After the names Sadiq, Stowers, and Klare, there are a number of tight ends at the 2026 combine jostling for position with a real opportunity to raise their draft stock. Joe Royer of Cincinnati is one, coming off an explosive season and having dropped just two passes in his collegiate career.

Royer was invited to the combine and is expected to check in close to his listed 6’5″ and 255 pounds. He’s added weight and bulk since the season’s conclusion. Royer reportedly has an 80″ wingspan (Kyle Pitts’ was 83″). If Royer measures in at his reported hand size of about 10.5 inches, he would likely be ahead of all the attendees at the position.

Royer doesn’t have much to improve, already drawing comparisons to Colts’ TE Tyler Warren in both size and offensive aptitude. A true potential three-down, seam-breaking weapon, the best picture of Royer was taking a catch-and-run 73 yards, outpacing any gain from franchise juggernaut Travis Kelce.

The Cincinnati Bearcats’ big man needs only to support his claim as “best hands in the class” in the Gauntlet drill on Friday to make him a name to watch at the draft, and he is already drawing interest from the Jets, Chiefs, and Colts.

Author: Sam Schneider (Samwise) (@BuyAndSellYou)