The Rookie TE Era Is Here

In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Bud Light:

I've officially found my fantasy football kryptonite: I cannot stop drafting rookie TEs.

But I can't have anyone accusing me of falling victim to the dreaded "Rookie Fever". Can I??

As a highly respected researcher (Dr. Cooterdoodle, PhD - look it up), I need to stress that I am chronically drafting rookie TEs. Not because it’s sexy(it is), but because it is supported by multiple sources, perspectives, and methods—obviously!

Now let me push my glasses up as farrrr as I can while I explain to you why no one can stop me from drafting Rookie TEs in 2025.

This isn’t “Rookie Fever”. It's called "triangulating the data”. And it basically, kinda-sorta means that I’m not biased. So, HA!!

🤓 Data Source: Recent History

I've been all-in on Rookie TEs since 2023. And so far, it's f*cking paid off. Who am I to deny the first-year successes of Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers? The numbers don't lie:

2023 - Sam LaPorta

Receptions: 86 (4th)
Yards: 889 (5th)
Touchdowns: 10 (1st)
Points per game (0.5 PPR): 11.5 (tied 1st)

2024 - Brock Bowers

Receptions: 112 (1st)
Yards: 1,194 (1st)
Touchdowns: 5 (tied 9th)
Points per game (0.5PPR): 12.2 (1st)

2025 - [Insert Tyler Warren & Colston Loveland]

🤓 Data Source: NFL Draft Guru

When Thor Nystrom talks about rookies, I listen. You can read why he's high on Tyler Warren in his 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report. But here are my top-3 Warren-isms:

3: "Warren is the best tight end in this class, and a rare prospect at the position who can make a legitimate top-10 overall case."
2: "Warren is an enormous, athletic offensive chess piece."
1: "Warren is an absolute berserker with the rock."

You had me at “berserker”.

🤓 Data Source: Rookie Super Model

Oh, what's that? We've actually got TWO mid-range TE1 prospects in the 2025 NFL draft?

bites lip

Tyler Warren
Super Model Rating: 83
Closest Super Model Comps:

T.J. Hockenson
Sam LaPorta
Cole Kmet

Colston Loveland
Super Model Rating: 85
Closest Super Model Comps:

Sam LaPorta
Dalton Kincaid
Mike Gesicki

Rookie TEs aren't going to be at the top of the rankings in August. But don't let their late-round ADP scare you off! It’s the perfect discount for drafters who miss out on the #EliteTEs.

And the next time someone accuses you of having "Rookie Fever"... Well, just send them my way.

More on TE Colston Loveland below …

In the meantime, we need help with our 2025 Fantasy Life magazine cover. If you don’t vote, word on the street is Aaron Rodgers will be meeting with your favorite NFL team next… *shivers* Vote or else!

CAST YOUR VOTE

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TE Profile: Colston Loveland

You didn’t get enough Rookie TE propaganda in the intro. Trust. Me. - Dr. Cooterdoodle

NLF Draft Guru Thor Nystrom is here to make your decision between the first-year TEs even tougher.

Colston Loveland’s ADP is a full 2 rounds later than Tyler Warren?? Say it ain’t so …

THE NEXT MARK ANDREWS?

NFL Free Agency Losers

It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Some NFL franchises are already fighting a losing battle - and it’s not even April!

Ian Hartitz walks us through the bad, the worst, and the ugly with the biggest Free Agency Losers of 2025.

PIT: QB Problems

Fantasy football stocks tumble in Pittsburgh. Who will be throwing to DK Metcalf & George Pickens in 2025?

41-year-old Aaron Rodgers
36-year-old Russell Wilson
40-year-old Joe Flacco

SEA: 99 Problems

The Seahawks ‘upgraded’ at QB this offseason with Sam Darnold, who managed a 4,319-yard 35-TD season with the Vikings in 2024. Assuming Darnold isn’t the weakest link moving forward, SEA still has a few key positions to address: