The 2026 NFL Draft features a mix of tight end prospects, with one standout likely to be a first-round pick. The class includes several solid complementary players and potential Day 3 sleepers.
Ranking the 10 best tight ends in 2026 NFL Draft, from Kenyon Sadiq to Joe Royer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NFL Draft features a fair class of available tight end prospects.
Although there's only one dynamic athlete headed for a surefire first-round selection, there are several good complementary receivers and blockers, and several offenses in need.
From the game-changing pass-catcher early to an intriguing Day 3 sleeper, here's breaking down the best of an average overall group:
MORE:Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft
Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq has top-end athleticism after being the go-to guy in the Ducks offense with Dane Moore. He has dazzled and created mismatches on intermediate routes with some speed and quickness to stretch the field before and after the catch. He can deliver right away as a weapon deployed everywhere through the red zone.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round
Stowers has emerged as the second-best receiving option from the position with hybrid wide receiver qualities of good hands and route-running. He would fit well on a team such as the Broncos with more established wideouts to set him up with more favorable coverage.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late second round
Klare is hoping he can tap better into some Colston Loveland-type receiving upside after getting lost a little in the Buckeyes' wideout-rich passing game, with a lot more consistency from his overall game required.
Draft projection: Late second round to early third round
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Trigg offers soft hands as more of "F" tight end to work routes from right off the line and flashes good speed to stretch the field, plus quickness in the red zone. He could also benefit from being a lot steadier.
Draft projection: Late second round to early third round
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Endries follows Gunnar Helm (Titans) to the NFL from the Longhorns and brings his own brand of smarts and smooth route-running. He could end up being a big steal in the right system that calls upon him to be more physical overall.
Draft projection: Late third to early fourth round
Boerkircher is more of a blocker first with his strong classic in-frame but he has the potential of being a lot more impactful as a short-area target.
Draft projection: Late third to early fourth round
Raridon also offers a big, sturdy option for teams seeking more of a blocker-first at the position to put into power looks or 12 personnel. He's still improving as a receiver.
Draft projection: Late fourth to early fifth round
Joly is more of a smaller H-back type but he can be very effective with soft hands as an outlet on shorter routes.
**Draft projection:**Late fourth to early fifth round
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Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush
Imagn Images
Roush is a natural rock of an inline blocker who can move bodies well in the running game and he's still developing well as an intermediate receiver with good red zone qualities.
Draft projection: Fifth or sixth round
The entry from Travis Kelce's alma mater once played at Ohio State and has late intrigue as a quick receiver and a willing, tough blocker, trying to learn how to better use all of his size and strength.
**Draft projection:**Fifth or sixth round
The top tight end prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft is a dynamic athlete expected to be a first-round selection.
The 2026 tight end class is considered average due to the lack of elite talent beyond the top prospect, though it includes several good complementary players.
Yes, the 2026 NFL Draft features several intriguing Day 3 tight end sleepers who could provide value to teams.
While there is only one clear first-round tight end, several others are likely to be drafted, contributing to the overall depth of the class.
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