Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Hayden Rucci

Sunday, January 5, 8:18 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner scored his fourth touchdown of the season in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie out of Michigan has proven to be a solid contributor all season. He will finish the year with 245 yards on 30 receptions in addition to the touchdowns. Barner has a chance to become a more integral part of Seattle's offense in 2025. He has already displayed solid pass-catching chops and solid run after catch ability this season. He also started several games in place of tight end Noah Fant this season. He displayed that he has what it takes to be a potential starting tight end in this league. Barner is worth monitoring throughout the offseason to see what kind of buzz he generates in camp. He is also worth a roster spot in dynasty should he have a full second-year breakout. The future looks like it could be bright for this kid.

Saturday, August 24, 12:07 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Hayden Rucci caught 5-of-6 targets for 44 yards and one touchdown in the team's 24-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rucci did most of his damage on Skylar Thompson's first drive in the second quarter -- catching three passes, including a 20-yard strike for a touchdown. He later converted a critical fourth down on Miami's final scoring drive in the third quarter. It wasn't a great night for the Dolphins' offense, but there were a few good individual performances, including Rucci, who tied for the team lead in targets with rookie running back Jaylen Wright. The Bucs seemingly had no answer for the undrafted free agent over the middle. It was a solid performance from the Wisconsin alum, but it's unclear where he stands with Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, and Jody Fortson Jr. ahead of him on the Fins' unofficial depth chart. We'll learn more soon as Miami gears up for their home opener two weeks from Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.