Top Sleeper Tight Ends to Target in 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

Michael Fabiano | May 20, 2024

Nov 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) warms up / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Sleepers: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers

The term “sleeper” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others think it’s a relatively unknown or once-forgotten player who unexpectedly emerges or re-emerges into a useful fantasy option.

In my opinion, both definitions are true but with a caveat. I don’t see a player as a sleeper if he’s already been a valuable fantasy asset during his career. For example, Pat Freiermuth can’t be labeled a “sleeper.” Did he have a mediocre 2023 season? Yes, but that doesn’t make him a sleeper now, even if he isn’t projected to be a top-12 tight end selection in most 2024 fantasy drafts.

Could Freiermuth be labeled as a bargain? Absolutely. But he’s not a sleeper. I also consider some rookies to be sleepers (as you will see), as these players could outperform their draft position without ever yet producing in the pros.

With that in mind, here are four sleeper tight ends to target in the late rounds who could be better than we’re expecting in the stat sheets this season.

1. Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers

Musgrave is part of what is a Packers passing attack loaded with talent, which could hurt his level of consistent production. Still, he did show some flashes of potential as a rookie, and Green Bay has always liked to use the tight end in their offense. Tucker Kraft is also in the mix and could usurp Musgrave, but I’m betting on the latter to keep the top spot on the depth chart. He’ll be worth a late pick.

2. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Otton, entering his third NFL season, has a chance to post a career-best season in 2024. He quietly put up 47 catches and 455 yards this past campaign, but his ceiling on a weekly basis was always problematic. While that could remain an issue this season, I can easily see Otton pushing for 50-plus catches and 500-plus yards. I’d take a chance on him in the late rounds as a No. 2 option.

3. Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Johnson failed to meet expectations last season, but he did finish the year on a high note. In his final four games, he posted 11-plus fantasy points three times including a 23-point performance in fantasy championship week. The Saints also lack proven talent in their wide receiver room after releasing Michael Thomas, so Johnson will have a chance to post career totals this upcoming season.

4. Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders

Sinnott, the 53rd overall selection in the draft, was picked to be the Commanders tight end of the future. In his final collegiate season, he posted 49 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games. Veteran Zach Ertz is the projected starter, but he’s 33 and has had injury issues in recent seasons. That could mean more opportunities for Sinnott, who will have late-round value in drafts.