The Denver Broncos may target Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek in the 2026 NFL Draft, as he is recognized for his strong run-blocking skills. Kacmarek, ranked 7th among tight ends by The Athletic, has a 4th-round grade and could complement the team's current tight end Adam Trautman.
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 18: The Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Will Kacmarek (89) celebrates a touchdown catch during a college football game between The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 18, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft is Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek. He is a 6’5 1/2”, 261-pound tight end prospect who is viewed as one of the better in-line blocking tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has Kacmarek ranked as his 7th-best tight end in the draft and has a 4th-round grade on him.
Kacmarek started his college career at Ohio and played there for three seasons before transferring to Ohio State, where he has played these past two seasons. During his two seasons at Ohio State, he appeared in 26 games while starting in 17 of those games and totaled 23 receptions for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns. This past season for Ohio State, he appeared in 14 games while starting in 11 of those games and totaled 15 receptions for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Broncos re-signed veteran tight end Adam Trautman this offseason to be their blocking tight end; however, they could still use another tight end to pair with him in two-tight-end sets. They re-sign Nate Adkins, who has previously fit that role, but he was signed to a vet minimum deal, and his roster spot is far from guaranteed. So, a people mover like Will Kacmarek could make a lot of sense for the Broncos in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Will Kacmarek | Tight End | Ohio State
Strengths
Weaknesses
The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on Ohio State TE Will Kacmarek
Kacmarek developed his physical mentality while playing lacrosse, and it directly translates to his blocking. He balances proper technique with creating violent collisions and looking to punish opponents using his competitive edge. He saw just 27 targets in two seasons at Ohio State, but those looks resulted in 23 catches (and zero drops). He has terrific ball skills, although he won’t create easy separation out of breaks. Kacmarek is a big, linear athlete with strong hands and the desired level of aggression as a point-of-attack blocker. He projects as a Y tight end and can be one of the better blockers in the draft class.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Ohio State TE Will Kacmarek
Kacmarek is an old-school, big-bodied “Y” tight end with size, strength and a field demeanor for run blocking. He needs to improve his pad level and play with more consistent hand placement to continue sustaining blocks on the next level. He drives his feet on contact to create displacement on down blocks and washes defenders into the pile as a zone blocker. Catch production will be sparse and come primarily when schemed or on short zone-beaters. Kacmarek’s lack of receiving value could limit his draft stock, but teams looking to prioritize their run-game improvement should be interested on Day 3.
If the Broncos are looking for a true in-line blocker who can be a mauler in the running game, then yes, he makes a lot of sense.
I think the Broncos will draft at least one tight end, but the type of tight end they draft is the question. Are they looking for a pass-catcher type? If so, that would eliminate Kacmarek. However, if they’re looking for a true in-line blocker, then Kacmarek is near the top of the list.
He doesn’t have the pass-catching upside that some of the other blocking tight ends do in this class, but he’s arguably the best blocker in this class. He’s a mauler, has the demeanor for it, and has the size to thrive in it. He also fits the character profile that the Broncos typically look for in a prospect.
He’s not the most exciting or flashy tight end prospect, but if they’re looking for someone to help out the run game, then Kacmarek makes a lot of sense for the Broncos in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Will Kacmarek recorded 23 receptions for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns during his two seasons at Ohio State, starting in 17 of 26 games.
Will Kacmarek is ranked as the 7th-best tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft by The Athletic, with a projected 4th-round selection.
The Broncos may draft Will Kacmarek to enhance their run-blocking capabilities, as he is considered one of the better in-line blocking tight ends available.
The current blocking tight end for the Denver Broncos is veteran Adam Trautman, who was re-signed this offseason.
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.