As fantasy football drafts progress toward the 2025 season, identifying undervalued players remains crucial for success. Brenton Strange stands out as a notable sleeper candidate at the tight end position, offering significant upside for those willing to take a late-round chance. With training camps underway and roles becoming clearer, Strange’s potential as a primary tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars positions him as an intriguing option for fantasy managers.

Opportunity Awaits Brenton Strange as Jaguars’ Lead Tight End

With Evan Engram no longer on the Jaguars’ roster, Brenton Strange is set to step into the primary tight end role. His performance during Engram’s absence last season provides a glimpse of what fantasy owners might expect. Over eight games as the main tight end option, Strange averaged 8.5 points per game, which aligns with streamer-level output but indicates an ability to contribute steadily. This offseason, Strange has had the chance to solidify his role and develop chemistry, aided by offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s fresh offensive approach aimed at improving a previously struggling unit.

Despite these encouraging signs, Strange’s average draft position at TE21 suggests he is being overlooked in most fantasy drafts. This presents a valuable opportunity for managers who choose to build their team without investing heavily at the tight end spot, making Strange a prime candidate for those punting the position altogether.

Rising Rookie Prospects Offer High-Upside Alternatives

Tight end is a position where only a few players consistently produce elite fantasy numbers, often making it difficult to find true breakout candidates beyond established stars. This year, some rookies are drawing attention due to their potential to outperform expectations despite challenging team situations.

Colston Loveland of the Chicago Bears serves as one such example. While he faces stiff competition for targets from established receivers like DJ Moore and emerging talents Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, Loveland’s pedigree as an elite prospect and first-round draft pick cannot be ignored. The Bears’ offense will be steered by Caleb Williams in his second year, who must improve significantly to boost the production of his pass-catchers. Even though the situation poses risks, taking a chance on Loveland as a late-round selection can be rewarding given his upside compared to typical tight end streaming options.

Jets’ Tight End Role Could Be Up for Grabs This Season

The New York Jets present a different kind of opportunity at the tight end spot that could benefit an emerging player. Unlike previous seasons where the Jets’ roster was crowded with pass-catching options, the offense now heavily revolves around Garrett Wilson, who is expected to dominate targets. With less depth beyond him, the door opens for someone like Mason Taylor to claim a larger share of the passing game as the Jets’ potential second receiving option.

There isn’t a clear incumbent at tight end for New York, though Jeremy Ruckert is still in the mix. If Taylor proves himself early, he might step into the lead tight end role and assume a key role in supporting Justin Fields, the Jets’ quarterback, who has shown the ability to handle multiple fantasy-relevant receivers. Taylor’s position on draft boards as a high-upside, low-risk asset makes him a candidate worth monitoring throughout the preseason.

Why Targeting Sleepers Like Strange Matters in Fantasy Football

In recent seasons, only a handful of tight ends have consistently scored high fantasy points, with just five players in 2024 averaging more than 13 points per game. Given this scarcity, finding reliable players who outperform their draft cost can be a critical strategy. Sleepers like Brenton Strange represent a balance between opportunity and value—offering consistent if not explosive numbers, and the possibility of increased production with a full offseason as the lead option.

For fantasy managers who choose to allocate their higher draft picks to skill positions such as running backs and wide receivers, players like Strange and rookies Loveland and Taylor offer alternative paths to fill tight end needs without sacrificing upside. Their situations either position them in emerging offenses or roles with more target share potential, making them key candidates to consider in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.

As the 2025 season approaches, keeping an eye on these tight ends’ developments during training camp and preseason games will be crucial for managers seeking an edge. Brenton Strange, in particular, offers an attractive blend of opportunity, affordability, and potential growth that fantasy owners should not overlook when building their rosters.