The tight-end position has been arguably the most difficult for fantasy football players to draft over the past few years. Yet, many wait until the final rounds of their draft to select a tight end.
Last year, Sam LaPorta was a popular late-round sleeper tight end as a rookie. The former Iowa star ended the season as the TE1 in half-point PPR scoring. While that is unlikely to happen again in 2024, which rookie tight end could have a massive year?
Two of the more popular candidates are Ja'Tavion Sanders and Theo Johnson. Both rookies have a pathway to start Week 1. However, which tight end is the better option for fantasy players? Let's dive into it.
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Ja'Tavion Sanders 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Sanders entered the 2024 NFL Draft as the clear-cut No. 2 tight end in the class. However, he was the fourth tight end drafted. The former Texas star didn’t test well during the predraft process but is a dangerous weapon after the catch. Sanders has little competition for targets at the tight-end position. Meanwhile, the rookie has high expectations for himself.
“I told everybody I’m trying to be the next
Greg Olsen here.” - Ja’Tavion Sanders 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9yY6ZgSVQg— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) May 11, 2024
Theo Johnson 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
The New York Giants will have a new starting tight end in 2024 following Darren Waller’s retirement. While Daniel Bellinger could have a role, expect Johnson to become Waller’s replacement in the passing game. The former Penn State tight end is extremely athletic. Furthermore, he has already made an impact during camp, connecting with Daniel Jones on multiple passes.
Theo Johnson gettin’ after it pic.twitter.com/VpHJx0YJcy
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 31, 2024
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Both rookie tight ends are appealing late-round options for fantasy players. They both have an opportunity to see meaningful targets in 2024. However, fantasy players should draft Sanders over Johnson. The former Texas star has less competition for targets and snaps at the tight-end position. More importantly, Sanders could have a massive role in the passing game in Dave Canales’ offense.
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