2026 NFL Draft Bible: Tight Ends

All Access Football counts you down to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with our tight end big board and scouting reports.

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2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QB | RB | FB | WR

OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: TIGHT ENDS

The sweet spot for the tight end Class of 2026 figures to be on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. NFL teams should temper expectations somewhat in terms of expecting to find high quality starters but there are an array of tight end prospects who figure to be impactful contributors.

One tight end who is first round bound would be Kenyon Sadiq of Oregon. With rare speed (tight end combine record 4.39 forty-yard dash) and game-breaking ability from the seam, Sadiq was possibly under-utilized in the Ducks offense. He’s also a solid blocker but just lacks the prototypical size, whch prevents him from bonafide blue-chip status. Still, he figures to be a force at the next level.

Former quarterback-turned-tight end, Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt is as clean of a prospect as they come. He puts the Eli in elite when it comes to athleticism (tight end combine record 43.5” vertical jump) and is still developing. Another well-rounded tight end is Max Klare of Ohio State who doesn’t possesses the same upside but is pro-ready and can be plugged in right away.

Two of the more polarizing players at the position are Oscar Delp of Georgia and and Michael Trigg of Baylor. For Delp, a medical discovery in Indy prevented him from working out at the combine, forcing scouts to wait until his pro day workout for his testing. His performance would have ranked amongst the best of all tight ends.

Meanwhile, Trigg appeared to be an athletic playmaker on film but the last glimpse scouts have is him pulling a hamstring on a meager 27” vertical jump attempt, which forced him to shut down all testing at his workout. The middle rounds should feature a handful of players who yield a good return on their investment.

Below is the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Tight End Big Board, along with 38 in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects in the draft. For our expanded big board, including verified measurements, be sure to reserve your copy of the Draft Bible here (coming in April).

DRAFT WATCH SHOW 2026 POSITIONAL PREVIEW ARCHIVES

• QB & RB PREVIEW SHOW

• WR & TE PREVIEW SHOW

• OT, OG & C PREVIEW SHOW

• DT, ER & LB PREVIEW SHOW

• CB & S PREVIEW SHOW

2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE TIGHT END BIG BOARD

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]

1. #Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon, Rd1

2. #Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, Rd2

3. #Oscar Delp, Georgia, Rd2

4. #Max Klare, Ohio State, Rd2

5. #Michael Trigg, Baylor, Rd3

6. #Tanner Koziol, Houston, Rd3

7. #Eli Raridon, Notre Dame, Rd3

8. #Sam Roush, Stanford, Rd3

9. #Marlin Klein, Michigan, Rd4

10. #Justin Joly, North Carolina State, Rd4

11. #Joe Royer, Cincinnati, Rd4

12. #Dallen Bentley, Utah, Rd4

13. #Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M, Rd5

14. #Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss, Rd5

15. #John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming, Rd5

16. #Josh Cuevas, Alabama, Rd5

17. #RJ Maryland, SMU, Rd5

18. #Jack Endries, Texas, Rd6

19. #Will Kacmarek, Ohio State, Rd6

20. #Jaren Kanack, Oklahoma, Rd6

21. #Matthew Hibner, SMU, Rd7

22. #Bauer Sharp, LSU, Rd7

23. Lance Mason, Wisconsin, Rd7

24. #Lake McRee, USC, Rd7

25. #Khalil Dinkins, Penn State, Rd7

26. Dan Villari, Syracuse, HPFA

27. Jerand Bradley, Kansas State, HPFA

28. #DJ Rogers, TCU, HPFA

29. Louis Hansen, UConn, HPFA

30. #Miles Kitselman, Tennessee, HPFA

31. Jeremiah Franklin, Boston College, HPFA

32. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State, HPFA

33. Brett Seither, Georgia Tech, HPFA

34. Jack Velling, Michigan State, HPFA

35. Johncarlos Miller, Texas Tech, HPFA

36. Tyler Moore, Iowa State, PFA

37. Carsen Ryan, BYU, PFA

38. Cody Hardy, North Carolina State, PFA

39. Seydou Traore, PFA

40. Hudson Habermehl, UCLA, PFA

41. Jordan Dingle, South Carolina, PFA

42. Drew Biber, Minnesota, PFA

43. Matt Lauter, Boise State, PFA

44. Tanner Arkin, Illinois, PFA

45. Brandon Frazier, Auburn, PFA

46. JT Byrne, Georgia Tech, PFA

47. Amari Niblack, Texas A&M, PFA

48. Chase Curtis, TCU, PFA

49. Evan Svoboda, Wyoming, PFA

50. Derek Anderson, Northern Iowa, PFA

NFL DRAFT BIBLE TIGHT END SCOUTING REPORTS

SADIQ, KENYON | Oregon | TE | Jr | #18 | Idaho Falls, ID | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6031 | WT: 241 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3118 | 40-YD: 4.39 (1.54) | VJ: 43.5” | BJ: 11-0

Pro Day: HT: 6031 | WT: 241 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3148

Evaluation: A Swiss Army Knife, able to slice his way through the opposing defense, Sadiq is a mismatch weapon who lines up all over the field for Oregon. While his pass-catching prowess gains most of the attention, Sadiq is a highly physical blocker on the perimeter and in the second level. In addition, Sadiq displays great effort when pushing the pile to help his running backs gain extra yardage. However, he will need to improve upon his inline blocking when firing off the ball and reaching his blocks. A crisp route runner who hits his landmarks, Sadiq possesses high football intelligence when it comes to his zone coverage awareness as he understands how to find the open seam. While he lacks ideal size, the Idaho product possesses adequate length, to go along with excellent speed (23.5mph on the GPS) and acceleration in the open field. It is widely expected that Sadiq will be the first tight end off the board.

