Dalton Schultz has been a steady tight end option in fantasy football over the last three-to-four years with both Dallas and Houston. With the Texans adding Stefon Diggs to an already loaded offense, what should be expected of Schultz this fall?
2024 Fantasy Football Profile: Dalton Schultz
2023 in Review
Schultz finished last season as the TE11 in standard leagues and the TE10 in PPR leagues, but consistency wasn’t his best trait. Even in PPR leagues, he only finished with double-digit points twice, and three of them were Weeks 4-6. He had almost as many weeks where he scored two or less points showing that he was very hit-or-miss in 2023. He did post his second-highest receiving yard total, but that doesn’t say much when his career best is 808 yards.
The most frustrating thing about Schultz’s performances was that he was the one consistent target C.J. Stroud had all season. Both Nico Collins and Tank Dell missed time last year due to an injury, but Schultz only posted a double-digit performance twice without Dell and one without Collins. The two combined to miss seven games, but Schultz still couldn’t make the most of his opportunities. This is where frustration set in for Schultz owners last season.
2024 Projection
Things are going to get even tougher for Schultz to be involved this fall with the Texans adding Stefon Diggs to the offense in the offseason. The Texans now have one of the best receiving rooms in the NFL, leaving Schultz as the odd-man out. It’s going to be tough for him to find pass-catching opportunities this fall.
In addition to being the odd-man out, Schultz also has the third-hardest schedule among NFL tight ends. His schedule would be difficult regardless of the receivers, but these two combined are a horrible combination. It’s tough to see any situation that gives Schultz a good opportunity in 2024 as even last year he only posted 635 yards.
Dalton Schultz Fantasy Football ADP
Schultz currently has an ADP of 124 with a range of 98-202. This is a case where people are trying to cling to hope as Schultz is barely worth his current ADP. He’s the fourth option in the receiving game in Houston, so most of his play time will be for blocking.
There are certainly worse tight ends to have than Schultz, but there’s several options that are much better for your team. You’re much better off grabbing someone like Kyle Pitts or Jake Ferguson. If Schultz is a player you really want to draft and expect a breakout game or two from, he’s worth a spot on the bench.
Wanting to draft a tight end later isn’t a bad strategy, but Schultz isn’t going to be the value pick that he used to be. The Texans are going to line in up in 11 personnel from time to time, but don’t expect much more than three catches for 23 yards from Schultz on any given Sunday. Anything more is a bonus, and you should consider yourself lucky.
Main Image Courtesy of Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
