2026 NFL draft: A tight end for every round

The Arizona Cardinals have a number of needs they will try to address in the 2026 NFL draft. They really could go with any position during the draft.

Over the next few articles, we will go over players who could be targets in each round.

Let's have a look at tight ends.

Round 1: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq is this year's clear No. 1. He might be the only tight end taken in the first round.

Round 2: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Stowers was an All-American last season and had 62 catches for 769 yards and four scores. He is an explosive jumper and is still growing at the position.

Round 3: Max Klare, Ohio State

After 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 for Purdue, he transferred to Ohio State and had 43 for 448 and two touchdowns in 2025. He is athletic and an adequate blocker.

Round 4: Sam Roush, Stanford

He is a big guy and able to block well inline at 6-6 and 267 pounds. He adds a little as a pass catcher, too.

Round 5: Joe Royer, Cincinnati

He is 6-5 and 247 pounds and was solid for two seasons in Cincinnati after three uneventful years at Ohio State. His 50 catches in 2024 set a school record for catches in a season, beating the 45 Travis Kelce had many years ago.

Round 6: Dallen Bentley, Utah

After two seasons of nothing, he exploded in 2025 with 48 catches for 620 yards and a team-high six touchdowns.

Round 7: Josh Cuevas, Alabama

He had 37 catches for 411 yards and four touchdowns last year. He is a solid blocker with some upside in the pass game.