Four Tight Ends to Avoid in Fantasy Football Drafts for 2026

As fantasy football drafts approach, players are advised to be cautious about certain tight ends. Expert Derek Brown has highlighted four tight ends that he believes are overrated for the 2026 season.

Harold Fannin Jr. had a strong rookie season, ranking as the TE8 in fantasy points per game, but faces competition for targets from Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion. Despite a solid performance last year, Fannin's first-read share may decrease, making him a low-end TE1 for 2026.

Chig Okonkwo is another player to watch, though the addition of Stefon Diggs may limit his potential. Last season, he ranked 24th in target share among tight ends, and while he has shown promise in the past, his volume may only make him a streaming option this year.

Oronde Gadsden is also on the avoid list, despite having five TE1 finishes last season. His overall performance was inconsistent, and with new additions to the team, he may be part of a tight end committee in 2026.

Lastly, T.J. Hockenson is not expected to improve after finishing as the TE25 in fantasy points per game last season. With new players joining the roster, he is considered a player to avoid in all formats.