The mid-round TE selections you make in your 2022 drafts are key to having success. The way that I’ve always thought about drafts:
- Early-round selections are about not losing your league
- Mid-round selections are about getting into the playoffs
For example, selecting Deebo Samuel last season you got him as the 86th player off the board (based on Sleeper ADP) and picked up a top-level WR for the season. Now, that’s not going to happen with every selection- it can’t. But knowing some names you can look to in those mid-rounds can help come draft time.
Criteria for selection & Notes
For a player to be considered in this list:
- Have a current ADP of Round 7+
- Have a current role in the offense (so a third-down back, timeshare back would be ok. But a rotational/ relief back wouldn’t
ADP data has been taken from Sleeper at July 27 (Redraft PPR)
Tight End
Tight End is a meh position. Outside of the top handful, it’s about trying to find that guy that exceeds expectations. My personal way of drafting the position is to set a ‘line-in-the-sand’ guy. If he falls to me where he has been going at ADP, then I’ll take him.
Otherwise, I’ll wait and take two upside plays, and hope I can piece the position together, or find the breakout star.
Dallas Goedert (PHI) ADP 76
Image Credit: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
Goedert is the answer here really. In the Eagles offense, the TE position has been massively important. And if the team hadn’t seen A.J. Brown come into town, there is no way that he would be drafted this low. His profile is similar to the big names at the position- he is an important part of the passing offense, and can make plays with the ball. Goedert is my target in drafts. If I miss him, then I’m swinging with one of the guys ALOT later (as you’ll see below)
Irv Smith (MIN) ADP 134
Image Credit: Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports
Smith had a decent amount of hype around him last year, but as we have seen with over players- missed the season due to a preseason injury. The team clearly want him to be the starter, after letting the previous two starting TEs go. With the new offense to come in, the TE position is likely to be used more often that before. The Rams have used their TEs more often than the Vikings the past two seasons, and if either of the leading receivers go down Smith is a prime candidate for a healthy target share.
David Njoku (CLE) ADP 146
Image Credit: Katie Stratman – USA TODAY Sports
If there was a season that Njoku was going to breakout this has to be it. The Browns receivers have had alot of turnover, and the team have committed to him. During the offseason, not only did the team give him the tag, they also moved previous starter Austin Hooper out of town. The Browns need receivers that can make plays- whoever is at QB, and Njoku is practically free in drafts
Other Considerations
- Cole Kmet (CHI) ADP 117. When I said earlier that if I didn’t get Goedert I’d absolutely punt the position, I’d have pause on Kmet. He is right around the TE1 area, currently being taken as TE13. So if everyone has loaded up a TE, and typically only take one in your league, sit and wait with Kmet.
- Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN) ADP 128. Albert O is getting hype due to his playmaking ability, and the clear upgrade at QB. If I’m drafting him, I’m likely pairing him with another TE. He has risk with him, because he really hasn’t done it before, but there is a massive amount of upside here.
- Evan Engram (JAX) ADP 189. Absolute rock bottom is Engram, and I totally get it. After starting out well he struggled with health and general offense with the Giants. Well, now he gets a new start with the Jags. If I’m looking for upside for free- it’s Engram. Doug Peterson valued the TE position with the Eagles, and there is no reason to think he won’t do the same here. And there really isn’t a number of prime receiving options on the roster. Absolutely free in drafts, and has shown he can do it- the big question is can he repeat it?
