The 2020 Rookie TE class isn’t very deep. It is has average talent that possess some pass-catching ability, but lack being able to block inline. The role of a TE has changed over the last few years. Coaches want to scheme TE open and use them in the slot which expands the passing game. TE are still very athletic and to get them on a LB allows them to get open a bit easier. I love what Travis Kelce does in KC–who is the best fantasy TE in the NFL. However, from a true TE position that is George Kittle. Kittle is a beast in the run game. Well, I do mention two of the best, but I don’t really see a next star TE in this class. I will preview the incoming 2020 class of TE and what they can do for your dynasty team.

I recently was a guest on MD’s Fantasy Football Show. In that show, we talked about the dynasty value of rookie QB and TE. There is more information there that will help you figure out these TE a bit more. I have summed things up here for your easy reading access. However, if you care to listen: Audio, SportsCastr, YouTube, Facebook Live. I have been looking around for similar content like this but I just can’t find it, so I hope you enjoy!

Catch up with the WRs I am ranking in March: 80-71; 70-61; 60-51;5 0-41;  40-31; 30-21; 20-11

1. Cole Kmet

Cole Kmet’s draft stock has risen over the past few months. Kmet didn’t really break out until this year. I believe this is due to him being a dual-sport athlete (baseball) at Norte Dame. Kmet focused primarily on football this past season it did him wonders. As a junior, Kmet brought in 43 catches for 515 yards and 6 TD. Kmet impressed scouts at the combine and has natural talents of pure athleticism and soft hands. Kmet is the most pro-ready TE and is willing to be a contributor in the running game. Cole did run one of the better 40 times at the combine.

Kmet will need to put on more weight and continue to hit the weights hard as he progresses as a true TE in the NFL. I do believe Cole Kmet will be the 1st TE off the board. With Vernon Davis retiring and Jordan Reed still in concussion protocol, Ron Rivera and the Redskins will have to find their future TE. With Haskins, Kmet may not get off to the greatest start, however over time I do believe they will establish a connection. Rivera used Greg Olsen as a big part of his offense in Carolina. I think Kmet can fill that same role. Kmet is a late 2nd into the 3rd rookie round pick and would be a worth a look if he lands in Washington.

2. Brycen Hopkins

Hopkins is a great flex TE– much like Kelce– that runs a great route tree. The route tree is great but he has below average hands and won’t make any great catches like other TE in this class can. He doesn’t have any consistency when changing the ball and I can’t see this changing when he gets to the pros. At Purdue, he was schemed open for most of his catches and this helped his stat line tremendously. He does play with strength and won’t let a safety or LB make him fear going up and to get the ball.

Most times though he won’t bring in the ball unless he is wide open. His stiff hands need some work and his pad level when playing inline needs to come down. I think Hopkins will be a late Day 2 selection but I would not at all be surprised to see him fall onto Day 3. I can see Hopkins joining the Dallas Cowboys to compete for a starting spot with Blake Jarwin. New HC Mike McCarthy isn’t known to use his TE much in his offense, but I think Dak Prescott will use his TE more than attended. If Hopkins can fall to Dallas late, he holds some sneak dynasty value. The right team for Hopkins is very important for him having dynasty success for me.

3. Harrison Bryant

Harrison Bryant had a great season in 2019 under offensive head coach Lane Kiffin at Florida Atlantic. Bryant eclipsed over 1,000 yards in his senior year at FAU. Bryant is my favorite TE in this class. He is an all-around football player with high football IQ and a knack for the ball. Harrison is also reliable in the run game despite being a little smaller than most other TE in the draft class. It is quite impressive for a TE to have over 1,000 receiving yards in college football, and it just shows how big of a fantasy asset he can be in the NFL. I believe Bryant will join Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.

This is would be a great addition for Joe Burrow as the Bengals look to build their future offense under the Heisman trophy winner. Yes, we saw Burrow use LSU TE in the National Title game and I can see Bryant being a day one starter for the Bengals. If Bryant falls to the Bengals in the later rounds, I would consider him the top TE in this rookie draft class and would be a dynasty target for me.

