They must have at least one catch to appear on this list
The 2025 PML rookie tight end class has delivered a mix of early-season performers, from immediate red-zone threats to quiet contributors. With tight ends often tasked with both receiving and blocking, their roles can vary greatly depending on team needs and offensive schemes. In this ranking, we’ll evaluate and rank 13 rookie tight ends based on their receiving stats, team context, and overall impact through the first three weeks of the season. Tight ends are a position that usually requires a lot of time to develop both as a receiver and as a blocker. This is a fun list to make, but these prospects need 1-2 full seasons to find out what you have. This was also a weaker tight end class, although there was a bit of a run of tight ends in the second round to early third.
1. Oscar Delp – Round 3, Pick 9, Rams
21 catches, 286 yards, 6 TD, 1 drop
Delp has emerged as the most dynamic rookie tight end, with 6 touchdowns in just three weeks, leading all tight ends in scoring. His 286 receiving yards rank second among rookies, and with just one drop on 21 receptions, he’s been reliable and productive in the Rams’ offense. Drafted in the third round, Delp has exceeded expectations and become a key red-zone target. His blend of athleticism and reliable hands make him the top rookie tight end through three weeks.
2. Oronde Gadsden II – Round 2, Pick 22, Bills
21 catches, 320 yards, 2 TD, 3 drops
Gadsden leads all rookie tight ends with 320 receiving yards, showing his big-play potential in the Bills’ offense. Although his yardage is impressive, he’s struggled with drops, recording three already. Despite these issues, Gadsden’s ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays cannot be ignored. His 21 catches show that he’s been a focal point of the Bills’ passing attack, and if he can clean up the drops, he has the potential to be an elite tight end. Dalton Kincaid did it and was shipped away because they didn’t want to pay him and Buffalo felt they could put anyone there. The production says that’s true, the drops may cause a lingering issue.
3. Tyler Warren – Round 2, Pick 30, Chargers
13 catches, 232 yards, 4 TD, 0 drops
Warren has made the most of his opportunities with the Chargers, catching 4 touchdowns and accumulating 232 yards in just 13 receptions. His 0 drops indicate his reliability as a target, especially in critical moments. Warren’s production has come in fewer receptions than some of the top performers, but his efficiency in turning targets into touchdowns makes him a key contributor. His ability to consistently find the end zone makes him a valuable asset to the Chargers’ offense. He already has as many TDs as the Chargers’ tight ends had all of last season.
4. Colston Loveland – Round 1, Pick 26, Eagles
15 catches, 214 yards, 2 TD, 1 drop
Loveland was a first-round pick for the Eagles, and through three weeks, he’s shown why. His 214 yards and 2 touchdowns are solid, though not as explosive as some of the other top rookie tight ends. He has been a consistent target for the Eagles, but his single drop does indicate a need for slightly better focus. Still, Loveland’s all-around game and potential as a first-round talent make him a key piece of the Eagles’ offense moving forward. Splitting time with Dallas Goedert hurts his rookie stats, but should ultimately leave him as the most pro-ready tight end.
5. Jack Velling – Round 5, Pick 3, Bengals
11 catches, 159 yards, 0 TD, 1 drop
Velling has quietly put together a solid start to his rookie campaign. Though he hasn’t found the end zone yet, he’s been a reliable mid-range target for the Bengals with 159 yards. His 1 drop is a minor blemish, but Velling’s contributions as a fifth-round pick have been impressive given his draft status. While not yet a red-zone threat, he has provided steady production for Cincinnati. He dropped in the draft and is now looking to prove he’s better than all the prospects he slid past.
6. Harold Fannin Jr. – Round 3, Pick 15, Falcons
3 catches, 56 yards, 2 TD, 1 drop
Fannin hasn’t been heavily involved in the Falcons’ offense, but when he has been targeted, he’s made an impact. With 2 touchdowns on just 3 catches, he’s proven to be a reliable red-zone weapon. His 1 drop is concerning given his limited opportunities, but his efficiency in finding the end zone makes him a dangerous scoring threat. Fannin could see more targets if he continues to capitalize on his red-zone opportunities. With Pitts shipped away during Atlanta’s defensive minded offseason, Fannin has no real veteran or sure starter ahead of him. If his production doesn’t start to tick up, it may be cause for worry.
