2026 Rookie Tight End Rankings | Top Six Prospects

by John Laub · Featured
2026 Dynasty Rookie Tight End Prospects, Rankings

As I lean back in my desk chair to write, I reflect on an era (the Eighties) that opened my eyes to the dominance of the tight end position. It was a golden decade, with Kellen Winslow of the Chargers and Todd Christensen of the Raiders dominating opponents on Sundays. In the Air Coryell offense, Winslow posted a four-year run (1980-83) that ranks among the greatest in NFL history. From 1983 to 1986, Christensen matched Winslow’s production and led the NFL in receptions twice. Both players guided the way for the modern tight end and might have been even better fantasy performers in today’s game.

As Dynasty managers, finding a true difference maker at the tight end position can provide a weekly boost in matchups. In 2025, Trey McBride finished 14th overall with 315 fantasy points in PPR formats (100 points ahead of the second-most productive tight end) and led many fantasy managers to championships.

Coming out of Colorado State, McBride stood atop my rookie tight end rankings in 2022. Looking at my TE production model, he stood out with a Team Aerial Dominator of 37% and a receiving yards per team pass attempt (RYPTPA) of 2.83; both easily surpassed my benchmarks of 15% and 1.50. At 6’3” and 249 pounds, he also illustrated elite-level speed, recording a 4.56 in the 40-yard dash. A statistical model can help a manager identify a difference-maker at tight end. Today, I’m sharing the top six names from my 2026 rookie tight end rankings, from Eli Stowers to Tanner Koziol.

View my other 2026 positional Top Six rankings: Wide Receivers | Running Backs

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2026 Rookie Tight End Rankings

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Prospect Resume

Eli Stowers made a significant impact for Vanderbilt, a school that hasn’t produced many standout prospects in recent years. In 2025, Stowers achieved impressive numbers, recording career highs with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. His accolades include the John Mackey Award (given to the best TE in the country), the William V. Campbell Trophy (often referred to as the Academic Heisman), and All-SEC First Team honors.

Stowers also made notable contributions to the Commodores in 2024, finishing with 49 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Stowers also completed a touchdown pass versus Akron. In that season, he was a John Mackey Award semifinalist, an All-SEC First Team selection, and a Third Team All-American (Phil Steele). He accumulated the second-most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a Vanderbilt tight end since 1996.

Stowers’ collegiate journey also included a stint at New Mexico State in 2023, where he caught 35 passes for 366 yards and two touchdowns, earning All-C-USA honorable mention. Before that, Stowers played at Texas A&M, starting as a highly-rated four-star quarterback recruit. The Vanderbilt playmaker recorded a collegiate career that warrants respect in the Dynasty community and the industrial scouting complex. His background also includes high school success in Texas, where he was named to the All-State Second Team and shared the District Co-Offensive MVP title, all while excelling in track and field as the Texas 6A high jump state champion.

Film Breakdown and Skills

The former Commodore profiles as an “F” tight end capable of playing multiple positions. A former quarterback with high football IQ, he comfortably exploits zones, threatens the vertical seam, and thrives in space. He has substantial receiving skills as a natural hands catcher, effortlessly plucking the ball from his body. Stowers also has a tremendous feel for spatial awareness. He is great after the catch, with wiggle and agility, separating from linebackers with underrated twitchy athleticism; a yards-after-the-catch machine, he finished second among all tight ends in YAC with 377 yards. He easily high-points the football with vice-like mitts and top-end body control. A fluid route runner, he is dangerous in space and creates separation out of breaks. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, Stowers was named to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in the summer of 2025.

An undersized tight end with a slight frame, Stowers does not dominate at the point of attack as an in-line blocker and is a negative in the ground game. He needs to upgrade his hand technique and body leverage to become a more impactful all-around player, improving his physicality across the board. With raw technique, he does not anchor well or punch hands into the defender’s chest. He also goes down too quickly after the catch and leaves yards on the field. The former Commodore struggles with press coverage and rounds off routes at the top of the stem. Stowers has lots of room for growth and presents a matchup challenge, which bodes well for fantasy success. At his current Dynasty ADP, Stowers will be my most drafted rookie in 2026.

Scholar’s Grade: A-

2. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Prospect Resume

The Ducks have had two tight ends move to the NFL recently, Terrance Ferguson (2025) and Juwan Johnson (2020). Ferguson just wrapped up his rookie season with the Rams, while Johnson went undrafted but signed with the Saints as a free agent. After three seasons at Oregon, Kenyon Sadiq is next in line, projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming Draft.

