Summary

Noah Fant was selected in Round 1 (#20 Overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa. Fant was a standout in Iowa’s pro-style offense, finishing his collegiate career with 78 receptions for 1,083 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2018). In the NFL, Fant has played for the Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, appearing in 80+ career games through the 2024 season and totaling 3,000+ receiving yards and 15+ touchdowns. While his production has fluctuated based on offensive usage and quarterback play, Fant has consistently provided value as a vertical threat and yards-after-catch option from the tight end position. He is known as a high-character, professional teammate, praised for his work ethic, durability, and willingness to adapt to different offensive roles and systems.

Strengths

• Elite Athleticism: Rare speed and acceleration for a tight end who stresses defenses vertically. Difficult for linebackers to match in space.

• YAC Ability: Dangerous runner after the catch who can outrun linebackers and safeties with ease.

• Seam & Crossers Threat: Effective on vertical routes, overs, and play-action concepts. Productive from in-line, slot, and motion alignments.

• Body Control: Adjusts well to throws on the move and does well to make difficult contorted catches.

Weaknesses

• Hands Consistency: Occasional drops on routine catches.

• In-Line Blocking: Below-average strength and technique at point of attack. Most effective when used in the slot to exploit position mismatches with size and speed.

• Route Detail: Relies on athleticism more than nuanced route pacing. Athletic tools have not always translated to consistent scoring.

• Physicality: Not a power player through contact or at catch point.

Outlook

Fant is best suited for spread or play-action-based offenses that emphasize space creation and vertical stress from the tight end position. He thrives when used as a movement tight end or big slot, where free releases and route combinations allow him to exploit mismatches rather than requiring him to function as a traditional in-line blocker. His skill set pairs well with quarterbacks who are comfortable throwing on the move and attacking the intermediate middle of the field. Looking ahead, Fant projects as a starting-caliber TE with situational upside, best deployed in an offense that understands his strengths as a receiver rather than expecting complete tight end play. While his blocking limitations cap true every-down value, his athleticism and speed provide a high ceiling as a complementary weapon. With consistent usage and quarterback chemistry, Fant can continue to be a productive pass-catching tight end and matchup problem in modern NFL offenses.