7. Elijah Arroyo – Round 3, Pick 16, Broncos
7 catches, 59 yards, 0 TD, 1 drop
Arroyo has been steady but unspectacular for the Broncos, with 7 catches for 59 yards. He’s yet to score a touchdown and has recorded 1 drop, which limits his impact. Arroyo hasn’t shown the dynamic ability of some of the other rookies but has provided reliable depth in the Broncos’ passing game. As the season progresses, he’ll need to show more big-play ability to climb these rankings. He’s the clear cut starter, it’s time to start involving him more.
8. Maliq Carr – Round 6, Pick 30, Chargers
2 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, 1 drop
Carr has made the most of his limited chances with the Chargers, turning just 2 catches into 72 yards and a touchdown. His big-play ability is clear, but he’s also had a drop, which shows that he’s not yet a consistent target in the offense. As a sixth-round pick, Carr has shown potential for explosive plays, and if he earns more snaps, he could develop into a key contributor. Los Angeles drafted two tight ends and they both have gotten on the board early in the season.
9. Bryson Nesbitt – Round 4, Pick 2, Patriots
1 catch, 15 yards, 1 TD, 0 drops
Nesbitt has only 1 catch, but it was a crucial one: a 15-yard touchdown. Despite the limited sample size, he’s made the most of his opportunity by finding the end zone. Whether this was a one-off or a sign of things to come remains to be seen, but for now, Nesbitt has shown he can contribute in key moments for the Patriots. He has converted to wide receiver instead of tight end to help build chemistry with Drake Maye, but as he continues to develop, we’ll find out if he’ll stay outside or move back.
10. Jalin Conyers – Round 6, Pick 2, Steelers
1 catch, 24 yards, 0 TD, 0 drops
Conyers has only one catch so far, but it went for 24 yards, showing some ability to make plays down the field. He hasn’t been targeted much in the Steelers’ offense and remains a depth option at this stage. While there’s not much to critique, Conyers will need to see more action to truly be evaluated. With Pat Friermuth and Darnell Washington ahead of him in the depth chart, he’s finding his way on the field as a fullback, too, making the most of his 280 pound frame.
11. Terrance Ferguson – Round 7, Pick 16, Texans
1 catch, 17 yards, 0 TD, 0 drops
Ferguson’s single catch for 17 yards is a small contribution, and as a seventh-round pick, he hasn’t had much of an opportunity to prove himself. He hasn’t made any glaring mistakes, but he’s also not been heavily involved in the Texans’ offense. He’ll need more targets to establish himself as a consistent option in the passing game. Dalton Schultz is the established starter, but as a 29 year old veteran with two years left under contract, Houston is likely hoping Ferguson can learn over these next two seasons, regardless of production.
12. Caden Prieskorn – Round 7, Pick 17, Packers
1 catch, 7 yards, 0 TD, 0 drops
Prieskorn has had minimal involvement in the Packers’ offense with just 1 catch for 7 yards. As a seventh-round pick, he was likely viewed as a developmental prospect, and through three weeks, he’s yet to make a significant impact. For now, Prieskorn remains a depth option who will need more chances to showcase his abilities. Green Bay has one of the weakest TE rooms in the league with 10 receptions in the first 3 games split up by 3 tight ends, Prieskorn as well as Hayden Hurst and Tucker Kraft. Will someone emerge?
13. Mason Taylor – Round 2, Pick 18, Saints
2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD, 1 drop
Taylor has had a slow start to the season with only 2 catches for 10 yards. His 1 drop is concerning given the small sample size, and he hasn’t yet been able to carve out a significant role in the Saints’ offense. As a second-round pick, there are expectations for Taylor to develop into a productive player, but through three weeks, his impact has been minimal. He sits behind Juwan Johnson who has tallied 238 yards and a touchdown on 13 catches, but he’s under contract for the cycle, Taylor may have been a reach in the 2nd round if this is the plan for him.
The 2025 rookie tight end class has shown a range of early results, from high-volume producers like Oscar Delp and Oronde Gadsden II to role players like Jalin Conyers and Maliq Carr who have maximized limited opportunities. As the season progresses, these young tight ends will look to continue their development, with some showing promise as red-zone targets and others carving out consistent roles in their teams’ passing games. Delp and Gadsden have set themselves apart early on, but with 14 weeks left in the season, there’s still plenty of time for others to rise up the ranks. My eyes are particularly focused on Harold Fannin Jr. with his high expectations and low output.