In 2025, Sadiq truly rose to the occasion, posting career highs in receptions (51), yards (560), and touchdowns (eight), leading all tight ends in the Big Ten. His performance earned him the distinction of Big Ten Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year, making him the first Duck to claim that honor, along with All-Big Ten First Team recognition and a spot as a John Mackey Award Finalist. The previous year, in 2024, he recorded 23 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns. As a freshman, he participated in all 14 games, garnering five catches for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Sadiq entered college as a highly regarded four-star recruit, being ranked in the Top 80 nationally and among the Top 10 Athletes in the country. In 2022, as a high schooler, he earned the title of Idaho Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, demonstrating his versatility by playing on both sides of the ball. His standout high school season led to an invitation to the U.S. Army Bowl, in which he finished with 62 receptions for 1,303 yards, averaging 21 yards per catch and scoring 18 touchdowns, with six games surpassing the 100-yard receiving mark. On defense, he contributed with two tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

Film Breakdown and Skills

A compact and dense frame at 6’3” and 245 pounds, Sadiq is an explosive athlete with remarkable body control and impressive leaping ability. He has exceptional speed (including the fastest 40-yard dash in Combine history by a TE) and terrific after-the-catch skills. With vice-grip hands, he securely absorbs the pass along the sideline and wins above the rim. A versatile playmaker, he has been deployed all across the formation. Sadiq has fantastic footwork in and out of breaks and is not intimidated in the middle of the defense. He is a natural zone-breaker who finds holes for the quarterback to throw into. He also separates well and tracks the ball well down the field. In the ground game, he is a standout run blocker who will impress scouts and coaching staffs. Sadiq is a young prospect who left school after three seasons and has a massive ceiling.

A lean and undersized tight end prospect, Sadiq can be beaten by larger defensive linemen with long arms at the point of attack. As a pass catcher, he can be slowed down by stronger and more technically skilled defenders. During his first two seasons on campus, he produced little before breaking out as a junior. A raw route runner, he is better against man coverage than in zone. At the top of the route, he lacks clean breaks and turns. With a limited wingspan, he can get grabby with his hands when engaged as a run blocker. In any TE production model, he falls short of being a top-shelf prospect at the position. Drafting Sadiq is banking on athletic skills and traits while projecting success down the road as a professional.

Scholar’s Grade: B+

3. Justin Joly, North Carolina State

Prospect Resume

In the interest of full disclosure, I had the privilege of watching every Justin Joly performance for two years when he played for UConn before transferring to North Carolina State. Despite being upset at first that he left to play in Raleigh, NC, I am thrilled for Joly, who increased his Draft stock after two seasons with the Wolfpack.

Joly played his high school ball for Iona Prep School, which is across the border between Connecticut and New York. A varsity competitor for three years, he finished his high school career with 123 receptions for 1,827 yards and 22 total touchdowns. As a senior, he led his team to an 11-1 mark and an undefeated conference record. After high school, Joly, a two-star recruit, enrolled at UConn and instantly stepped onto the field for the Huskies in 2022. As a true freshman, he corralled 18 passes for 250 yards and two scores. As a sophomore, he exploded for the Huskies with a team-leading 56 catches for 578 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2024, Joly transferred to North Carolina State and added 20 pounds in the offseason. He ranked second on the team with 43 catches, totaling a team-leading 661 yards. He scored four times and averaged 15.4 yards per catch, which was the fourth-best in the nation among FBS tight ends.

As a senior last year, the Wolfpack’s tight end was named a John Mackey Award semifinalist and to the All-ACC First Team. He also earned the John Mackey Tight End of the Week honors with a six-catch outing for 101 yards and two touchdowns versus Pittsburgh. He paced the team in catches with a career-best 49 receptions for 489 yards and seven touchdowns, concluding his college tenure with 166 catches for 1,978 yards and 15 scores.

Film Breakdown and Skills

Joly is an underappreciated athlete who stands 6’3” and weighs 251 pounds, slightly undersized for his position. With a thick build, he can line up in various roles: in-line, in the slot, or out wide. He showcases versatility in his usage. His big wingspan and large hands allow him to win contested catches through contact, demonstrating great concentration. As a fluid pass catcher, he utilizes soft hands, quick feet, and loose hips to release off the line of scrimmage and find open space when plays break down. He uncovers at all three levels of the defense and reads defenders’ leverage well, presenting himself as a reliable target. Physically, after the catch, he easily breaks through arm tackles. In the red zone, he becomes a basketball leaper, securing the ball with impressive hands. He shows noticeable improvement on film in 2025 compared to the previous year.