4. Adam Trautman

Trautman has had the production to make him a top rookie TE. However, scouts are concerned because he did play at FCS Dayton. There is uncertainty if he could bring his game to the next level. Trautman is very talented and can play slot receiver but spent most of his time lined up at TE. When Trautman was targeted, he was able to bring it in and do something with the ball in his hands. Trautman does a good job of getting to his top speed despite being a bigger TE. I believe this draft will favor the TE that has had the numbers to support their play at the college level.

Trautman has the numbers and performed well at the combine. The Jaguars have had an apparent need at TE for long as I could remember. Adam would be able to contend for the starting spot and help himself became a big target for Gardner Minshew. Trautman will be able to transition into the league at his pace if he goes to a team in a rebuilding phase like the Jaguars. Trautman will be a 5th round pick or go undrafted in dynasty rookie drafts. If you are lacking at TE, I would take a shot with keeping him on my taxi squad if he doesn’t see immediate impact.

5. Hunter Bryant

After watching Hunter Bryant’s film, it felt like he ran the same route for most of his college career. Yes, he did run it pretty well but his route running may be limited and Washington was smart enough to hide that. A concern I had for Bryant was his strength but after posting 23 reps of 225 at the combine, I am starting to change my mind a bit. Hunter Bryant is a poor blocker and felts more of the role of a slot receiver in my eyes.

His balls skills are pretty good which is a thumbs up in my evaluation. He will need to continue to develop his route tree. I don’t think Bryant will make a big impact in this league but may be able to grow into a roll. The Green Bay Packers may be looking to bring in a TE after Jimmy Graham left to the divisional rival, Bears. Bryant could have some dynasty value if he falls on a team that will use him correctly.

6. Albert Okwuegbunam

“Albert O” ran the fastest 40 times out of all TE at the combine. At 6’5″ 260, he ran an impressive 4.49 40. Albert is a playmaker that can slide into the slot and can play about any wideout/tight end position. He isn’t the best route runner and struggles to create separation with his routes. Although, he is a big threat in the red zone as in 3 years at Missouri he brought in 23 total TDs. With his size and speed, he will be able to make a difference in the red zone for NFL teams.

The Falcons did trade for Raven’s TE Hayden Hurst. However, I do believe they will want to add depth to their TE room. The Missouri TE would provide competition to Hurst and compete for a starting spot. With Hooper leaving, there are over 100 targets from Ryan left on the table. Albert O is a deep rookie sleeper that will most likely be available in the 5th round of dynasty rookie drafts.

7. Thaddeus Moss

This kid has two things going for him: his dad is Randy Moss and he scored 2 TD in the National Championship game. Other than that, Moss doesn’t have many positive things to say about him in the receiving game. The best thing about Thaddeus’s game is his ability to block in the run game. After sitting out the last 2 years, Moss was ready to make a name for himself. He did some dirty work for LSU and helped Clyde Edwards-Helaire become a success. Moss is just an ordinary athlete and if you are trying to find his dad in him, you aren’t going to find it.

However, I do think there is a coach that will surely try his best to. Bill Belichick and the Patriots are sitting here at an end of a dynasty. Brady is in Tampa Bay and many of New England defensive stars left town leaving Bill at ground zero. Moss has what it takes to become a fantasy relevant TE under Belichick and will give his best in the run game. This destination feels so right for both parties and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen. Moss will go in the late 3rd to 4th round rookie draft and maybe a good selection to hold in dynasty formats.

My Work

Catch up with the WRs I am ranking in March: 80-71; 70-61; 60-51;5 0-41;  40-31; 30-21; 20-11

Don’t forget to check out where I ranked my full dynasty QB (Post Combine):1-25; 26-44

Check out my;Rookie QB Dynasty Rankings

Check out my 2020 Dynasty RB Ranking: 70-61; 60-51; 50-41; 40-31 ;30-21; 20-11; 10-1 (Please note that I am currently revising these rankings– I know that I have Jonathan Taylor and the other rookie RB way too low, I am currently reworking these articles to accurately rank my RB. The way I publish articles is in a 10 player group so I am able to fully focus on the players and not get overwhelmed. My first evaluation on the rookie RB was very wrong and I will acknowledge their true rankings here soon. Thanks for your consideration and patience as I work on updating these players.)

Follow my work on Twitter @FinalDriveFF and check out other Belly Up Fantasy Sports articles.