The tight end position has been a rollercoaster ride in fantasy football this season, with production spiking and then reverting back to the norm. However, a new wave of talent has emerged, offering fantasy managers intriguing options to consider for the rest of the season.

Unlocking the Potential of Tight End Gems

The Big Ticket Tight Ends

George Kittle and Travis Kelce have long been the gold standard at the tight end position, and their dominance continues. Kittle's red-zone prowess and downfield playmaking ability make him a weekly must-start, while Kelce's consistent target share and touchdown production keep him firmly atop the tight end rankings.Brock Bowers and Trey McBride have also emerged as high-end options, though their fantasy ceilings may be capped by the quarterback situations in San Francisco and Arizona, respectively. Bowers' impressive yards-after-catch numbers and McBride's volume-driven production offer intriguing upside, but their overall fantasy impact could be limited without more consistent quarterback play.

Legitimate Building Blocks

Cade Otton has been a revelation in recent weeks, capitalizing on the injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay. His target share and red-zone usage have skyrocketed, making him a potential league-tilting option for fantasy managers. Evan Engram and David Njoku have also solidified their status as reliable weekly starters, while Kyle Pitts and Tucker Kraft offer tantalizing upside despite their current production levels.Sam LaPorta, Mark Andrews, Jake Ferguson, Dalton Kincaid, and Taysom Hill are all worth considering as well, each bringing unique strengths to the table. LaPorta's potential as a pass-catching tight end in Detroit, Andrews' dominance as Lamar Jackson's top target, and Hill's goal-line prowess in New Orleans make them intriguing options for fantasy managers.

Some Plausible Upside

Dallas Goedert, Hunter Henry, Cole Kmet, and Mike Gesicki all possess the talent to be fantasy difference-makers, but their production has been inconsistent or limited by their respective offenses. Zach Ertz, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Dalton Schultz offer similar upside, with the potential to emerge as weekly starters if they can find more consistent target volume.Isaiah Likely and Tyler Conklin are also worth monitoring, as they have shown flashes of potential but have yet to fully capitalize on their opportunities. Conklin's high route-running volume and Likely's connection with Mark Andrews make them intriguing stash-and-hope options for fantasy managers.

Bargain Bin Tight Ends

Juwan Johnson, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Noah Fant, Colby Parkinson, Will Dissly, and Chig Okonkwo round out the tight end landscape, offering potential value in the later rounds of fantasy drafts. While their weekly production may be inconsistent, these players could provide depth or spot-start options for fantasy managers in need of tight end help.As the fantasy season progresses, the tight end position continues to evolve, with new stars emerging and established veterans solidifying their status. By staying informed and adaptable, fantasy managers can navigate the tight end landscape and gain a competitive edge in their leagues.