The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to feature an exceptionally strong class of tight ends. With the NFL Combine approaching next week, analysts have finalized their positional big boards, ranking the top 10 prospects available at the position.

2026 NFL Draft TE Big Board: Top Performers Emerge

This tight end group is considered particularly robust, with six players qualifying for high rankings on the board. The pre-draft process has already seen significant storylines, particularly surrounding athletic testing.

Kenyon Sadiq: The Athletic Mismatch

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is projected as a potential top-15 selection. He showcases a highly well-rounded skill set that appeals to NFL scouts.

  • As a pass catcher, Sadiq's athleticism allows him to create mismatches against both safeties and linebackers.
  • He is also noted for his willingness to engage as an impactful in-line blocker near the line of scrimmage.
  • His inherent athleticism is expected to be a major highlight at the upcoming NFL Combine.

Eli Stowers: Setting Combine Records

Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers has already made headlines by setting modern-day NFL Combine records in both the vertical and broad jump results. He was a crucial target for quarterback Diego Pavia during the 2025 season.

Stowers finished 2025 leading his team with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He is recognized as a savvy route runner capable of creating separation from defenders.

Other Key Prospects in the Top Tier

Max Klare is ranked among the elite at the position, though his production was somewhat shared with talents like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Klare is viewed as an outstanding athlete with significant potential as a pass-catching threat.

Klare’s blocking ability suggests he has the foundation to develop into a reliable three-down tight end. Many believe his best professional football is still ahead of him.

Prospect Deep Dive: Size, Production, and Potential

Sam Roush and Michael Trigg

Stanford's Sam Roush managed 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns despite the team's struggling passing game. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Roush is a good-sized athlete who also served as an in-line blocker in a run-heavy scheme.

Michael Trigg experienced a significant resurgence, exploding onto the scene at Baylor after previous stints at USC and Ole Miss. The Florida native recorded 50 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns in his recent campaign. The NFL Combine will be crucial in finalizing his pre-draft evaluation, as he is viewed as a difference-maker in the receiving game.

Compact Threats and High-IQ Route Runners

Justin Joly, who possesses a more compact frame at 6-3, 263, is an efficient route runner. He posted 49 receptions and a career-high seven touchdowns last season, showing traits that suggest he can immediately become a quarterback-friendly target.

Cincinnati's Joe Royer is known for his high football IQ, consistently exploiting soft spots in zone coverage by varying his pacing. After transferring from Ohio State, Royer accumulated 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons with the Bearcats. A strong Combine performance could significantly boost his draft stock.

Rounding Out the Top 10

German native Benjamin Klein is an effective route runner once he achieves top speed. Playing in Michigan's run-heavy system has resulted in him being a well-developed blocker.

Notre Dame's Eli Raridon maximized his 2025 opportunity, setting career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and yards per catch. He possesses a three-down skill set, though further development in route running could enhance his separation consistency.

Wyoming's John Michael Gyllenborg stands out as an intriguing sleeper prospect. He excels when detached from the line, showcasing an athletic vertical skill set as a pass catcher in space, though adjusting to the NFL will present a challenge.