Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – "Tight Ends Preview: Why 'Great or Late' Might Make Sense Again" (Released July 31, 2025)

Introduction

In the July 31, 2025 episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves into the intricate strategies surrounding tight end selections for the upcoming fantasy football season. The episode, titled "Tight Ends Preview: Why 'Great or Late' Might Make Sense Again", explores current trends, player evaluations, and draft strategies to help listeners optimize their fantasy teams.

Key Discussions

1. Shifting Tight End Strategies

   The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of tight end drafting, emphasizing the "Great or Late" strategy. Adam Aizer introduces the premise by highlighting how top tight ends like Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers have historically been drafted in later rounds but have yielded significant value.

   Adam [03:03]: "The number one tight end in fantasy has been drafted in round nine or later each of the past two seasons."

   This strategy suggests waiting on selecting a tight end until mid to late rounds, allowing managers to allocate early picks to more proven positions while still securing high-potential tight ends without overpaying.

2. Player Analysis and Rankings

   • Brock Bowers vs. Trey McBride: Dave Richard advocates for drafting Bowers and McBride early, considering their high target potential and consistency.

     Dave [04:36]: "I generally just draft Brock Bowers or Trey McBride and then don't think about it ever again."

   • George Kittle Considerations: The discussion pivots to George Kittle, comparing his value to younger tight ends and debating whether his experience justifies an earlier selection.

     Heath [08:45]: "Tyler Warren is going to be worth that pick. And let's call it late round eight, early round nine."

   • Sleepers and Breakouts: The analysts identify potential sleepers such as Tucker Kraft and Jake Ferguson, who could exceed expectations based on their offensive roles and projected target shares.

     Dave [32:22]: "Tucker Kraft is in round 10, so I think that makes him sleeper eligible."

3. Value-Based Drafting (VBD) Approach

   Dave Richard introduces the Value-Based Drafting method to assess tight ends' worth relative to their draft positions. This approach helps identify which tight ends provide the most value based on projected points versus replacement costs.

   Dave [47:18]: "Bowers projected for 16 points. He's seven points better than what we're calling replacement cost here."

4. Impact of Team Offenses and Injuries

   The conversation underscores the importance of team offensive schemes and quarterback performance on tight ends' fantasy value. For instance, Travis Kelce's performance is closely tied to Patrick Mahomes' efficiency and offensive strategy.

   Jamie [16:09]: "If the Chiefs are a better passing attack when Mahomes was great last year, Kelsey was great."

   Additionally, the impact of injuries to key players like Rasheed Rice and Isaiah Likely is discussed, highlighting how they affect the dynamics and target distributions within teams.

5. Drafting Decisions and Round Priorities

   The hosts debate when to draft specific tight ends based on their projections and ADP (Average Draft Position). While some advocate for early picks on players like Bowers and McBride, others suggest waiting to secure value with players like Tyler Warren and David Najoku in later rounds.

   Jamie [40:27]: "If you take Kittle at 41, so I think it's fine. But if you're asking like who is being underdrafted, I don't think any of them are."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Adam [03:03]: "The number one tight end in fantasy has been drafted in round nine or later each of the past two seasons."

• Dave [04:36]: "I generally just draft Brock Bowers or Trey McBride and then don't think about it ever again."

• Heath [08:45]: "Tyler Warren is going to be worth that pick. And let's call it late round eight, early round nine."

• Dave [47:18]: "Bowers projected for 16 points. He's seven points better than what we're calling replacement cost here."

Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts

The episode dedicates significant time to identifying potential sleepers and breakout candidates among tight ends. Tucker Kraft emerges as a key sleeper, with expectations of increased involvement in his team's passing game. Jake Ferguson is also highlighted for his potential in a revamped offense under Dak Prescott.

Jamie [32:57]: "Jake Ferguson, you know, had a very strong connection with Dak Prescott in 2023... he could be a borderline top 12 tight end."

Conversely, the group expresses caution toward players like Sam LaPorta and Travis Kelce, debating the risks associated with their draft positions and injury histories.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The consensus among the analysts leans towards the "Great or Late" strategy, advocating for selecting tight ends in the mid to late rounds to maximize value and secure high-potential players without compromising early-round picks on more proven positions. Tyler Warren and David Najoku are recommended as valuable middle-to-late-round picks, while Tucker Kraft and Jake Ferguson present promising sleeper options for savvy managers.

George Kittle remains a debated asset, with some viewing his consistent performance as warranting an earlier pick, while others prefer to rely on younger, high-upside tight ends.

Heath [63:18]: "He's still a difference maker."

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive analysis of tight end options for the 2025 fantasy football season, equipping listeners with strategic insights to enhance their draft approach and team composition.

Additional Notes

• Injury Updates: The hosts briefly touch upon key player injuries affecting team dynamics, such as Noah Fant's signing with the Bengals and Isaiah Likely's foot surgery, which could influence tight end performance and target shares.

• Upcoming Content: The episode teases future discussions on trade grading, waiver wire pickups, and settlement of league disputes, ensuring continuous value for fantasy managers throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

Listeners who employ the strategies discussed in this episode are well-positioned to optimize their tight end selections and gain a competitive edge in their fantasy football leagues. By balancing proven talent with high-upside sleepers and adapting to evolving team dynamics, managers can navigate the complexities of tight end drafting with confidence.