sleeper tight ends to target abound in 2024, with Chig Okonkwo, Brenton Strange and Isaiah Likely leading the charge. Okonkwo exploded in the Titans’ late-season run, flashing elite speed and per-play efficiency, and playoff production that suggested a real fantasy ceiling if his snap rate stays high. Strange seized a near-full-time role for Jacksonville when Evan Engram was out, delivering strong weeks and a clear path to a larger target share. Baltimore’s Likely emerged as a high-upside handcuff who can swing fantasy weeks when Andrews isn’t on the field. The piece notes how ADP compression at TE leaves real sleepers in play, especially on teams willing to feature tight ends in 11/12 personnel and with evolving offensive schemes. The Titans’ and Ravens’ layouts, plus Jacksonville’s rotation change under a new OC, create concrete paths for these players to crack top-12 and top-6 fantasy floors, even in redraft formats.

Fourteen tight ends sit inside the top 121 in ADP, underscoring the volatility and opportunity around the position. Loveland and Warren sit outside the immediate sleepers, but the article highlights that several veterans and mid-draft pieces can pay off if they land on a favorable depth chart or see a boost from injuries. The overall message: read the offense, watch playing time, and pounce on the off-the-radar TE who can anchor a playoff push or provide season-long upside in the late rounds.

Graham Mertz, four-year College Football standout at Wisconsin and Florida, enters the NFL with Houston after being drafted in Round 6. In his first NFL action, he logged the final five Texans drives in a 20-10 loss to Minnesota, finishing 7 of 14 for 27 yards with three interceptions and a nine-yard rush. On the Texans depth chart he sat behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills and ahead of Kedon Slovis, so the appearance did little to clear up Houston s QB pecking order headed into the rest of the preseason. The result underscores why late round QBs are long shots but not impossible reclamation projects in the right system.

Math and pedigree matter here. Mertz totaled more than 9 000 passing yards and 64 TDs across Wisconsin and Florida, with a best Florida year near 3 000 yards and 20 TDs in 2023. A path to a backup role or a late season opportunity requires him to show rapid adjustment and cleaner decision making, especially given Stroud s foothold and Mills waiting in the wings. Fantasy players should monitor the Texans roster moves but treat Mertz as a high risk, long shot dynasty flyer rather than a poised redraft option this year.

Fantasy busts are a constant in every draft, but understanding who truly carries risk can turn a gamble into a league-winning move. 2025’s bust slate runs from aging passers to injury-prone backs and veteran WRs facing schematics shifts. Matthew Stafford’s back and a slower-trending production line pull him from the late-roster luxury to a delicate forecast. Brock Purdy carries upside, but Deebo Samuel’s exit and Debo’s supporting cast shake the Niners’ floor. James Conner faces workload and aging concerns; Kyren Williams risks a crowded backfield; Tyreek Hill’s peak age and wrist drama temper explosive upside. The WR quartet Jeudy, Mooney, Loveland, and Likely illustrate how a blip can tilt a draft from value to risk. Still, even busts signal opportunities in the right spots: hedge with handcuffs, target midrange QB2s, and look for second-half rebounds from young weapons. The goal isn’t avoidance; it’s smart allocation when the cost meets the ceiling.

In the specific bust lineup, Stafford’s back injury is a real hurdle, Purdy’s surrounding cast is thinning, Conner’s 30-year-old frame brings durability questions, Williams carries a heavy 2024 workload with a fresh midround backfield, Hill’s PRR upside is cloudy without consistent QB play, Jeudy’s surrounding cast is thin and risky, Mooney has to prove durability after a shoulder issue, Loveland’s path to volume is steep, and Likely’s opportunity depends on Baltimore’s QB health and Kmet’s role. The running-back and wide-receiver busts are balanced by caveats: the right stack, a late-season surge, and a smart handcuff can turn these bust risks into late-round winners. The strategy emphasizes risk-aware drafting, swap-ready rosters, and a willingness to pivot with weathered veterans and confident young talents.

The Baltimore Ravens displayed remarkable efficiency in the red zone during the 2024 season, ranking first in multiple PFF metrics, including passing and receiving grades. Lamar Jackson excelled with 36 touchdowns and only two interceptions, showcasing exceptional decision-making. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely were pivotal, with Andrews leading all tight ends in red-zone touchdowns. Derrick Henry also made a significant impact as a top rusher, emphasizing the Ravens' multi-faceted offensive threat.

The Washington Commanders' resurgence saw them jump to second in the red zone, driven by Jayden Daniels' impressive performance, including 22 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles maintained their defensive prowess, particularly in the red zone, led by standout players like Cooper DeJean and Nolan Smith. Their efforts helped secure a top ranking among defenses, further underlining the importance of both offensive and defensive strategies in building a successful team.