Fantasy football managers seeking value beyond elite names like Trey McBride or Brock Bowers should look toward the middle and late rounds of their upcoming drafts. A recent report identifies four specific tight ends—Tucker Kraft, Mark Andrews, Gunnar Helm, and Brenton Strange—who possess the potential for breakout seasons.
The Green Bay Packers' Tucker Kraft and the 2025 ACL recovery
Tucker Kraft is positioned as a high-upside target despite a season-ending injury that interrupted his momentum. As the report notes, Kraft suffered a torn ACL during his 2025 campaign, which halted a trajectory that saw him record 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games.
While the injury is a significant concern, Kraft expects to be fully ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. He has a history of durability, having appeared in all 17 games during the two seasons prior to his injury. Despite being ranked as TE13 by ESPN in PPR formats, his performance through Week 9 of the previous season suggested he was actually a top-five option, making him a potentially severely underrated asset.
Mark Andrews' struggle to replicate his 1,361-yard peak
The Baltimore Ravens' Mark Andrews faces a pivotal season after a significant statistical decline that has lasted several years.. After recording a career-high 1,361 receiving yards in 2021, Andrews has entered a period of regression, culminating in a 2025 season where he posted a career-low 422 yards on 48 receptions.
The opportunity for a rebound lies in the Ravens' depth chart and potential volume increases. With Durham Smythe primarily serving as a blocking tight end—recording only 78 receiving yards over his last two NFL seasons—the bulk of the passing targets should remain concentrated with Andrews.
Gunnar Helm's ascent following Chig Okonkwo's move to Washington
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm is set to inherit a much larger role following Chig Okonkwo's departure to the Washington Commanders.. This positional shift makes Helm a primary target for managers looking for late-round value in Tennessee's offense.
According to the source, Helm's rookie season included 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns . His value is further bolstered by the presence of quarterback Cam Ward, whose aggressive, "gunslinging" playstyle could provide the high-reward opportunities that fantasy managers crave when drafting in the final rounds.
Brenton Strange's late-season surge with Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange enters the 2026 draft season with significant momentum following a strong finish to his previous campaign. Strange concluded the 2025 season with 46 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns across 12 games.
This late-season production coincided with visibly improved chemistry between Strange and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While ESPN has him ranked as TE21 in PPR formats for the upcoming season, his upward trajectory suggests he could outperform his current ADP.
The risks inherent in Cam Ward's style and Kraft's recovery
Several variables remain unverified as managers prepare for their drafts.. While Kraft expects a full recovery, the long-term impact of an ACL tear on a player's explosive movement is a common point of debate among fantasy analysts.
Furthermore, the report does not specify if the Ravens' offensive scheme will actually shift more volume toward Andrews, or if the Titans' quarterback Cam Ward will prioritize other targets over Helm. These unanswered questions mean that while the upside is high, these players remain speculative picks that require careful consideration.
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