Getting the tight end position right is crucial to a fantasy team’s success. Though streaming tight ends in redraft leagues can be a winning strategy, dynasty leagues are a different animal. Without a capable starter, a team is at a severe disadvantage going into battle each week. Have no fear. These bounce back candidates fell short of expectations in 2019, but their advanced stats and metrics profiles make them ideal targets to fill the position in 2020 regardless of league format.
Evan Engram (FFPC ADP: 59.88)
Fantasy drafters are rushing to board the Evan Engram hype train as his ADP continues to rise steadily. The 6-3, 234-pound tight end was a top prospect from Ole Miss, posting upper percentile workout metrics across the board. His 29.5-percent College Dominator Rating and 20.0 Breakout Age both fall above the 80th-percentile among qualified tight ends. He is a monster waiting to be unleashed.
Evan Engram Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Engram racked up 467 yards and three touchdowns, with an 83.9-percent (No. 5) Snap Share last year, despite injuries limiting him to eight games played. The Giants have solid wide receivers, though none who will command a Target Share resembling that of a true number one. The opportunity is there. Should he avoid the injury bug this year, Engram is headed for a top-5 fantasy finish.
T.J. Hockenson (ADP: 99.88)
Plenty of hype surrounded T.J. Hockensen during his rookie season in 2019, but the top-10 draft pick didn’t live up to expectations. The 6-5, 251-pound tight end made for an ideal target in fantasy drafts. His workout metrics ranked in the upper percentiles and he posted a 24.0-percent (74th-percentile) College Dominator Rating. Not to mention the excellent landing spot; Detroit lacked offensive weapons for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
T.J. Hockenson Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
After a massive NFL debut with six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, Hockenson produced little the rest of the way before an injury cut his season short. Despite losing his quarterback halfway through the season, Hockenson managed to accrue 59 (No. 20) targets before suffering his injury. With Stafford healthy, Hockenson is primed for a big leap in 2020.
Jack Doyle (ADP: 122.04)
Ah, good ole’ Philip Rivers. His arrival in Indianapolis is a boon for tight end Jack Doyle. Despite playing all 16 games in 2019, Doyle posted double digit fantasy points in only four of them. Half of his games saw him put up fewer than five fantasy points. However, Eric Ebron’s presence and the mid-season struggles of quarterback Jacoby Brissett must be considered.
Check out Jack Doyle’s 2020 Projection on PlayerProfiler’s “World Famous” Draft Kit:
Doyle’s workout metrics don’t reveal much, but a 23.9-percent (74th-percentile) College Dominator Rating and 19.3 (92nd-percentile) Breakout Age offer a reminder that we’re dealing with a good football player. In 2019, he posted a 75.3-percent Snap Share with 72 targets, both top-15 marks at the position. He had 43 (No. 14) receptions, and this is while sharing the field with Ebron. With Rivers in town, and with little competition in the way, Doyle has the opportunity to be a big time option for the veteran quarterback.
Chris Herndon (ADP: 132.67)
The Jets plan to unleash Chris Herndon in 2020 according to, well, the Jets. There is reason to buy in, however. The University of Miami product was the second leading receiver on the team during his senior season. He had four touchdowns and close to 500 yards before an MCL injury ended his season. He was recovering from surgery during the NFL Combine and Miami Pro Day.
Chris Herndon Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Herndon started 12 games for the Jets in 2018, finishing his rookie season with over 500 yards and four touchdowns. Injuries and a suspension derailed his 2019 campaign, but there is optimism for 2020. He registered an above-average 18.0-percent (52nd-percentile) College Dominator Rating, and though some of his workout metrics are missing, he does have past professional production in his profile. Sam Darnold needs weapons, and while Jamison Crowder and rookie Denzel Mims are sure to get their targets, so will Herndon.
TRAP ALERT – Hunter Henry (ADP: 73.08)
Gone is Philip Rivers and his affinity for tight ends. Enter Tyrod Taylor, a career backup, and rookie Justin Herbert, who struggles with accuracy in the short to intermediate range. Add in the fact that the Chargers have two running backs who excel at catching passes, and one must wonder if the opportunity will be there for Hunter Henry. Considering his ADP, the price is far too high despite the talent the player possesses. Most names on this list can be had in the later rounds, and will have similar or better production than Henry in 2020. It’s a trap!
