Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer visited the New Orleans Saints as part of their pre-draft evaluations. Projected as a fourth- or fifth-round pick, Royer has faced injury challenges but set a record for receptions at Cincinnati.
Here's another one of the New Orleans Saints' 30 official visits before the 2026 NFL Draft, per Easton Butler for 247 Sports. Butler reports that Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Joe Royer is visiting the team headquarters in Metairie. Royer weighed in at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, with 31.5-inch arms, giving his quarterbacks a big target to look for in the passing game, but he didn't participate in athletic testing and doesn't have a Relative Athletic Score. He's currently projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick, slotting in at No. 149 on the consensus board.
Targets were hard to come by -- Royer initially rounded out the Ohio State Buckeyes depth chart as a backup, seeing little action with Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeku Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver -- all future first rounders. Then he suffered a series of injuries that caused him to miss more games than he played at Ohio State. Eventually, he transferred to Cincinnati, and finally found his footing. Royer broke Travis Kelce's single-season receptions record and was recognized on the All-Big 12 first team. He took a step back in volume last season but averaged more yards per catch (14.3) and caught more touchdowns (4) without a single drop. More importantly, he was healthy for 25 consecutive starts with the Bearcats.
But this 30 visit may not necessarily signal interest in drafting Royer. His decision to opt out of athletic testing both at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and pro day at Cincinnati has raised questions about whether he has the speed to compete in the NFL. He also opted out of the Senior Bowl after initially accepting his invitation. It's been reported that a hamstring injury is what prompted Royer to back out of his pro day workout, but teams will be pressing him to run drills privately and see what he can do. Depending on his answers, his stock could climb or maybe take a tumble.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Cincinnati, Ohio State TE Joe Royer visits Saints
Joe Royer is projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick, currently ranked No. 149 on the consensus draft board.
Joe Royer transferred to Cincinnati after struggling for playing time at Ohio State due to a deep receiving corps and facing multiple injuries.
Joe Royer's performance in private workouts will be crucial, as teams are eager to assess his speed and athleticism, which could significantly affect his draft stock.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.