The 2022 NFL Season is nearly over. We have just one more meaningful game. But the dynasty season is heating up. Soon, we’ll have Free Agency, rookie drafts, and more as we attempt to remain on top or make the moves needed to be a contender. Over the next four installments, I’ll be offering some Buy, Hold, and Sell suggestions for players. I’ll have three in each category for the four major offensive positions—QB, RB, WR, and TE. Today, I look at TEs.
Buy: Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos
About: Dulcich was a Third-Round draft pick that began and ended the year on IR. That’s not particularly encouraging. But when he was on the field, despite the woes the Broncos’ offense had in general, he made an impact. He finished at TE29 overall, but TE18 in points per game, averaging 8.6 points per game in his ten games played. That’s not bad for a player learning the offense and the pro game. Now he gets Sean Payton as a coach, someone who has helped tight ends in the past. I’m buying Dulcich for the same reason I bought other Broncos’ pass catchers, and I believe the offense will pick up in 2023.
Buy: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
About: I get it; the Cardinals have a new head coach, and quarterback Kyler Murray is likely to begin the season on the PUP following an ACL Tear. So, why is McBride here? McBride was regarded as the best tight end in the rookie class of 2022, and he was the first player taken in the Second Round. But he entered a crowded pass-catching group, even at tight end, where he was behind Zach Ertz. What’s changed? Well, it seems the Cardinals are cruising toward a makeover. I expect DeAndre Hopkins and Ertz to move on this off-season, creating possibilities. McBride looked solid when replacing Ertz after his injury, and I expect him to grow with this young group of receivers, so I’m snagging him and looking toward the future.
Buy: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
About: Another rookie that made a solid impression. Okonkwo was a bright spot at times in a mediocre Titans pass offense. He saw 46 targets, turning them into 32 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He made a splash late in the season and even parlayed that into a touchdown in the Titans’ lone post-season game. Veteran Austin Hooper is a free agent, and while there are plenty of questions about the Titans’ offense, I like Okonkwo’s potential to be a fantasy contributor.
Hold: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
About: Pitts was a top pick in Rookie Drafts in 2021 with the expectation he’d change the game at tight end. After two seasons, it hasn’t played out that way. As a rookie, Pitts caught passes but didn’t get touchdowns. In his second year, he was stymied by a low-volume offense and an injury that ended his season prematurely. That might have you contemplating a move. If you wanted to cut your losses, I’d understand. But I’m staying the course. I still believe in Pitts’ talent, and I think he’s part of a young core—along with receiver Drake London and running back Tyler Allgeier—that provides a foundation for a re-building Falcons offense. I’m holding him this off-season and waiting to see more sustained targets and success in year three.
Hold: Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
About: Kmet was regarded as the best tight end in the 2020 draft class, but he’s struggled to carve out a consistent role. He finished as TE8 overall, but even that’s deceptive. He averaged only 8.7 points per game, using seven touchdowns to give him peaks and valleys. Kmet is heading into a contract year, and the Bears are building something. He’s got talent and has flashed a connection with Justin Fields. I’m holding on to Kmet and waiting to see if that connection can solidify in 2023 and boost his value even more.
Hold: Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: What a difference a year can make. When Engram left the Giants following five uneven seasons, I wasn’t taken with him as a prospect. But sometimes, a player needs a clean start in the right system, and his free-agent deal with the Jaguars proved to be just that. Engram finished as TE5, averaging 10.4 points per game. Yes, he’s a free agent. But he’s stated he’d like to be back in Jacksonville and seems to be a good fit in that scheme. I’m hanging on to Engram and hoping for an encore in 2023.
Sell: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
About: Andrews is still a top option at tight end, and I expect him to be that in 2023 too. So, why sell? Sometimes it’s better to maximize value and get out before it’s too late. That’s how I’m beginning to feel about Andrews. Baltimore’s pass offense was rough in 2022, and despite being clearly the best option, Andrews saw a steep decline in targets, receptions, yardage, and touchdowns from the previous year. The Ravens have plenty of questions heading into 2023 and still need to re-work the receiving corps. I like Andrews, but I’d rather sell high and re-load for the future than waiting for his value to drop off.
Sell: Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
About: Waller is another talented player at the position. If he’s healthy and the offense is going, he’s a decent scoring bet. The problem is increased competition for targets and availability. The addition of Davante Adams changed the game for the Raiders, not to mention the team has a QB situation in flux. In addition, after playing full 16-game seasons in 2019 and 2020, Waller has been limited to 20 games total over the past two seasons. I like the potential, and Waller still has strong name value. I’m moving on this off-season and trying to get the most value possible.
Sell: Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
About: Every year, I begin the season thinking Higbee has TE1 upside. Every season he has a few big games that boost his value. He scored 152 PPR points in 2022, of which 60.4 of them came in three big performances, including a 30-point game against the Broncos. That left 92 points for the other 14 contests. If you get Higbee the right week, you’re loving life. If not, he’s basically a middling TE2 option. I’m ready to move on.
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.
