Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 5 Rookie Tight Ends

The NFL offseason is nearly upon us. While others focus on 2022 NFL free agency and how NFL teams might find ways to improve, let's take a different approach and look ahead to the 2022 NFL Draft. Specifically: dynasty fantasy football talent.

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Throughout draft season, I'll be delivering top-five lists at every fantasy position to keep tabs on the top dynasty prospects. For those looking to dig deeper, PFF's 2022 NFL Draft Guide is a crucial resource, and it will be updated throughout the offseason leading up to the NFL draft in April. 

For now, let's dig into the top five rookie tight ends for dynasty fantasy football leagues in 2022 — with a few honorable mentions for good measure. Because this rookie tight end class is deep. 

Every NFL podcaster: What’s the deepest position in this year’s draft?

Us: pic.twitter.com/QyuFNM27ZV

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 26, 2022

1. TREY MCBRIDE, COLORADO STATE

2022 Senior Bowl Measurements

McBride posted eye-popping numbers in 2021. The Colorado State Ram compiled 1,125 receiving yards, which comprised 37% of the team’s total passing yardage production. His sheer dominance and command for the football — second-highest target rate per route run (30%) — elevated him to a 94.7 PFF overall grade — the best among tight ends in the nation — and the John Mackey Award. 

However, his senior year breakout wasn’t too surprising based on what he did in a truncated 2020 season. McBride commanded an absurd 71% dominator rating — which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within their offense — operating as the engine of the Rams offense in the four games played. 

TE — Tre McBride — Colorado State

2021:

35% target share (5th since 2014, min 200 routes) 🔥
2.78 YPRR (10th) 🔥
96.1 PFF Receiving Grade (2nd — behind Kyle Pitts) 🔥

2020 (four-game season):

34% target share 👀
2.60 YPRR 👀
90.8 PFF Receiving Grade 👀

— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) February 2, 2022

He even possesses under-the-radar upside because he can win downfield. McBride finished third in catches and fourth in yards on targets of 20-plus air yards. If he ends up armed with a big-armed quarterback — Justin Herbert does need a new tight end — watch out. 

With McBride already impressing at the Senior Bowl, he has a great chance to be the first tight end drafted. With a well-rounded skill set, McBride looks the part of a high-floor inline tight end who can start from Day 1. 

Pros/cons from PFF's 2022 NFL Draft Guide

2. JALEN WYDERMYER, TEXAS A&M

Wydermyer has been producing at a high level in the SEC since the age of 19. The Texas native broke out as a true freshman, catching 32 passes for 447 yards and six touchdowns en route to a 21% dominator rating. 

The Aggies tight end turned up the afterburners in Year 2 with an impressive 26% dominator rating. Wydermyer finished fourth in the FBS in receptions and ninth in PFF receiving grade (84.0). 

After back-to-back seasons of outstanding play, college football fans couldn’t wait to see how Wydermyer would tie a bow on his Texas A&M career. Alas, the gargantuan tight end failed to live up to the lofty expectations, settling for a career-low PFF receiving grade (68.1) that ranked 25th out of 50 qualifying 2022 draft-eligible tight ends. 

However, Wydermyer’s entire body of receiving work — all-time tight end leader in receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns at Texas A&M — combined with his elusiveness and size paint the picture of a coveted prospect. It might just take some time for the 21-year-old to acclimate considering his lack of willingness as a blocker in the run game. 

Being a sub-par blocker isn’t the worst trait for fantasy football, as tight ends need to run routes to score points. But any drawback to a young player’s game that gives coaches an excuse to get them off the field is not ideal.