After trading away 2024’s fantasy football TE4 in Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it left a void at the position. In a surprise move, the Dolphins traded for the then retired Darren Waller. 

With plenty of trade buzz surfacing for players such as Cole Kmet, Michael Mayer, Isaiah Likely, and many more it came as a sudden surprise when Waller was acquired from the New York Giants. Since 2020, Darren Waller has seen a significant dive in production. In 2020, Waller was the TE2 in fantasy points per game with 17.4. Prior to retiring after the 2023 season, Waller only recorded 9.4 fantasy points per game. 

On Underdog, Waller has surged from being wholly unranked to the late 16th round for a cumulative rise of 25 spots in the last week. There is little harm in adding Waller as a 3rd tight end in best ball builds as he goes late enough in drafts to where there still lies uncertainty for many surrounding him at cost. Drafters should have low expectations for Waller as he should only be a small part of a portfolio for those who draft in bulk.

Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)