Fantasy football leagues are seeing a change in the value placed on tight ends, with Brock Bowers and Trey McBride rising higher in draft rankings for 2025. According to PFSN’s Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator, both players are being selected almost half a round earlier in Superflex formats compared to single-quarterback leagues.
This move reflects an increased focus on gaining advantages at key positions where reliable production is scarce. Both Bowers and McBride had more than 110 receptions last season. Only two other tight ends came close, each reaching at least 100 targets. The high target volume leads to notable gains for fantasy managers using point-per-reception scoring systems.
McBride stands out among his peers based on advanced statistics. He achieved a 27.1 percent on-field target share in 2024, the highest by a qualified tight end since Mark Andrews reached this level in 2019. This concentration of targets has pushed McBride into the conversation as a potential game-changer at his position. Additionally, McBride became only the fourth tight end since 2000 to have two seasons of at least 80 catches within his first three professional campaigns, joining George Kittle, Jimmy Graham, and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Antonio Gates.
Bowers is set for his second year after breaking records as a rookie with the Raiders in 2024. He surpassed previous first-year reception marks and was named First-Team All-Pro—something not accomplished by a rookie tight end since 2002.
The limited supply of top-tier players means that those who secure Bowers or McBride early in drafts can avoid uncertainty week-to-week and strengthen their rosters for higher-scoring games typical of Superflex settings. The investment required to draft these players earlier appears justified when considering their consistent performance compared to less reliable alternatives.
Heading into the new season, expectations remain high for both athletes: McBride could join an exclusive group with another strong receiving campaign, while Bowers seeks to build on his standout introduction to the league.
