Jaylen Warren vs Tucker Kraft

“Warren has been the one constant in Pittsburgh’s backfield over the last several years. He’s answered the bell when called on to do whatever has been needed of him. Through the years, he’s become a solid, well-rounded back who can really do it all.”

“Warren profiles more as the pass catcher and security blanket for Rodgers, but his inefficiency around the goal line may have him giving up those valuable touches to Dowdle, who, despite a small sample size, was extremely effective.”

“Jaylen Warren is a favorite draft target in the seventh round based on ADP.”

“Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle.”

“They swapped in Rico Dowdle for Kenneth Gainwell, and the incoming running back is a better stylistic complement to incumbent Jaylen Warren.”

“Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Warren's pass-catching ability, pass protection skills, and overall versatility make him a strong fit for Pittsburgh's offense. If that role expands further, his current draft cost could become one of the better values at running back.”

“Warren is coming off a career year, but Dowdle handled 236 carries last season and was similarly effective, making this backfield harder to predict. Part of Warren's fantasy appeal is his receiving skill, but Dowdle is no slouch in that department. He caught 39 passes in back-to-back seasons while also rushing for 1,000 yards, something Warren hasn't done.”

“You can take your pick of this backfield between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who both finished as fantasy studs last season. My money is on Warren turning into a dud. Dowdle brings more competition for early-down work than Kenneth Gainwell did.”

“Warren has the type of pass-catching profile that ages a bit more gracefully than his "grinder" running back brethren. Since 2023, Warren has been in the top 10 among all running backs in yards per route run (YPRR). In addition to being the presumed early-down back, he is set up to also be the primary passing option out of the backfield this year for an aging Aaron Rodgers.”

“Warren is just flat out the better blocker and receiver, and Warren likely would have the better shot at RB1 upside in PPR.”

“Warren's pass-catching abilities (40 receptions, 333 yards, two TDs) make him uniquely suited to take the Gainwell role in Pittsburgh's scheme.”

“Warren also finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues last season despite sharing touches with Kenneth Gainwell, who has since signed with Tampa Bay.”

“Players Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson, Tucker Kraft, and AJ Barner all made significant jumps in their second season over the past three years.”

“Last year, Tucker Kraft averaged the second most fantasy points per game at 12.7”

“With only Tucker Kraft , Jayden Reed , and second-year receiver Matthew Golden , opportunities should be endless”

“Tucker Kraft is a personal favorite of mine. Before his ACL tear last season, he was dominating the tight end position. In the eighth round in a league where the FLEX position can be used for a tight end, a duo of Warren and Kraft could be excellent.”

“If Green Bay slowly eases him in, I wouldn’t be shocked, but Kraft could easily be a monster value at the tight end position in 2026 if he comes roaring back at 100% earlier than we anticipate.”

“Last year, before losing the rest of his season to a torn ACL (Week 9), Tucker Kraft was the TE1 in fantasy points per game. In Weeks 1-8, among 33 qualifying tight ends, Kraft ranked seventh in target share (18.3%), first in receiving yards per game (67), second in yards per route run (2.71), seventh in first-read share (21.6%), and second in first downs per route run (0.121, per Fantasy Points Data). Kraft was also a YAC gawd, leading all tight ends in yards after the catch per reception and missed tackles forced per reception.”

“It should be noted, though, that Watson only had 8 targets last season in the two games both he and Tucker Kraft played, so it’s not a clean copy-and-paste to 2026.”

“But Tucker Kraft is an elite talent who is getting unduly pushed down, and his value compared to Warren’s value makes Warren a less interesting click, for me.”

“At the time of his injury, Kraft ranked ninth in catches, third in yards, and second in touchdowns, with a 30/469/6 line. He did this while having a bye week, and his 67 yards per game led the position.”

“Tucker Kraft is an elite tight end in the NFL and produced exceptionally well last year before his ACL injury in November. The latest reports are that he is likely to start training camp on the PUP, but that everyone plans for him to be back in week one without any sort of restrictions.”

“Thankfully, Tucker Kraft expects to play in Week 1 without limitation after suffering a torn ACL last year. He was the TE1 on a points-per-game basis over the first eight weeks of last season, averaging 16.2 PPR fantasy points per contest, the same average as Trey McBride .”

“Tucker Kraft is coming back from an ACL tear and small meniscus tear that ended his 2025 season after eight games and torpedoed what was shaping up to be a monster season.”