Tight Ends - 2026 NFL Draft Preview

Ourlads Staff
10/17/2025 5:59PM ET
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

*Denotes Underclassman

1. Sadiq, Kenyon *

Oregon - 6030 / 245

Two year starter, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Caught two touchdown passes in the 2024 Big 10 Championship game. Sadiq can play both attached or split out away from the line. Considered by many among the top of this year’s tight end class. He has physically developed and gained quality strength and weight since arriving at Oregon at 220 pounds. He’ll stick his nose in there when blocking and is a quality receiver when running pass routes. Kenyon can stretch the defense with his speed. A big target who will go get the ball, has a distinct advantage against most linebackers with his speed and quickness. This junior prospect needs to continue to physically develop to become an every- down player at the next level. Needs to develop and understand when to sit in the “soft” spots a defense may present. He can catch and run block, and with his speed, he’ll be one to watch!

2. Klare, Max *

Ohio State - 6040 / 245

Three year starter, Guilford, IN. Transferred to Ohio State following the 2024 season at Purdue, where he caught 51 passes (in an offense that struggled) and was named third team All-Big 10. Klare is a very good route runner. He excels against zone coverage, displaying an instinctive feel for gaps in coverage. Has the ability to win in the short passing game. Works hard in the run game. Will work across the line on the power and stay after the safety. Has worked hard on his run blocking, tenacious with an attitude. Still a work in progress to be a complete tight end. Needs to continue to work on finding an aiming point, and try to get his hands inside the framework of the defender. An excellent receiver with decent speed, just needs to continue to refine the rest of his skills.

3. Stowers, Eli

Vanderbilt - 6040 / 235

Three year starter, Denton TX. Played two seasons at Texas A&M as a backup quarterback before transferring to New Mexico State where he caught 35 passes in 2023. In 2024, while at Vanderbilt, he caught 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Named first team All-SEC with five starts in 13 games. A great all-around athlete, Stowers appears to be able to do it all, as he continues to polish his skills as a tight end. His flat-out speed is top shelf. Displays great hands as a receiver, and being a former seven-foot high jumper helps all matchups. His knowledge of the game as a former collegiate quarterback helps tremendously. His lack of functional bulk works against him in anchoring the line. Needs to be a more deceptive route runner. A very intriguing pick.

4. Royer, Joe

Cincinnati - 6050 / 255

Two year starter, Cincinnati, OH.  Played at Ohio State from 2021 -2023, before transferring to Cincinnati in 2024 following the tragic passing of his mother. He was named first team All-Big 12 after a 50-reception season. Has a talented skill set as a pass-catcher. Comes down with contested in-air jump balls at a high rate. Shows some upside as a blocker with a solid base and good footwork, but will need to keep progressing in that area. Body type allows him to comfortably attach to the offensive line or play in the slot. Has the speed to threaten linebackers and the ability to find the ball. His competitive nature is sometimes a detriment, always fighting for more putting ball security at risk. Hand placement coordinated with feet will help his run blocking. Needs to sustain run blocks. Need to more fluently read the defense.

5. Trigg, Michael

Baylor - 6040 / 246

Two year starter, Tampa, FL. Trigg began his collegiate career at USC in 2021 and transferred to Ole Miss in 2022-23. Made the switch to Baylor in 2024. Named second team All-Big 12 in 2024. He caught 30 balls for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Currently has 21 receptions and four touchdowns through five games in 2025. A solid-sized tight end, Trigg is able to stretch the defense both vertically and horizontally, with good burst and ability to read the holes. Strong enough to anchor the line and athletic enough to play the role of a big receiver. As a move guy, does a great job of tracking his man. Has had an inconsistent career, needs to prove himself every game this season. It appears he has reenergized himself. Need to continue to sharpen his game. With his third program, needs to prove he wants to do it. 

6. Koziol, Tanner
Houston - 6070 / 240

7. Joly, Justin
North Carolina State - 6030 / 251

8. Endries, Jack*
Texas - 6040 / 240

9. Gyllenborg, John Michael
Wyoming - 6050 / 251

10, Wright, Dae’Quan
Mississippi - 6040 255

11. Luckie, Lawson*
Georgia - 6040 / 240

12. Maryland, RJ*
SMU - 6040 / 240

13. Delp, Oscar
Georgia - 6050 / 245

14. Metayer, Chamon
Arizona State - 6040 / 255

15. Kitselman, Miles
Tennessee - 6050 / 255

16. Hasz, Luke*
Mississippi - 6030 / 241

17. Velling, Jack
Michigan State - 6050 / 244

18. Carter Jr., Terrance*
Texas Tech - 6020 / 240

19. Williams, Riley*
Oregon State - 6060 / 240

20. Smalls, Sav’ell
Colorado - 6030 / 260

21. Easter, Shamar*
North Carolina - 6050 / 228

More Positions at Ourlads' 2026 Draft Hub...