Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Mason Taylor

Friday, August 22, 12:08 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in both of his targets for six yards in a 19-10 exhibition victory over the Carolina Panthers. Freiermuth, who was held out of Pittsburgh's first two preseason contests, played with the first-team offense on Thursday night and was immediately a go-to option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. In addition to his two official opportunities, Freiermuth was targeted early in the first quarter on third down, but his defender was flagged for pass interference. While recently-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) isn't expected to miss any regular-season action, Freiermuth should still be a focal point of the Steelers' passing game that lacks depth at the wide receiver position. He's an intriguing late-round target with upside in most redraft fantasy leagues.

Saturday, August 30, 12:33 PM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor has a chance to emerge as a key contributor within the team's passing game this season. A second-round pick out of LSU, Taylor recorded 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns in his final collegiate season. The 21-year-old reportedly had an impressive training camp and is poised to open the season as the Jets' top tight end. New York does not have a clear secondary target-earner behind star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, so Taylor could conceivably work his way into a prominent role early in the year. He should not be counted on for fantasy TE1 production, but Taylor could end up being a value as a late-round flier in deeper leagues.