Terry Ward
Updated on: October 15, 2024 12:22 am GMT
Fantasy football enthusiasts often face tough decisions when building their teams. A pivotal question for this season centers around two talented tight ends: Dalton Schultz and Cole Kmet. Both have shown flashes of brilliance and have potential for significant contributions. But who provides better value as a fantasy tight end? In this article, we will efficiently break down their stats, career trajectories, playing styles, and overall impact to identify the superior option for your fantasy roster.
Career Overview
Dalton Schultz and Cole Kmet have both made significant strides in their careers, but they come from different backgrounds and have taken varied paths to reach their current standing in the league.
Dalton Schultz’s Early Career
Dalton Schultz was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Initially, his journey was slow; he played behind established tight ends Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin. It wasn’t until the 2020 season that Schultz took the lead role and emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott. In that breakout season, he recorded 63 receptions for 614 yards and four touchdowns.
In 2021, Schultz continued to impress, finishing with 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, making him the Tight End 3 in many fantasy leagues. After his contract with the Cowboys expired, he signed with the Houston Texans for the 2023 season, seeking to expand his role further and solidify his standing in fantasy football.
Cole Kmet’s Journey
Cole Kmet, on the other hand, was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Kmet’s early days saw him sharing snaps with veteran Jimmy Graham. However, in 2022, he stepped up significantly, putting together a solid season where he recorded 50 receptions for 544 yards and seven touchdowns. Kmet’s ability to perform consistently during the key moments of the season raised his profile among fantasy tight ends.
This offseason, Kmet signed a contract extension with the Bears, locking him in as the team’s starting tight end. With quarterback Justin Fields at the helm, Kmet looks to build on last year’s success and become a focal point within the Bears’ offense.
Statistical Comparison
To make an informed decision, let’s compare key statistics from both players across their last two seasons.
| Statistic | Dalton Schultz (2021-2022) | Cole Kmet (2021-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 78 (2021), 57 (2022) | 60 (2021), 50 (2022) |
| Receiving Yards | 808 (2021), 577 (2022) | 612 (2021), 544 (2022) |
| Touchdowns | 8 (2021), 5 (2022) | 7 (2021), 4 (2022) |
From the data, it’s clear that Schultz had a more productive 2021 season, showing a remarkable ability to find the end zone. However, his productivity dipped in 2022. On the other side, Kmet demonstrated he could be a solid contributor but has yet to reach the consistency Schultz has displayed over two years.
Playing Style and Usage
Understanding their styles of play is essential in determining who might be the better fantasy option.
Dalton Schultz’s Style
Schultz is known for his reliable hands and exceptional route running. He can easily create separation from defenders, allowing him to be a favorite target for quarterbacks, especially in the red zone. His experience with Dak Prescott aids his ability to find the soft spots in coverage, making him a reliable option.
In Houston, he’s likely to be featured prominently in their passing game. The Texans’ offensive strategy hint at utilizing tight ends effectively, which could leverage Schultz’s skills even more.
Cole Kmet’s Role
Kmet, standing at 6’6” and 260 pounds, boasts significant size and athleticism, making him formidable against smaller defenders. He has shown promise in blocking, making him a dual-threat tight end who can contribute in both the passing and running games.
With Fields as his quarterback, Kmet’s role as a safety valve is solidified. The Bears’ offense often emphasizes short and intermediate routes, which suits Kmet’s skill set. As the pacing of games evolves, Kmet could see an uptick in targets if the Bears move to a more pass-heavy scheme.
Fantasy Outlook for 2023
When evaluating their potential contributions for the upcoming fantasy season, both players have substantial ceilings but also come with some risks.
Why You Might Choose Dalton Schultz
- Proven red-zone target with multiple touchdowns in past seasons.
- Strong connection with quarterbacks; has performed well under pressure.
- Houston’s offense aims at utilizing tight ends, paving a pathway for high target volume.
Reasons to Favor Cole Kmet
- Younger with room for growth; ascending talent in a developing offense.
- Potential for increased targets with a more significant role in the passing game.
- Dual-threat capability can lead to varied offensive contributions each week.
Conclusion
In weighing the options of Dalton Schultz versus Cole Kmet, it ultimately depends on your specific needs for your fantasy roster. If you prioritize immediate production and red zone prowess, Schultz might be the guy to lean towards due to his proven track record. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for younger talent that could offer growth and an evolving role in a potentially stronger offense, Kmet presents significant upside.
Regardless of your choice, both quarterbacks have the potential to emerge as reliable contributors this season. Keeping an eye on their preseason performance and evolving offensive schemes will play a crucial role in your final decision.
The important thing to remember is to stay updated, watch for any news about players, and trust your gut as the season starts. We’ll have to wait and see which of these tight ends will be the reliable player your fantasy team needs.
