons. To get a cheap piece of the Dolphins offense with red zone target upside is very appealing at this price.

Juwan Johnson (ADP 209)

Last year’s Week 17 hero and everyone has left him at the end of drafts. Yes he’s having foot surgery, but Adam Schefter reported he still could be ready for the start of the season. Even if it’s a slow ramp up, we know the upside is there with an athletic TE like Johnson.