The 2025 NFL Draft is swiftly approaching. The draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, and affords three days of picks that could change the makeup of NFL rosters. In this run-up to the draft, I’m looking at five teams and one Wild Card that could make a selection at one of the four key fantasy positions, changing their fortunes and our fantasy outlook. Today, it’s teams that might look to grab a tight end.
#1 New York Jets
On the Roster: Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt
About: The Jets, as mentioned in the wide receiver roundup, need passing game weapons. The team is thin at receiver and equally thin at tight end. In the last few seasons, it’s been Tyler Conklin leading the way at the tight end. He’s in Los Angeles now. That leaves Ruckert as the projected starter, who has done little since being a third-round selection in 2022. He has only 35 career receptions. Could he be on the cusp of a breakout? That’s possible.
But it’s also possible the Jets snag a First-Round tight end like Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland to give them a passing game weapon. Or they could grab a pass catcher in the second or third round. Either way, I think the Jets will look to upgrade at tight end in the draft.
#2 Indianapolis Colts
On the Roster: Drew Ogletree, Mo-Alie Cox, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods
About: No team has been mocked to take a tight end in the First Round more than the Colts. It’s a priority for the team to improve on offense. We’ve seen them take several tight ends in various rounds over the past few drafts, but no one has made an impact at the position. I think the Colts are looking to change that in 2025.
#3 Denver Broncos
On the Roster: Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, and Lucas Krull
About: Yes, the Broncos made a splash in free agency with a two-year deal for Engram. He could be their answer at tight end in 2025. He could be a great weapon. But does that rule the Broncos out from taking a tight end in the draft? I don’t think it does, and I think the Broncos will still look to add to the position. Some have even had them taking a tight end in the second round. I think that’s possible, and if they do, that would be a player that would be interesting in a rookie draft.
#4 Los Angeles Chargers
On the Roster: Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly
About: The Chargers are another team that made a move at the position this offseason. The Chargers added Conklin, who should help at a crucial position. But could the Chargers look to do more in the draft? I think the team is looking to upgrade the passing game. They will likely look at receivers, too, but a quality tight end can be a boon to Justin Herbert in this passing offense. I think the Chargers are likely snag a tight end early.
#5 Seattle Seahawks
On the Roster: Noah Fant, AJ Barner, and Eric Saubert
About: The Seahawks are OK at tight end for 2025, but Fant is on an expiring contract. The team also looks to get younger and make over the offensive roster. Could that include tight end? I think it could. A young, pass-catching tight end would help the team move forward. The Seahawks team should look to add a young weapon as they build toward the future.
Wild Card: Philadelphia Eagles
On the Roster: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant, and Kylen Granson
About: The Eagles have a solid starter in Goedert, a developmental player in Calcaterra, and have signed a couple of new options in Bryant and Granson. So, why are they on this list? The team has Goedert on the market and is looking to move on from the veteran.
They signed a couple of other options, which indicates they might not be sold on Calcaterra as a replacement. And no one on the roster is locked up long-term. Will the Eagles take a tight end? It’s not a lock, but I could see them moving to shore up the position if the value falls right.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
