Ron Rigney looks at those late round and undrafted values and what to expect from them next season using FantasyPros ADP numbers from the fantasy 2024 drafts. Enjoy! Follow Ron on X @ronrigney.
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Jonnu Smith – MIA (Overall ADP 218, 26th tight end drafted)
Where else would you start this article than with the gem of the tight end class for 2024. Smith has been tallying clutch games all season (64% clutch rating) but since Week 11 he’s been 100% consistent and has been a key contributor to playoff teams. Down the stretch it’s been Smith that has become the second option in the Miami passing attack over Jalen Waddle. On the season, the veteran has seen 89 targets, hauling in 70 for 740 yards and six touchdowns. All of those numbers easily outpace Waddle’s performance. Smith has been one of our more consistent options in the past at the position, so it’s nice to see him back in the fold as a reliable option.
2025 Outlook
He’s under contract in Miami for one more season, so he won’t be going anywhere. The coaching staff could be out the door as they sit at 6-8 right now. Mike McDaniel can put together an offense, but is he going to be able to remain the head coach? Watch this one in the offseason, but no matter what happens, you’re not getting Jonnu Smith in Round 18 anymore.
Cade Otton (ADP 194, 23rd tight end drafted)
I got as many shares of Otton in drafts as I could, more of a bench/bye week option than a starter. Heading into Week 16, Otton is 50% consistent and is seventh in total points. Granted, his hot streak came when Mike Evans missed time due to injury, and the absence of Chris Godwin has helped as well, but nevertheless, Otton has had an impact on teams similar to Jonnu Smith. He sits with 59 receptions for 600 yards, which are both career highs.
2025 Outlook
I love Otton as your TE1 heading into next season. He’s just 25 years old and is building an excellent rapport with franchise QB Baker Mayfield. There’s no reason to believe he can’t push to be a Top 5 TE when 2025 is all said and done.
Hunter Henry (ADP 183, 19th tight end drafted)
Like Jonnu Smith, Henry is a guy who fades in and out of fantasy relevance. He also sits at 50% consistent, and is the leading receiver on the New England Patriots. To be fair, it doesn’t take much to hold that title this season. Henry’s 62 receptions and 635 yards both pace the team. He’s only seen the end zone once, but the Patriots offense is only averaging 17 points per game, which is second fewest in the league. There aren’t many bright spots on this offense, but Henry has been the guy to own, at a position that has lacked options.
2025 Outlook
He’s in New England for two more seasons, and his production and ADP will heavily depend on if the Patriots decide to upgrade at WR as they have one of the worst WR rooms in the league. That said, with Drake Maye still developing, there figures to be targets for Henry even if they add to the passing attack. Here’s to hoping they will make Henry a focus in the red zone.
Tucker Kraft (Overall ADP 306, 38th tight end drafted)
I was a Luke Musgrave guy heading into the year. Boy did I think I was smart, and boy was I wrong. Kraft has become the guy to own at tight end in Green Bay. Even though he has an ADP listed, he was undrafted in most leagues. Heading into Week 16, he’s 50% consistent, and eighth in total points with 555 yards seven touchdowns. Of all the options on this list, he’s been the biggest find.
2025 Outlook
There doesn’t seem to be much changing in Green Bay. They have their QB and offensive weapons in place. There’s no reason to think he won’t improve upon his 2024 output and continue to be a redzone target. The main change will be Kraft’s ADP. If you got him in dynasty, congratulations on your freebie!