Quotable: “It’s just like people said I couldn’t do it. So, I think every day I kind of got to remind myself that people said I wouldn’t be able to do. I think I’m doing a great job of it. So just continuing that mindset going in, and we’re starting to face off against a lot better edge rushers and, you know, all that stuff. So just keeping that mentality going forward.” – Kenyon Sadiq on his blocking

Background: Pronounced (ken-yen suh-DEEK). Appeared in 42 games in three seasons at Eugene. Named All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten Tight End of the Year in 2025. A four-star recruit and top-rated player from the state of Idaho; led Skyline High School to three consecutive state championship titles from 2020-2022. Was featured primarily as a running back in a Wing T offense. Began playing football in the fourth grade. Raised by a single mom; has two siblings.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, had 51 catches, 560 yards (11.0 average), eight touchdowns. In 42 career games, made 80 catches, 892 yards (11.2 average), 11 touchdowns.

Q: What separates you from other tight ends in this year’s class?

A: “Yeah, just starting off, athletic abilities. I think that’s there and I think everyone will see that tomorrow as well. So, just starting off there and then I think mentally as well, I have a very mature mindset coming into this league.”

Q: Blocking is something you’ve placed a great emphasis on, is there room for improvement?

A: “Yeah, obviously I think I do a great job on the perimeter, point of attack blocking. I think I do a great job for being my size as well. I’ve kind of made that an emphasis coming into college, what I want to get good at, and that was one of them. So obviously I’ve done a good job at that. But the NFL is a different meaning than college, so there’s definitely a need to improve it, point-of-attack, blocking, hand placement, keeping your head above the point of attack and those things.

Q: Do you feel like your hands have improved during your time at Oregon?

A: “I mean, of course, obviously this year there’s still errors and concentration drops which need to be fixed at this next level because, I mean, it’s just inexcusable. But, yeah, there’s definitely, -- there’s strengths in my game. There’s a lot of contested catches made, also a lot of diving catches, those types of things which I think help me out.”

STOWERS, ELI | Vanderbilt | TE | rSr | #9 | Denton, TX | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6036 | WT: 239 | HD: 0938 | ARM: 3258 | 40-YD: 4.51 (1.59) | VJ: 45.5” | BJ: 11-3

Pro Day: HT: 6036 | WT: 239 | HD: 0968 | ARM: 3258

Evaluation: The headlines on Stowers is how the former quarterback made a seamless transition to the tight end position, improving each season, while demonstrating some of the most athletic testing traits we have ever witnessed. In fact, his 45.5” vertical jump is an all-time record for the NFL Combine. But there is more beneath the surface, as Stowers has refined himself to be a well-polished overall prospect who displayed much improved route runner this past year and has learned the nuances of how to create separation out his breaks. In addition to his rare athleticism and high football IQ, his quickness enables him to pick up additional yards after the catch, while showcasing a dependable set of hands when targeted. Much like Trey McBride (Cardinals), the versatile Stowers comes up slightly short on the prototypical size dimensions desired for the position, so he can have difficulties at times with some of the more massive, stronger defenders. However, his flexibility has allowed him to line up inline, in the slot, out-wide, in the backfield, at H-back and utilized in pre-snap motions. The Texas native has been praised for his leadership and was a big reason why the Commodores were able to turn around their losing ways, to become one of the top programs in the SEC. Unfortunately, some pretty significant injuries occurred earlier in his career, which could dim some of his sparkling accomplishments. As Stowers continues to fill out his frame, he should grow into a dependable multi-use option that would be welcomed addition to any offense.

Quotable: “I think they’re getting a tight end with a special blend of athleticism that’s tough, has a high football IQ. Being a former quarterback, I understand the game at a higher level than a lot of tight ends do.” – Eli Stowers on why NFL teams should raft him

Background: Last name (rhymes with hours). Combine invite. Appeared in 45 career games (13 starts), playing 24 games (10 starts) at Vanderbilt (2024-25). Had a nagging hamstring injury during training camp (2025). Suffered a torn PCL injury and possibly meniscus damage in his left knee during high school (2020). Tore his labrum in his throwing shoulder during spring practice at Texas A&M (2021). Named John Mackey Award, William V. Campbell Trophy and Unanimous All-American (2025); two-time First-team All-SEC (2024-25). Lower body well developed, upper body still catching up. A role model type player both on and off the field. The spiritual leader of the team; more vocal this year. Extremely mature, didn’t let NIL money get to his head. Gets after it, never waivers. Was very personable interacting with practice visitors. Has a steady girlfriend who he intends to marry. Appeared in 13 games (five starts) in 2024, earning All-SEC First Team honors. Previously played the 2023 season at New Mexico State (All-Conference USA honorable mention) and two years at Texas A&M (2021-22). A four-star quarterback recruit out of Denton Guyer High School, where he also competed in track and won the Texas 6A high jump state title.

