The 2026 fantasy football season is already shaping up to be a tight‑end‑heavy year, as analysts have begun to rank the top pass‑catchers by average draft position. Early data shows a clustering of elite TE talent at the top of the board, while mid‑range options offer a mix of upside and risk.
The Ceiling of Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers tops the conversation with an ADP hovering around 27, making him a prime candidate for the TE1 slot. His 2024 numbers — 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns — combined with a clean bill of health, give him a ceiling that outstrips his peers, and some even whisper MVP considerations if he stays on the field.
Trey McBride, who exploded in 2025 with 126 catches, 1,239 yards and 11 scores, sits just behind Bowers at an ADP near 28.6. The Cardinals’ offensive tweaks could temper his volume, but his proven production still makes him a solid TE3 target for managers seeking reliability.
Sam LaPorta is projected as the TE5 pick, sitting at an ADP of 70.4. After a strong 2023 showing of 14.1 PPR points per game, he is expected to rebound under Petzing’s scheme, giving fantasy owners a dependable mid‑round option.
Kyle Pitts, listed at TE7 with an ADP of 71.1, is poised for a bounce‑back after three consecutive down seasons. Under Stefanski’s system, his target share should increase, and his career‑best 12.4 PPR points per game suggest a late‑round steal if he stays healthy.
Tucker Kraft, a healthy prospect with an ADP of 76.3, has shown flashes of 12.3 PPR points in four of seven games before a torn ACL ended his 2025 campaign. His upside makes him an attractive depth piece in later rounds.
Perhaps the most intriguing narrative involves Dallas Goedert, whose ADP of 87.4 places him ahead of healthier alternatives like George Kittle, Isaiah Likely and Travis Kelce. While Goedert’s price tag feels inflated, the trio of Kittle, Likely and Kelce present higher upside if they can avoid injury, with Likely leading the group in projected upside.
Those who spot the value early will likely reap the rewards.