Today’s article breaks down my top offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft. If you missed any of my previous position groups, check them out:
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers

NFL Draft Breakdown (2006-2025)

On average, over the 7 rounds of the NFL Draft, we see the following numbers of players taken at each position: 

Position
Average Number Drafted Annually

Quarterback
12.8

Running Back
22.5

Wide Receiver
33.1

Tight End
15.4

Offensive Tackle
21.3

Interior OL (Guard/Center)
24.7

Defensive End
23.9

Defensive Tackle
19.6

Linebacker
31.8

Cornerback
30.5

Safety
21.1

Kicker
2.1

Punter
2.3

Long Snapper
0.8

And here’s a breakdown by round:

Position
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7

Quarterback
3.5
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.3
1.4
1.2

Running Back
1.3
2.5
2.7
3.6
3.5
4.8
4.1

Wide Receiver
4.6
4.4
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.8
5.7

Tight End
0.9
1.9
2.2
2.4
2.6
3
2.4

Offensive Tackle
4.1
3.2
2.9
2.8
2.5
3.1
2.7

Interior OL
2.2
2.9
3.8
4
3.7
4.5
3.6

Defensive End
3.9
3.6
3.1
3.2
2.9
3.8
3.4

Defensive Tackle
2.8
2.4
2.6
2.8
2.9
3.2
2.9

Linebacker
3.4
3.9
4.5
4.8
4.7
5.5
5

Cornerback
3.8
4.2
4
4.1
3.9
5.1
5.4

Safety
1.5
2.3
2.8
3.1
3.4
4.1
3.9

Kicker
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.4
0.35

Punter
0
0.05
0.1
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.45

Long Snapper
0
0
0
0.05
0.2
0.3
0.25

So, in theory, we could see around 15 tight ends drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft (potentially). As it stands currently, here are my top 10 favorite tight ends, but being this early in the season, things could definitely change! I think Maryland and Sadiq are probably my favorites as the athletic, big-play tight ends that could really impress teams.

FIRST LOOK: 2026 NFL Draft Tight Ends

If you told me any of these top 10 wound up being the top tight ends taken, I wouldn’t really be all that surprised. Most of these top 10 are really better at receiving than blocking, and really, what puts RJ Maryland at the top of my list as it stands is a couple of things: He comes from an NFL lineage, so he’s definitely been prepared to get to the next level (I know it takes a lot more, so just keep reading). The other thing is his athletic profile/explosiveness, which he shows off on top of being able to attack the ball as a receiving threat. Strong hands, a fairly well-developed ability to separate, and solid run after the catch ability, it’s just hard not to think he makes it to the next level. 

After Maryland, Max Klare is showing up strong in his first season at Ohio State, a great route runner with good hands and an athletic profile that could make the case for him being the top tight end in this draft class, if he keeps it up. Oscar Delp probably winds up being the fastest tight end in this class, and at 6’5”, that’s pretty amazing for his NFL potential. He’s reliable, with a strong football IQ and playing in a conference that will have plenty of eyes on him all season. 

——–

Kenyon Sadiq gives me Brevin Jordan vibes when I watch him, which doesn’t sound promising, but I think Sadiq could make a name for himself because I believe he’s a much better blocker at this point than Jordan was at this point in his collegiate career. He’s smart, another tight end with great hands as a pass catcher, and comes up big time in big game situations. A lot to like about him. 

After the top four on my list, it’s really a bunch of players that I like quite a bit and just don’t think they are all that far apart as it stands currently. I could see a player like Luke Hasz slide down my board some, due to his struggles as a blocker, because not all teams want just a pass-catching tight end; some want them to be well-rounded enough to not be a problem as a blocker. 

Thanks for Stopping By!

Follow Draft Countdown on YouTube for NFL Draft and fantasy football videos, including mock drafts, with college football analysis every season, and more!

Like this:

Like Loading…