Who Should I Start? Jeremy Ruckert or Gunnar Helm

Monday, June 9, 12:26 PM

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert has shown progress as a pass-catcher this offseason. Ruckert was teammates with new quarterback Justin Fields in college at Ohio State, so he's been seeing a heavy workload during organized team activities. Still, Ruckert has plenty to prove coming off three disappointing seasons to start his NFL career, including regressing as a run-blocker last year. "I think he can help us in the passing game, he'll be a really good blocker," had coach Aaron Glenn said. "There's some technical things he can improve on." The 24-year-old former third-rounder (101st overall) in 2022 is still searching for his first NFL touchdown and has caught just 35 of 52 targets for 264 yards in his three seasons. With the Jets taking Mason Taylor in the second round of this year's draft, Ruckert's path to fantasy value is even more of an uphill battle.

Sunday, August 31, 1:09 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm logged five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on and was PFF's highest-graded player at the position this preseason. The Titans invested a fourth-round pick in the Texas product, and it could prove to be a steal should Helm continue to impress. While Chig Okonkwo is expected to start in 2025, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract, potentially opening the door for Helm to take over next season. Still, Helm's strong preseason suggests he is likely to have a role as a rookie as he works to build rapport with quarterback Cameron Ward early on. He shouldn't be prioritized in most redraft leagues, but Helm belongs on the radar for all fantasy managers heading into the regular season.