2024 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy Analysis: Elite TE

A lot of fantasy drafters often do not plan on partaking in the elite tight-end draft strategy. Elite tight ends often fall below their ADPs, and drafters feel obligated to scoop them up.

One of the most difficult decisions heading into fantasy football drafts is when to draft a tight end. Do you sacrifice a potential top-10 wide receiver or running back for an elite tight end? Let’s dive into the numbers.

What is the Elite TE Draft Strategy

NFL Tight EndsPhoto byCarol Highsmith's AmericaonUnsplash

In 2024, the elite TE draft strategy revolves around Travis Kelce and Sam Laporta. The idea is to draft the outright #1 tight end early, and then focus on other skill positions. This strategy provides a stronghold over a position that is arguably the most difficult to draft.

This strategy assumes that the value of a tight end in the first two or three rounds is higher compared to other skill positions. Similarly, it is assumed that the point total difference between tight end 1 and other tight ends is so significant that it warrants a high-value pick.

Is there substance behind the elite TE strategy, or is hindering fantasy rosters?

Elite TE Draft Strategy Analysis

The ADPs heading into 2024 indicate that both Travis Kelce and Sam Laporta are worth a second or third-round pick. Looking at the numbers, 82% of tight ends drafted in the first three rounds from 2019-2023 finished in the top five at the position. This is not a surprise as Kelce has dominated and put up monster numbers.

No one is questioning if Kelce or Laporta are going to finish top five at their positions. The real evaluation starts when considering the value you are missing out on elsewhere. Using a second-round pick on a tight end eliminates a potential top-five running back or wideout from your roster which is significantly more valuable.

The positional value at the tight end significantly decreases further into the draft. The 82% guarantee of a top-five finisher plummets near round five, and slowly decreases after that.

It is best to either take an elite tight end early or wait until the very end of drafts. Do not select a tight end in the gray area of the draft.

Final Thoughts

The elite tight-end draft strategy certainly is intriguing. Selecting either Kelce or Laporta will guarantee top-five positional value, and that is tough to pass up.

The clear strategy is to either select a tight end early and lock up one of the best at the position, or wait and compile great players at other skill positions.

The elite tight end strategy is legitimate, and can help fantasy owners win league championships!

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Article originally written by Scott Upton