We’ve been lucky to have a few great rookie tight-end classes in a row. Current dynasty tight end rankings are littered with young players at the top. But like most things in the NFL, the pendulum will swing back at some point. Will 2026 continue the streak of great classes, or disappoint? Let’s dig in with the top five in my rookie tight end rankings for this year’s prospects.
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Dynasty Rookie Tight End Rankings
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is the projected gem of the 2026 tight end class. Sadiq is expected to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, the only tight end projected to go in the round. He is a highly athletic player, especially for the position, and has advanced route running for a TE. He uses his athleticism to create separation in his routes and rack up yards after the catch. Unlike most young athletic receiving tight ends, Sadiq is also a capable run blocker, despite his 6’3” 245-pound frame. The one problem with his film is that, despite his skills, he’s a bit inconsistent.
Statistically, Kenyon Sadiq doesn’t stand out as an elite top tight end in a class, though. For his career, Sadiq averaged only 1.72 yards per route run, which is the lowest of the five tight ends I’ll be discussing today. His .63 yards per team pass attempt is also the lowest of this group. Sadiq’s NFL Draft and dynasty stock is a projection of what he could be in the NFL more than a reflection of his college production. He’s a junior declare, with all the athletic tools. He has the highest ceiling in the class; it will be a matter of whether he puts it together in the pros.
2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
The former quarterback, Eli Stowers, enters the NFL after a solid two final seasons at Vanderbilt. Stowers is a natural athlete. His change-of-direction quickness is as good as it gets at the position, allowing him to create easy separation, even while he is still learning the position. His athleticism also gives him great ability after the catch. Additionally, he has natural hands and routinely plucks the ball out of the air. As he is still learning the position, though, he’s a bit of a liability as a blocker, especially since he has only 235 pounds on his 6’4” frame. He also still needs to learn proper zone coverage feel.
Eli Stowers, having less time at the position, has a smaller statistical sample than other TEs in this class, but it’s impressive. Stowers has the best yards per route run in the class with 2.34 for his career, as well as a class-best 1.51 yards per team pass attempt. There’s no doubt Stowers is a talented pass catcher for the position. The question will be whether, as a five-year player still learning the position, he can round out his skills in the NFL. He’s projected to be drafted on day two of the NFL Draft, so he’ll be expected to adjust quickly.
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
Max Klare, the former Purdue tight end, had a productive third season before finishing up his college career playing for Ohio State. Like the tight ends above, Klare is a highly athletic player who is a receiver first. He is a fluid athlete who excels playing out of the slot, and he is capable of running a real route tree. Additionally, his athleticism allows him to create after the catch. Unfortunately, Klare offers almost nothing as a blocker, which could limit his playing time in the NFL.
For his college career, 6’5” 245-pound Max Klare averaged 1.74 yards per route, with a career best 2.22 in his third season while still with Purdue. That number dropped to 1.48 in his final season at Ohio State; considering the wide receivers he played next to, this makes sense. Klare is a serious receiving threat, but he needs to develop as a blocker, so that he can play in all situations, to reach his ceiling in the NFL.
4. Michael Trigg, Baylor
The 6’4”, 240-pound fifth-year tight end Michael Trigg enters the NFL after a productive final season at Baylor. For his career, Trigg averaged 1.87 yards per route, lifting that number to 2.18 in his last season. Trigg was also second among Baylor pass catchers in receiving yards and tied for second in receiving touchdowns in 2025. Showing his ability to play like a big wide receiver, Trigg lined up in the slot 66.9% of the time while in college.
Michael Trigg has an outstanding wingspan for his frame, which naturally plays into his ability to make acrobatic catches. Trigg’s biggest strengths are his body control, timing, and ability to high-point a ball, catching passes outside of his body to make sure defenders can’t interfere. He also has enough athleticism to outrun most linebackers. Unfortunately, though, Tirgg has a lot of work to do on his overall technique both as a receiver and a blocker. He isn’t likely to make a huge fantasy impact as a rookie.
5. Justin Joly, NC State
Justin Joly is a 6’3”, 251-pound tight end from NC State who has been a contributor for his college team each year of his career. For his career, Joly averaged 1.78 yards per route, with at least 1.75 in every season. He also possesses one of the better career yards per team pass attempt in the class, with 1.11. During his time in college, Joly showed positional versatility, playing 52.7% of his snaps from the slot and 36.3% from in line. He even had a season (2022) in which 21.5% of his snaps came out wide.
Perhaps Justin Joly‘s biggest strength is that he’s well-rounded. He has experience playing across the formation and can add after the catch, play at all three levels, and help as a blocker. Unfortunately, though, he could use improvement everywhere. His route running isn’t refined, he needs to get better at not letting the ball get into his body on his targets, and he must improve his technique as a blocker. Joly has the potential, but he has work to do.
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