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2026 Top Prospects: Tight End 

An overview of the top tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four players who are projected to be drafted between Rounds One and Three

PR TE 2026 Draft

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq can win at every level of the field and he set an Oregon record for receptions for a tight end in 2025 with 51. He ran an absurd, record-setting 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his burst and acceleration. Sadiq runs an advanced route tree and is effective down the seam. He turns into a running back after the catch, with dynamic ability off screens. He works quickly in and out of breaks, leaving defenders reeling. Sadiq is one of the best blockers in the class with proper technique and he baits with a lethal stutter-step. He has tremendous upside and is one of the most athletic prospects at the position of the last decade.

TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

The John Mackey Award winner nabbed 769 receiving yards in 2025, eclipsing all FBS tight ends. Eli Stowers earned All-America honors in 2025 and was a two-year starter at Vanderbilt in their run-prominent scheme. Stowers has the speed to attack the seam versus linebackers and has fluid change-of-direction skills to cut. He pairs a large catch radius with elite production – leading all FBS tight ends in 2025 in receiving yards per game with 64.1. He can adjust and corral throws outside of his frame and Stowers is elusive after the catch. Stowers is projected to go between the second and third rounds and would elevate a club's utilization of two-tight end sets.

TE Max Klare, Ohio State

Max Klare was a one-year starter at Ohio State after transferring from Purdue and was used all along the formation, including the slot, backfield and inline. Klare did not have the same level of production in 2025 for the Buckeyes due to how he was utilized; however, he presents an upside with separation burst. He possesses long-striding speed, which benefits him on seam routes. Klare can vary his tempo mid-route with crisp cuts and has natural ball-tracking skills. He makes the most out of run-after-catch opportunities and quickly roasted safeties on tape at Purdue, on both 62 and 32-yard chunk plays. Klare wins at the catch point and is expected to be drafted between the second and third rounds.

TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

Oscar Delp, a three-year starter at Georgia, plays with physicality and outstanding body control, but he never reached 25 catches in a single season for the Bulldogs. Delp is adept at blocking to spur perimeter runs and can surge past pursuit with surprising short-area quickness. Delp projects as a Day Three selection and he did not participate in drills at the combine due to a hairline fracture in his foot. Delp clocked a 4.48-second 40 at Georgia's Pro Day and has rare straight-line speed for the position. He settles into zone voids with ease and averaged 12 yards a reception.

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