When drafting tight ends in fantasy football, there are many different things to consider. A tight end is judged on so many different elements that it is sometimes hard to find out which performs the best. One of the keys to success lies in identifying those who are expected to run routes and catch passes rather than block. Understanding and leveraging specific metrics can provide a significant advantage.
Upside Metrics to Look for in Tight Ends
Here are four crucial metrics that can help fantasy football managers pinpoint tight ends with the highest upside whether you are drafting, trading, claiming, or simply just analyzing your team:
Target Percentage
Target percentage, or target share, is a metric that indicates the proportion of a team’s pass attempts directed toward a specific player. For tight ends, a high target percentage is a strong indicator of their role in the passing game. This metric is crucial because it reflects the trust and reliance a quarterback has on the tight end, often translating to more opportunities for receptions and fantasy points.
A tight end with a high target share is heavily involved in the offense, making them a valuable asset in PPR leagues. Target percentage also helps fantasy managers gauge a player’s potential volume. Tight ends with higher target shares are likely to see more consistent usage, which can lead to greater fantasy production over the course of a season.
To put this into context, Evan Engram was the second-ranked tight end in target share last season, with 23.8%.
Yards Per Target
Yards per target (YPT) measures the total receiving yards a player gains per time he is targeted This metric is particularly insightful for assessing a tight end’s efficiency and overall impact on the offense. A high YPT indicates that a tight end is not only targeted frequently but also gains significant yardage when targeted.
This metric helps fantasy managers identify tight ends who make the most of their opportunities, as it combines volume and efficiency into a single, valuable statistic. Tight ends with high YPT are often integral to their team’s offensive success, making them prime targets for fantasy drafts.
George Kittle was the number one ranked tight end in yards per target, with 11.33.
Route Percentage
Route percentage refers to the proportion of passing plays in which a tight end runs a route, as opposed to staying in to block. This metric is critical because it directly correlates with a tight end’s opportunity to receive targets. Tight ends who run routes on a high percentage of passing plays are more likely to be involved in the passing game and, consequently, have more chances to accumulate fantasy points.
This metric helps fantasy managers identify tight ends that are used primarily as receivers rather than blockers, which is essential for maximizing fantasy potential. High route percentages often signal a tight end’s central role in the passing attack, making them valuable assets in any fantasy lineup.
Mark Andrews ranked third in route percentage last year with 93.8%.
Catchable Passes
The catchable passes metric tracks the number of passes thrown to a player that are considered catchable, meaning the pass is reasonably within the player’s ability to catch. This metric is vital because it highlights the quality of targets a tight end receives, which can impact their overall production. Tight ends with a high percentage of catchable passes are more likely to convert those opportunities into receptions and, subsequently, fantasy points.
This metric helps fantasy managers assess the accuracy and reliability of the quarterback-tight end connection. Tight ends who consistently receive catchable passes are more likely to produce steady fantasy outputs, making them dependable options for fantasy rosters.
David Njoku was the fourth-ranked tight end in this category, receiving 93 catchable passes.