Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Top 5 rookie tight ends

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Kyle Pitts poses onstage after being selected fourth by the Atlanta Falcons during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Kyle Pitts poses onstage after being selected fourth by the Atlanta Falcons during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft
Tommy Tremble. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

3. Tommy Tremble, Carolina Panthers

Arguably the most impressive blocking tight end in this class, Tremble was selected by the Carolina Panthers in Round 3 of this year’s NFL Draft. He’s a menace in the open field, an extremely physical runner after the catch who has no problems running through or over safeties charged with the unfortunate responsibility of squaring up against him.

Some analysts have compared him favorably to George Kittle. No, seriously…that happened. We find that a bit rich for our liking, but we can’t deny the tremendous upside he offers as a late-round flyer in dynasty league startup drafts.

Tremble’s landing spot was a double-edged sword: only Dan Arnold, albeit surprisingly efficient in limited action last year, stands in his way. Unfortunately, only 8 percent of targets were thrown in the direction of Carolina Panthers tight ends last year, tied for dead last in the league.

Tremble’s prowess as a blocker should allow him to see the field sooner rather than later, and he should receive opportunities to flash his developing skills as a receiver. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if he ended 2021 as the Tight-End-Not-Named-Kyle-Pitts who led all rookies in percentage of snaps played.