Potential TE1 Candidates for Fantasy Football 2026

As the fantasy football scene for 2026 approaches, a conversation is brewing around tight ends who could potentially finish as the TE1 overall. While established stars like Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Trey McBride have consistently ranked among the elite at their position, the real intrigue lies in identifying undervalued talents ready to break out. In this environment, spotting emerging players who can elevate their game is critical for savvy fantasy managers. Let’s take a closer look at a few names who could rise to prominence if conditions align favorably.

Identifying Undervalued Talent

As we assess the tight end situation, it’s key to look beyond the top-tier talents from the 2025 draft class—such as Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr.—three dynamic tight ends emerge as potential game-changers: Tucker Kraft, Dalton Kincaid, and Isaiah Likely. Their draft position may not reflect their ceiling, but each of these players possesses the skill set to exceed expectations under the right circumstances. If you're working in this space, you'll want to keep an eye on how these players adapt during training camps and preseason games.

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (ADP: 6.08)

Tucker Kraft's 2024 season was nothing short of efficient. He finished with the league's top mark of 9.3 yards per target among tight ends—a telling statistic that underscores his big-play potential. His ability to gain an impressive 10.8 yards after the catch per reception stands as a monumental achievement, leaving him at the forefront of tight end performance metrics over PFF's 20 years of tracking this data. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Kraft; his primary challenge has been volume. This issue didn't go unnoticed by the Packers, who responded by increasing his target rate from 14.5% to 19.1% in 2025. Increasing targeted opportunities might be exactly what he needs to break into the upper echelon of tight ends.

Prior to encountering a season-ending ACL injury, Kraft showcased his talent, averaging 14.7 PPR points per game—a figure that aligned with some of the elite players at his position. As we look to 2026, he’s been activated and is participating in drills, indicating a promising recovery trajectory. With the departure of key receiving threats from Green Bay, Kraft might find himself with a significant uptick in targets. This evolution creates an ideal scenario for him to excel even further.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (ADP: 9.07)

Dalton Kincaid has showcased some elite-level potential as a tight end when healthy. Last season, his performance metrics were impressive, highlighted by a 2.12 yards per route run—an elite figure that ranks only behind George Kittle among active tight ends. Additionally, his receiving grade places him sixth among those with over 400 routes run in the past two seasons. Yet, injuries have plagued him, limiting his time on the field and consequently his potential statistics. When healthy, though, Kincaid exceeded 14.0 PPR points in key matchups. These flashes of brilliance suggest he has the caliber to be a significant contributor to any fantasy team.

With the Bills maintaining their offensive core while adding DJ Moore to the mix, Kincaid remains integral to Buffalo’s passing game. His health will be a determinant factor going into the season, but if he can overcome his injury challenges, he stands a solid chance of becoming a top-tier tight end. All eyes will be on his connection with quarterback Josh Allen, known for his capability to transform targets into meaningful production.

Isaiah Likely, New York Giants (ADP: 10.04)

Isaiah Likely's career trajectory has been complicated by the presence of established star Mark Andrews, which has limited his overall production metrics. The reality is that sitting behind a player of Andrews' caliber can hamper anyone’s stats. Yet, even with limited opportunities, his efficiency shines through: Likely has achieved a positive play on nearly 10% of his targets. As he moves into 2026, he finds himself reuniting with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, which could elevate his chances to increase his target share significantly. The Giants' offense has undergone considerable restructuring of late, making this a pivotal moment for him.

The changes to the Giants' receiving corps were substantial, creating potential openings for Likely to carve out a larger role. Another factor contributing to this optimism is the emergence of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has demonstrated an inclination to target tight ends more frequently in previous schemes—this could bode well for Likely's fantasy prospects. If he can capitalize on these new opportunities while also maintaining his current level of efficiency, there’s a clearly laid-out path for him to elevate his fantasy value and possibly break into the ranks of elite tight ends.

Significance and Future Implications

For fantasy managers, these tight ends embody a mix of risk and latent potential. Each player has unique circumstances that could either accelerate their growth or hinder their progress. Monitoring their development in training camps will be essential; factors like health and workload dynamics during early games will shape their viability as top tight end options as the season unfolds. That said, there’s room for optimism: the tight end position often sees surprising breakouts, and this trio appears primed for a leap, should the stars align correctly.

(and this is the part most people overlook) These players' potential enhancements in target share could leave traditional fantasy rankings in the dust. Remaining attentive during preseason matchups will provide insight into any shifts in their team dynamics, ultimately influencing their draft stock. It's a waiting game, but these emerging talents could turn out to be the steals of your fantasy draft.