While rookie tight ends rarely produce fantasy fruit, Fant has upside as a late-round penny stock selection who could finish as a top five fantasy tight end.
Fant’s athletic profile is jaw dropping. His combine numbers topped those of David Njoku, who was drafted in the first round in 2017 with the “athletic freak” label. Fant used his athletic gifts to average a robust 14.4 yards per catch over his final two seasons at Iowa, and racked up 18 touchdowns in the process. Those numbers would be even more impressive had Fant not played beside tight end T.J. Hockenson at Iowa, who was drafted eighth overall by the Lions.
“Oh, 100 percent,” Fant said. “Flacco is a guy that, like you said, likes to target the tight end, and he likes to give the ball to him. Being in a situation like that, I couldn’t ask for better [spot for] a tight end.”
Another reason to target Fant, beyond his uncapped upside as a receiver, are the habits of his quarterback. Its no secret Joe Flacco leans on his tight ends. Whether Ben Watson or Dennis Pitta, a tight end has led the Ravens in receptions each of the past two seasons that Flacco played a full 16 games. No offense to Watson or Pitta, but Fant is by far the most talented tight end Flacco has worked with and has the physical tools to turn a five yard dump off pass into a 50 yard touchdown.
Broncos general manager John Elway had this to say about his first round pick.
“With weapons sitting like that on the board, we felt fortunate that he was there. Joe likes the tight ends and stretching the field and especially with what we’re going to do offensively, it’s a good fit all around.”
Training camp reviews will shed some light on how quickly Fant adjusts to the professional ranks, but he’s someone who should be on your fantasy radar as a late round pick that has the potential to far outplay his draft status.
