Matt Bowen, fantasy football analyst for ESPN, splits tight ends into six tiers to help draft decisions. Tier 1 features elite targets Trey McBride and Brock Bowers. McBride led all tight ends with 18.7 fantasy points per game last season, while Bowers posted 14.7 PPG in a limited schedule. Both should be taken early for high‑end production.

Tier 2 houses high‑end TE1s Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren. Loveland’s late‑season surge and Warren’s durable, red‑zone presence make them top‑flight starters. Tier 3 offers mid‑to‑low‑end TE1s like Travis Kelce, Harold Fannin Jr., and Kyle Pitts, who can deliver solid value if used wisely. Tier 4 contains deeper‑league starters such as Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews, useful for deeper leagues. Tier 5 lists streaming and upside options—Juwan Johnson, Brenton Strange, and others—while Tier 6 highlights players to monitor for matchup‑based play, including Pat Freiermuth and Evan Engram.

By following Bowen’s tiers, managers can navigate the tight end landscape, balancing elite production with affordable depth, ensuring a roster that can compete in both standard and PPR formats. The breakdown also highlights injury risks and upside potential, allowing teams to adjust their strategy as the season approaches.