2026 Draft Eligible Tight Ends - Early Top 5

Newt Westen

Having tackled quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers for the 2026 NFL Draft, we’re closing out the skill groups with tight ends—a class that’s a bit below average but still loaded with some serious playmakers. There are a variety of flavors in this group, including a true H-Back sighting. Starting with an honorable mention for Kenyon Sadiq and counting down from No. 5 to No. 1, here are the best tight ends in the country. Let’s dive in!

Honorable Mention, Kenyon Sadiq

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 245 lbs

• School: Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq’s a versatile tight end with a solid frame for the 2026 draft. His excellent after-catch ability shines on screens and crossing routes, and his 10.1 yards after catch per reception shows his shiftiness for a big guy. His shorter build hurts in contested catch situations, though, limiting his effectiveness in tight windows. If Sadiq refines his route running in 2025, he could be a sneaky-good NFL F-tight end with multi-role upside.

5. Jack Velling

• Height: 6’4⅛”

• Weight: 248 lbs

• School: Michigan State

Jack Velling’s a flexible tight end who brings a dual-threat vibe to the 2026 draft. His willingness to block edge defenders one-on-one and great hands make him a reliable target, with a 53.8% contested catch rate showing his toughness in traffic. His slow release off the line, often with a false step, holds back his route running, though. Velling’s ability to play inline or in the slot adds versatility. If he speeds up his release and refines his blocking in 2025, he could be a dependable NFL tight end with starter potential.

4. Terrance Carter

• Height: 6’2”

• Weight: 232 lbs

• School: Texas Tech (transferred from Louisiana-Lafayette)

Terrance Carter’s an athletic stud who moves like a big receiver for the 2026 draft. His elite separation and blazing speed stretch all three field levels, with a 0.38 missed tackles forced percentage highlighting his post-catch explosiveness. His shorter build limits his contested catch ability, though, struggling in tight coverage windows. Carter’s route-running finesse fits an H-back role like a glove. If he adds bulk and boosts his blocking at Texas Tech in 2025, he could be a versatile NFL weapon, maybe even as a dynamic fullback (a la Kyle Juszczyk).

3. Max Klare

• Height: 6’4”

• Weight: 240 lbs

• School: Ohio State (transferred from Purdue)

Max Klare’s a dynamic mover who stands out in the 2026 draft class. His great route running creates separation against linebackers, and his phenomenal after-catch ability thrives in open space, with a 14.9 average depth of target showing his field-stretching ability. His lack of functional play strength makes him a weak inline blocker, though, limiting his impact. Klare’s plus athleticism and quick release give him a high ceiling. If he adds muscle and cleans up drops at Ohio State in 2025, he could be a matchup nightmare as an NFL F-tight end.

2. Eli Stowers

• Height: 6’3½”

• Weight: 240 lbs

• School: Vanderbilt

Eli Stowers is a well-rounded tight end with a knack for big plays in the 2026 draft. His natural hands and stellar after-catch ability make check downs dangerous, with a 7.5 yards after catch per reception showing his open-field skills. His light frame hurts his blocking on running downs, though, keeping him mostly in the slot. Stowers’ athletic build and reliable catching make him a quarterback’s friend. If he bulks up and refines his blocking in 2025, he could be a three-down NFL tight end with serious upside.

1. Joe Royer

• Height: 6’4⅝”

• Weight: 252 lbs

• School: Cincinnati

Joe Royer is the top dog in the 2026 tight end class, a chiseled playmaker with the tools to dominate at the next level. His soft, reliable hands and knack for finding holes in zone coverage make him a go-to target, with a 53.8% contested catch rate showing his consistency. His separation is just okay, though, lagging behind other tight ends when facing tight coverage. Royer’s thick build and solid blocking skills fit both inline and slot roles, making him a scheme-versatile weapon. If he boosts his separation in 2025, he’s set to be a rock-solid NFL tight end with immediate starter potential.