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.
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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:Â Sporting News’ complete 7-round mock draft
Ranking the 10 best tight ends in 2026 NFL Draft
Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
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.
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Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round
2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)
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
3. Max Klare, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
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.
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Draft projection: Late second round to early third round
MORE:Sporting News’ mock draft with first-round trades
4. Michael Trigg, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)
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
MORE: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in 2026 NFL Draft
5. Jack Endries, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)
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.
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Draft projection: Late third to early fourth round
6. Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M (6-5, 245 pounds)
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
7. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame (6-6, 245 pounds)
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
8. Justin Joly, NC State (6-3, 241 pounds)
Joly is more of a smaller H-back type but he can be very effective with soft hands as an outlet on shorter routes.
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Draft projection:Â Late fourth to early fifth round
MORE:Â NFL power rankings 2026 after free agency
Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush
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9. Sam Roush, Stanford (6-6, 267 pounds)
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
10. Joe Royer, Cincinnati (6-5, 247 pounds)
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:Â Fifth or sixth round