NFL teams want their tight ends to do a lot. Yes, they want them to run downfield, find the end zone, and come up with those big catches, but there is more to it. Pass protection and run blocking are also just as important, and often are dependent on playing time. As long as they are on the field, we just want our tight ends to catch the ball. When they do so in the end zone, even better. Of course, trying to predict that is far from easy. As we look to evaluate the tight end position for the 2026 fantasy football season, let’s take a dive through some advanced statistics and metrics. Whether or not it uncovers hidden value or simply validates our current beliefs, there is some clear value.
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Upside Metrics: Tight End
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
We cannot talk about tight ends and touchdowns without drilling into Goedert. Not only did he catch a career-high 60 passes last season, but he found the end zone 11 times. He also had a respectable 591 yards, but that is not going to be the focus for anyone. Instead, it is all about those touchdowns. As much as we would like to think otherwise, it is pretty difficult to predict with a level of certainty whether that will continue. After all, the Eagles’ offense is dominated by Jalen Hurts and the tush push at the goal line, and having Saquon Barkley does not hurt.
What we do know to be true, though, is Goedert’s role in the Philadelphia offense. With AJ Brown now in New England, there is real opportunity in the Eagles’ passing game. That is not to say they did not add talent, but there is value in sticking with the predictable Goedert. At least initially, it would not surprise me to see him be the number two receiver for Philadelphia behind Devonta Smith.
As you look to target Goedert, here are some metrics that support that.
- Team Air Yards Share – 13.7%
- Team Target Share – 17.5%
- Average Depth of Target – 7.1 yards
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
With 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns, there was a lot to like about Loveland’s rookie season. The Bears continue to be an ascending offense, so it makes sense that there would be buzz entering 2026 in Chicago. In the case of Loveland, that is also amplified as he enters year two.
What really caught our attention, though, were the last four games of Loveland’s rookie season. There was an overlap between the regular season and postseason, but Loveland ultimately finished with 28 catches for 378 yards and two touchdowns. Can he keep it up? A look at some of his metrics in the upper percentile at the position says that he can.
- Team Air Yards Share – 16.6%
- Team Target Share – 15.3%
- Average Depth of Target – 8.9 yards
- Drop Rate – 1.2%
- Targeted on Route – 22.7%
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Maybe it is because he had just three touchdowns last season; Johnson might have had the quietest 77-catch, 889-yard season in recent memory. The Saints, led by Tyler Shough, are a popular offense to target this off-season. We know that, at times, touchdowns can be cyclical, but Johnson has not received much respect heading into the 2026 season.
I’m not saying he should be a TE1 in most leagues, but Johnson also should not be overlooked. His rank in the upper percentile of a number of metrics also supports this.
- Team Air Yards Share – 16.6%
- Team Target Share – 18.1%
- Average Depth of Target – 7.4 Yards
- Catch Rate – 74.8%
- Targeted on Route – 20.4%
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