Fantasy football managers are placing greater emphasis on tight end production in Superflex leagues for the 2025 season. According to PFSN’s Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator, players Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are now being selected nearly half a round higher compared to traditional single-quarterback leagues. This increase reflects the importance of having an edge at positions that provide significant value in high-scoring formats.
The draft movement is driven by both players’ recent on-field performances. Last season, Bowers and McBride each recorded over 110 receptions. Only two other tight ends even approached 100 targets during the same period. In point-per-reception (PPR) scoring systems, such volume delivers a major advantage at a position often considered thin.
McBride’s 27.1% target share for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 marked the highest figure for a qualified tight end since Mark Andrews reached a similar level in 2019. He also became just the fourth tight end since 2000 to post at least two 80-catch seasons within his first three professional campaigns, joining George Kittle, Jimmy Graham, and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Antonio Gates.
For Bowers, who plays for the Las Vegas Raiders, his rookie season included breaking the first-year reception record and earning First-Team All-Pro honors—an achievement not seen from a rookie tight end since 2002.
The gap between top producers like Bowers and McBride and replacement-level options remains significant, especially in Superflex leagues where roster construction requires balancing multiple key positions. Many managers see securing strong tight end play early as reducing weekly uncertainty and providing more stable performance throughout the season.
Both players are positioned to continue delivering elevated production in the upcoming year: McBride may further join select company among multi-season high-catch performers while Bowers seeks to build on his historic debut campaign.
