Early Outlook from a Two‑Time Award Winner
Justin Boone, a two‑time winner of the FantasyPros Most Accurate Expert Award, has released his initial 2026 fantasy football rankings for tight ends, setting the stage for a season that promises both breakout performances and volatile rookie situations.
At the top of his list is Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts, a player Boone describes as undervalued and capable of evolving into an elite fantasy tight end if his target volume rises.
Warren’s production last year placed him as the TE6 in fantasy points per game through the first ten weeks, but a mid‑season injury and the loss of quarterback Daniel Jones limited his momentum. With Michael Pittman Jr. now playing for the Steelers, the Colts’ receiving corps opens up, giving Warren, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs a chance to see a surge in targets.
Draft Risks and Crowded Situations
The early rankings also flag the fortunes of Kenyon Sadiq, the Jets’ first‑round pick, who must navigate a crowded New York offense that may not provide many fantasy‑relevant touches. Similarly, Eli Stowers, a second‑round selection of the Philadelphia Eagles, will battle for snaps against established weapons such as DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon and Dallas Goedert, making his upside uncertain.
Beyond the headline names, Boone points to several under‑the‑radar options. Chig Okonkwo, who has logged more than 50 receptions in each of the past three seasons, posted top‑12 fantasy finishes in half of his games from Week 12 onward in 2024, earning a sleeper label for the upcoming campaign.
The analysis extends to other tight ends such as Tucker Kraft and Harold Fannin Jr., whose roles could expand depending on injury developments and coaching decisions. For fantasy owners, the key takeaway is to monitor target shares and quarterback health, as these factors often dictate whether a tight end becomes a weekly starter or a bench‑bound asset.
Boone’s early rankings, published on Yahoo Fantasy Football, serve as a primer for season‑long planning, urging participants to balance upside against risk as drafts approach.