Noah Fant

Noah Fant Player Profile

Summary

Noah Fant was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Round 1, (pick 20). Fant entered the NFL with a rare athletic profile for a tight end — a big-bodied pass-catcher with receiver-like speed and explosiveness. Coming out of Iowa, he drew attention for his deep-threat ability, big-play catches, and vertical stretch capabilities. Mile High Report

Over his career, Fant has moved from being one of the more exciting young tight ends to a more experienced veteran whose role and production have evolved. He’s shown that he can be a mismatch in the passing game, but has also faced scrutiny for his blocking, consistency, and usage within different offensive schemes. Most recently (2025), he joined the Cincinnati Bengals to provide receiving lift at the tight end position. Cincy Jungle

Strengths

  • Athleticism & Speed: Fant’s combination of size and speed stands out. He has the ability to "run like a receiver" and create separation on vertical routes. Washington Commanders

  • Big-Play Threat / Deep-Seam Ability: He showed in college and early NFL years that he could stretch the field, take top off defenses, and make explosive catches. CBS Sports

  • Receiving Skills / Hands & Route Versatility: Fant has demonstrated soft hands, ability to track the ball in the air, and a decent route tree for a tight end. Mile High Report

  • Mismatch Value: Because of his athletic profile, he can create confusion for linebackers and safeties when he aligns as a flex or in the slot. Minnesota Vikings

  • Production & Experience: He’s logged several seasons with solid receiving volume, which gives him a veteran presence at the position. (e.g., career receptions, yards)

Weaknesses

  • Blocking / Inline Run Game Role: One of the most cited weaknesses is his blocking ability — especially run-block technique and anchoring strength. Field Gulls

  • Consistency of Usage & Touchdowns: While he’s had good seasons, his touchdown production and consistency across games have fluctuated, and in recent years his receiving numbers have dipped. ESPN.com

  • Yards After Catch (YAC) & Breaking Tackles: Though fast, some reports indicate Fant isn’t as dominant at generating yards after the catch or breaking tackles compared to elite receivers. FantasyPros

  • Fit & Scheme Dependence: His best value appears in systems that ask him to be more of a receiver than a traditional tight end — if the offense asks for heavy inline blocking, he may not be as naturally suited. Minnesota Vikings

  • Recent Decline / Role Uncertainty: His release from Seattle in 2025 and shift to Cincinnati point to some uncertainty in his long-term role and expectations. Field Gulls

Fit & Outlook

Noah Fant projects as a valuable receiving tight end with upside, especially in offenses that emphasize the pass and utilize multiple tight end/slot alignments. His athletic profile gives him a floor as a mismatch target and a ceiling as a productive vertical weapon.

For his next phase, key factors will be:

  • Improving or at least maintaining competence in blocking to ensure full-time usage.

  • Regaining or boosting consistency and touchdown production in the passing game.

  • Adapting to his role in Cincinnati, where his value may hinge on receiving contributions more than traditional tight end work in the run game.

If Fant can adjust to his role, stay healthy, and maintain his receiving impact, he can be a top-tier TE2 or even a TE1 in the right scheme. On the other hand, if blocking and scheme limitations continue to hamper him, he may settle into a “receiving specialist tight end” role rather than being an all-round every-down starter.