However, like many “F” tight ends, Joly lacks the elite strength needed to move run-stuffing defenders, which means he must improve his run-blocking technique. He tends to raise his pad level when blocking, thereby losing leverage. Additionally, he can be inconsistent with his route running, sometimes coasting when changing directions. He could enhance his ability to box out defenders as well. Joly profiles well as an “F” tight end in 12 personnel and could be a valuable pick if selected on Day 2 of the Draft. In Dynasty leagues, this former North Carolina State player is undervalued, with significant potential in the right offensive scheme.

Scholar’s Grade: B

4. Joe Royer, Cincinnati

Prospect Resume

Whenever I watch the Bearcats play football or basketball, two memories flood my mind. First, my Grandpa went to Cincinnati and graduated in the 1920s before becoming a lifelong teacher. Second, I remember the undefeated Bearcats in 2021, led by coach Luke Fickell, quarterback Desmond Ridder, and cornerback Sauce Gardner. The 2025 football team may not have left any lasting impressions, but I did take note of Joe Royer while scouting for the upcoming Draft.

Royer’s journey began in high school, where he was a highly regarded recruit. He went to Ohio State as the No. 11-ranked tight end in the nation, earning a four-star designation and being named All-Ohio First Team. However, his collegiate career at Ohio State was somewhat disappointing in terms of opportunities. Over three seasons, he managed only four receptions for 24 yards, largely due to a deep roster at the position for the Buckeyes.

In 2024, seeking a fresh start and a chance to boost his draft stock, Royer transferred to Cincinnati. This decision proved pivotal. During his two seasons as a Bearcat, he became a significant contributor, catching 79 passes for 937 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His performance did not go unnoticed; he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2024 and followed that up with All-Big 12 Third Team recognition in 2025. Royer’s development at Cincinnati has transformed him into a prospect worth watching in the upcoming Draft.

Film Breakdown and Skills

A well-built tight end at 6’5” and 255 pounds, Joe Royer profiles as a versatile “Y” tight end with a high football IQ. With big, strong, and soft hands, he adjusts to the ball in the air and snatches passes away from his frame. He has subtle head-and-shoulder shakes and is a long strider. His exceptional body control and spatial awareness allow him to find soft spots in zones and create easy targets for the quarterback. He runs aggressively with the ball in his hands and fights for additional yardage. Royer varies his speed during routes to get open and elevates above defenders in traffic to bring down throws. With good knee bend and body mechanics, he excels in pass protection.

An older prospect, Royer spent six years in college and saw limited playing time during three seasons at Ohio State. He needs to improve his functional strength, as he is not a physical blocker and occasionally struggles to sustain his blocks. His consistency is an issue in the ground game, and he sometimes loses focus when catching the ball. Royer does not create separation well against man coverage, and when he finds an open spot, he tends to settle rather than continuing to move to stay accessible to his passer. On film, he appears to be a limited athlete, making the Combine a crucial event for his final evaluation and ranking. In the right offensive scheme, Royer could develop into a valuable fantasy asset, but he is unlikely to become the standout player that Dynasty coaches desire from the position.

Scholar’s Grade: B-

5. Michael Trigg, Baylor

Prospect Resume

Following the explosive legacy left by Art Briles over a decade ago, Michael Trigg is another Bears prospect. Despite the success of past playmakers like Kendall Wright, Corey Coleman, and Terrance Williams at Baylor, none truly made a significant impact in the NFL. Will Trigg be able to end the Bears’ letdowns among pass catchers in the pros?

Trigg was a highly sought-after high school athlete, earning four-star status and ranking among the top 150 nationally. His prowess on the field earned him Under Armour All-American honors in 2021. As a junior, he made a name for himself by also making contributions on defense with 83 tackles and 11 sacks. As a senior, he accumulated 30 receptions for 586 yards and five touchdowns over just seven games. He also averaged over 20 points per game on the hardwood as a sophomore and junior.

After graduating, Trigg began his college career at USC before transferring to Mississippi for two years. His early college stats included just 28 catches for 330 yards and five touchdowns in three campaigns. Playing in only three games in 2023, he wanted to preserve his redshirt eligibility and play for two more college seasons.

