2026 SMU Draft Watch: NFL Bloodlines Run Deep In Mustangs Tight End

One of the premier tight end prospects in the nation, RJ Maryland is poised to be a top selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Plus a look the top draft-eligible SMU players with projections.

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TOP SMU DRAFT-ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS FOR 2026

Location: University Park, TX || Conference: ACC || Head Coach: Rhett Lashlee (3 years: 29-12; Overall: 29-12) || NFL Draft Picks Under Lashlee: 3 || NFL First Round Picks Under Lashlee: 0 || Mustangs in NFL: 20 || Report Filed By NFL Draft Bible Scout Ryan Paglia

The SMU program made the lucrative move from the AAC to ACC in 2024. The bump up in level of competition was not a problem for the Mustangs, as they finished 11-3 and ran the table in the conference (8-0). SMU would finish with a top 10 ranking for the first time since 1984. Under the guidance of head coach Rhett Lashlee, the Mustangs also won 11 games for the second consecutive season and are ranked once again in 2025. After being shut out of the 2024 NFL Draft entirely, SMU produced two draft selections during the 2025 NFL Draft in defensive end Elijah Roberts (Rd5-Buccaneers) and Brashard Smith (Rd7-Chiefs). That momentum is expected to build, as the Mustangs have a handful of pro prospects currently holding draftable grades, led by tight end RJ Maryland, the son of Russell Maryland (Miami), who was the No.1 overall pick of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Below, you will find a scouting report on the SMU playmaking tight end, plus verified mesurements and projections for all draft-eligible players on the Mustangs.

PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL | # | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | HAND | ARM | WING | FORTY | HOMETOWN

RJ Maryland, TE, Sr, #82, 6032, 224, 3218, 0938, 07848, 4.58e, Southlake, TX, Day 2