The tight end landscape for the upcoming fantasy season is shifting, and savvy owners are looking beyond the usual early‑round names. While the position is often dominated by high‑priced stars, several players are slipping under the radar despite clear pathways to significant production.
Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens enters the 2026 campaign as the projected TE15, but his ADP does not fully reflect his upside. At 27, Andrews combines a proven connection with quarterback Lamar Jackson with a role that should see increased target share following recent coaching adjustments. His touchdown rate and red‑zone usage suggest a realistic ceiling of low‑end TE1 numbers, making him a prime candidate for value hunting.
Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans offers a different kind of stability. After posting 82 receptions for 777 yards in 2025, Schultz secured a one‑year extension that should lock in his starting role. Though his touchdown total was modest, his target volume and route distribution provide a dependable floor in PPR formats, especially as the Texans' offense continues to develop around him.
Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains the clear starter at his position and recently earned a contract extension that underscores the team's confidence in him. With Baker Mayfield now at the helm, Otton is expected to serve as a reliable safety‑net target, giving him a solid PPR floor even if his ceiling is not elite. His role security makes him an attractive late‑round option.
Pat Freiermuth of the Pittsburgh Steelers faces a potential reset under a new coaching staff, but his skill set aligns well with the intermediate‑target profile that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has historically favored. Freiermuth’s matchup‑play value at a backup‑level cost positions him as a TE2 with upside in best‑ball formats, where weekly consistency can translate into season‑long gains.
The Case for Late‑Round Tight Ends
Drafting a tight end in the later rounds is not a gamble so much as a strategic play on volume and opportunity. When a player like Andrews can outperform his ADP by delivering multiple touchdowns, or when Schultz’s target share translates into consistent yardage, the return on investment can far exceed that of higher‑priced alternatives. Owners who identify these undervalued assets early can build a balanced roster that capitalizes on both upside and reliability.