Trigg’s fortunes changed after transferring to Baylor, where he had notable success. Two years ago, he was selected for the All-Big 12 Second Team after posting 30 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, he excelled, setting career highs with 50 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns, earning honors including John Mackey Award Finalist, All-Big 12 First Team, and All-America Third Team (AP). His performance earned him an invite to the Senior Bowl, further solidifying his potential as an NFL prospect.

Film Breakdown and Skills

In 2025, Trigg had an impressive season, showcasing highlight catches on film and demonstrating exceptional route-running skills and athleticism. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 240 pounds, he offers alignment versatility and possesses remarkable physical attributes, including fluid hips, large hands, and excellent footwork. His quickness allows him to effortlessly create space and separation while making defenders miss on routes. He consistently catches passes outside of his frame and excels at gaining yards after the catch. Trigg poses a vertical threat to defenses and makes significant plays at the top of his routes. His ability to shake off tacklers makes him difficult to bring down, and he proves a potent red-zone asset with his long arms and impressive catch radius.

Trigg has the size and physicality teams want, but struggles to assert himself when run blocking and needs to work on his technique. He isn’t always able to maintain blocks effectively during plays. In terms of catching passes, his hands seem unreliable; he tends to clap before the ball reaches him, which contributes to a concerning drop rate of 12.3% last year, based on PFF’s stats. Additionally, he lacks aggression at the top of his routes, making it easier for defenders to win contested catches against him. Trigg also needs to enhance his performance against press coverage, as larger, stronger defenders can easily redirect him. Still, all it takes is one organization to believe that Trigg can overcome his weaknesses and improve as a professional. In an offense that often uses 12 personnel, the former Baylor tight end could become an impactful fantasy performer down the road.

Scholar’s Grade: B-

6. Tanner Koziol, Houston

Prospect Resume

Not many players have successfully traveled from Ball State to Houston and then to the NFL, but Tanner Koziol might be the first. In high school, he attended three different schools and played basketball and baseball. As a senior at Mt. Vernon in Indiana, he served as a team captain and played as a wide receiver.

Starting his college career as a two-star recruit, Koziol made the switch to tight end and quickly made an impact during his freshman year at Ball State in 2022. He recorded 35 receptions for 373 yards and seven touchdowns, leading his team and ranking fifth among all tight ends in the FBS for touchdowns. In his sophomore year, he maintained his productivity with 34 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns, the only Cardinal with multiple scores. By 2024, Koziol’s performance earned him accolades as an All-MAC Second Teamer and a G5 All-American (Hero Sports), highlighted by a season where he caught 94 passes for 839 yards and eight touchdowns.

After an outstanding campaign, Koziol initially transferred to Wisconsin in December 2024. However, he later moved to Houston in April 2025. During his time in the Big 12, he continued to excel against more formidable competition, tallying 74 receptions for 727 yards and six touchdowns. His achievements included being named to the All-Big 12 First Team and the All-American First Team, and being a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award in two consecutive years. Moreover, Koziol was invited to the Senior Bowl and had remarkable stats in my TE model while at Houston, featuring a Team Dominator score of 26%, a RYPTPA of 1.93, and a Catch Rate of 77%.

Film Breakdown and Skills

An offensive weapon and a mismatch in the passing game at 6’7″ and 250 pounds, Koziol stands out with his impressive height, wingspan, and catch radius, making it easy for him to reel in passes. He moves smoothly, gliding past defenders while using head fakes and body control to create separation. With strong hands and exceptional ball skills, he actively attacks the ball while it’s in the air. Although he has a lean build, he manages to break through arm tackles, showcasing his ability as an oversized receiver. Kozoil also has a high football IQ; he is adept at spotting soft spots in zone coverage, which contributes to his effectiveness as a red-zone weapon, with 24 career touchdowns over 49 games.

However, Koziol isn’t necessarily a traditional smash-mouth in-line blocker and tends to use a high pad level when engaging opponents. He often overreaches his arms during run plays, which can hinder his blocking efficiency. Additionally, he lacks quick-twitch athleticism and shows limited acceleration and explosiveness off the line. Analyzing his advanced metrics reveals a low average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.9 and a yards-per-reception average of 9.8, with many routes run under 10 yards downfield. To elevate his game, he needs to enhance his route-running skills and refine his pass-catching technique. A key question remains: Can he effectively threaten a defense down the deep seam? In Dynasty leagues, I focus on undervalued pass-catching tight ends who can excel in specific roles, such as the “F” tight end in 12-personnel, and Koziol aligns with the characteristics I prioritize in a prospect.

Scholar’s Grade: C+

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