5 Tight Ends That Could Interest Detroit Lions in 2026 NFL Draft

Tim Twentyman previews top tight end prospects that could fit the Lions' offense

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a tight end making a catch, with sharp, overlapping planes in the colors of the Detroit Lions - Honolulu Blue and Silver - capturing the dynamic athleticism of the position.An artistic interpretation of the Lions' search for a dynamic tight end prospect to complement their offensive arsenal.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Lions have a strong starting tight end in Sam LaPorta, but could look to add depth and competition at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tim Twentyman highlights five tight end prospects that could be of interest to the Lions, including Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Ohio State's Max Klare, Georgia's Oscar Delp, and Baylor's Michael Trigg.

Why it matters

The Lions have a talented starter in LaPorta, but adding a young, athletic tight end to develop behind him could provide a valuable weapon for the offense, especially with new coordinator Drew Petzing's history of utilizing the position. This draft class is particularly strong at tight end, with several players offering size, speed, and versatility that could intrigue the Lions.

The details

The Lions have LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin at tight end, but could look to add a rookie to push for a roster spot or playing time. The 2026 tight end class is considered very athletic, led by Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 6'3", 241 lbs. Other prospects like Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Ohio State's Max Klare, Georgia's Oscar Delp, and Baylor's Michael Trigg also offer intriguing size-speed profiles that could fit the Lions' offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Sam LaPorta

A fourth-year tight end who has been one of the most productive at his position over the last four seasons. He missed the final eight games of 2025 due to a back injury but is expected to be fully healthy for training camp.

Brock Wright

A veteran tight end on the Lions' roster behind LaPorta.

Tyler Conklin

A veteran tight end on the Lions' roster behind LaPorta.

Kenyon Sadiq

An Oregon tight end prospect who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 6'3", 241 lbs, offering an enticing size-speed combination that could make him a matchup nightmare for defenses.

Eli Stowers

A Vanderbilt tight end prospect with an impressive athletic profile, including a 4.51 40-yard dash, 45.5-inch vertical, and 11'3" broad jump at 6'4", 239 lbs.

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What they’re saying

“The thought of a player with Sadiq's explosiveness and speed in a 12 personnel package alongside LaPorta, Jahmry Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams is pretty scary to think about. Sadiq will be a matchup nightmare for defenses because of his size and speed combo.”

— Tim Twentyman, Detroit Lions writer

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate tight end prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in late April. They will look to add depth and competition at the position, either through the draft or free agency, to complement their starting tight end Sam LaPorta.

The takeaway

The Lions have a strong foundation at tight end with LaPorta, but adding an athletic, versatile rookie to develop behind him could provide a valuable weapon for their offense, especially with the coordinator's history of utilizing the position. This draft class offers several intriguing tight end prospects that could be of interest to the Lions.