Ranking the 10 best tight ends in 2026 NFL Draft, from Kenyon Sadiq to Joe Royer
The 2026 NFL Draft class at tight end has only one elite athletic prospect at the position but there are plenty of good receivers and blockers to help teams in different capacities.
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.
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: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft Ranking the 10 best tight ends in 2026 NFL Draft 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. 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.