Stats: Played 12 games in 2025, had 62 catches, 769 yards (12.4 average), four scores. In 45 career games, had 146 catches, 1,773 yards (12.1 average), 11 touchdowns.

Q: You’ve been knocked for your blocking ability, do you hear the noise?

A: “I think that, you know, I’ve taken a lot of strides in my run blocking over the last two years. I think I’ve gotten a lot better and I think I continue to get a lot better as well — not just in that aspect of my game, but in every aspect of my game.”

Q: How about on the receiving side, what traits should NFL teams be excited about?

A: “I think my strengths are in my athleticism — being a matchup problem because I have a rare ability in terms of athleticism and also size to be able to create some mismatches and then also being able to catch the ball.”

Q: When did the NFL become a reality for you?

A: “I think that that’s something that I always thought could be a possibility in my life, even being a young kid playing Little League. Like, that was always my dream and I knew that I had the ability to — whatever it was — like, I remember telling my parents, I don’t know what position it’s gonna be. This is when I was a quarterback at the time. I’m like, I have the possibility of going into the league as a quarterback but regardless of what happens, I think there’s a possibility that I’ll be in this spot.”

DELP, OSCAR | Georgia | TE | Sr | #4 | Cumming, GA | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6050 | WT: 245 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3158

Pro Day: HT: 6047 | WT: 245 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3158 | WS: 7738 | 40-YD: 4.49 (1.61) | BP: 23 | VJ: 38” | BJ: 10-5

Evaluation: The most experienced tight end in the room, Delp played alongside Brock Bowers (Raiders) during his first two seasons in Athens. He possesses superb play-speed, considering his large size and frame. A dominant run blocker, Delp fires off the ball sturdy, while his physicality is unmatched, especially when it comes to moving defenders off the ball with his hands inside on base blocks, down blocks and double teams. Additionally, Delp provides relentless effort when pushing the pile to gain extra yardage for ball-carriers. On zone schemes, he takes a strong track to the second level while maintaining a firm grip, highlighting his ability to pull effectively. In the passing game, Delp is a polished route runner with a knack for exploiting soft spots in zone coverage. However, he needs to refine his ability to adjust his catch radius, especially in heavy traffic. Increasing his targets in the passing game would take better advantage of his speed mismatch, making Delp an intriguing pro prospect. He created a stir amongst scouts in attendance at his pro day workout, placing him in the Day 2 mix.

Quotable: “I can be put anywhere. I feel like I’m looked at as a blocking tight end. I’m a receiving tight end that learned how to block. I enjoy it. I feel in love with blocking. I mean who doesn’t like over-powering another man against his will.” – Oscar Delp on his role in the NFL

Background: Appeared in 55 games during his five years in Athens, starting parts of three seasons. A four-star recruit out of West Forsyth High School; top tight end prospect in the country and fourth-ranked prospect in Georgia. A sport management major who is the recipient of the Green-Sands Scholarship and the James Harold Shepherd Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, had 20 catches, 261 yards (13.1 average), one touchdown. In 55 career games, had 70 catches, 854 yards (15.5 average), nine touchdowns.

KLARE, MAX | Ohio State | TE | rJr | #86 | Guilford, IN | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6040 | WT: 246 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3218

Evaluation: A matchup nightmare in the passing game, Klare plays faster than his measured speed indicates. Capable of running the entire route tree, he gets a quick release off the ball and is highly aware of soft spots in zone coverage. In addition, Klare owns superb sideline awareness, making sure to keep both feet in bounds when needed. In addition, Klare is solid when it comes to high-pointing the ball but does struggle to adjust his catch radius to off-target throws. Although he has inconsistent hands, Klare tends to quickly bounce back by making a catch on his next play. A transfer from Purdue, while his blocking has improved, it remains a work in progress. Specifically, Klare needs to put in more effort when springing a block in the second level, especially by demonstrating a willingness to be physical at the point of attack. Also, he needs to lower his pad level while getting his hands inside and keep his feet moving on contact. Most of his deficiencies can improve over time. The fact that Klare can provide big plays in the pass game will make him a high commodity somewhere early on Day 2 of the draft.

Background: A two-time All-Big Ten selection. Started 14 games for Ohio State in 2025. Previously played in 18 games (12 starts) at Purdue (2022-24). Majored in financial counseling and planning. A three-star recruit out of high school, where he also played baseball. The son of Susan and Andy Klare. Has two brothers, Drew and Luke and a sister, Caroline. Luke is a tight end at Purdue . Dad, cousin, grandfather and two uncles also played college football.

Stats: Played 14 games, had 43 catches, 448 yards (10.4 average), two touchdowns. In 33 career games, had 116 catches, 1,329 yards (11.5 average).

TRIGG, MICHAEL | Baylor | TE | rSr | #1 | Tampa, FL | Day 2