Austin Hooper vs Drew Sample
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Austin Hooper- Higher projection: 33 vs 32 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 444 vs 462
- More points per game: 3.7 vs 1.9
Austin Hooper and Drew Sample are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Austin Hooper holds the edge in expert consensus (TE64 to TE67). The 2026 projections are nearly even: Austin Hooper at 33 PPR points (2.0 per game) versus Drew Sample at 32.
Last season Austin Hooper carried the heavier workload (50% snap share, 26 touches to Drew Sample's 21), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Austin Hooper is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Hooper | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 33 | 32 |
| Points / game | 3.7 | 1.9 |
| Games played | 16 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #444 | #462 |
| Positional rank | TE44 | TE60 |
| Snap share | 50% | 52% |
| Red-zone touches | 5 | 1 |
| Age | 31 | 30 |
| Bye week | 11 | 6 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Austin Hooper or Drew Sample.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Austin Hooper or Drew Sample in 2026?
Austin Hooper is a clear call over Drew Sample for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Who is projected to score more, Austin Hooper or Drew Sample?
Austin Hooper carries the higher 2026 projection at 33 PPR points (2.0 per game), compared with 32 for Drew Sample.
Who is ranked higher, Austin Hooper or Drew Sample?
Expert consensus ranks Austin Hooper (TE64) ahead of Drew Sample (TE67) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.