Tight ends have become a popular position for NFL teams to invest in. Should Fantasy managers do the same? In 2025, tight ends as a whole caught 231 touchdowns and saw a collective target share of 23.8%.
The touchdowns were the most since 2013, and the target share was the highest rate ever recorded. It's not just teams deciding to use more tight ends, it's an influx of unique athletes who happen to play tight end. A lot of guys who are good at blocking, catching and running have made their way into the league, and some have just scratched the surface.
As such, they'll be leaned on accordingly as teams adapt to them. These Tiers are based on half-PPR, important to note because we offer full-PPR and non-PPR rankings. This should help you have an idea where these players will get taken in your drafts.
You shouldn't expect anyone atop the TE tiers other than these two. Huge target potential, huge touchdown potential, huge big-game potential. If there's an edge for Bowers, it's that he's a shade more explosive than McBride and isn't in danger of losing a few targets like McBride.
If there's an edge for McBride, it's that he's been outstanding for the past two seasons, something his new coach will obviously gravitate toward, plus he doesn't carry the injury concerns Bowers does. If you're in a full-PPR format, I would take McBride first, especially since either Cardinals receiver really hasn't stepped up in a big way. If you're picking eighth overall or later, you probably won't think to draft either guy.
And if you're between picks five through seven, you might be reaching for either guy in Round 2 in half-PPR formats. If you're between Picks 1 through 4, the goal should be to get the second tight end off the board. That's assuming you're interested in a tight end advantage and are willing to forego the running backs and wide receivers on the board at the time.
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