Ranking the Top Tight Ends in the 2026 NFL Draft

The 'On The Clock' crew analyzes the top tight end prospects ahead of the upcoming draft

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 'On The Clock' crew of Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta and Max Starks take a look at the top tight end prospects in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh in April. They discuss the depth of the tight end class, the different skill sets of the top players, and how the league is using more multiple tight end personnel groupings.

Why it matters

Tight ends have become increasingly important in the NFL, with more teams utilizing multiple tight end sets. This year's draft class features a mix of traditional in-line blockers and dynamic pass-catching threats, giving teams a variety of options to address their needs at the position.

The details

The analysts agree that Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is the clear top tight end prospect, with his elite athleticism and ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Other top players include Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Baylor's Michael Trigg, and Stanford's Sam Roush, who offer different skill sets. The group also highlights sleepers like Wyoming's John Michael Gyllenborg and Indiana's Riley Nowakowski.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh in April.

The players

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end from Oregon who is considered the top prospect at the position, with his elite athleticism and ability to create mismatches in the passing game.

Eli Stowers

A tight end from Vanderbilt who is known as a passing game weapon rather than a traditional in-line blocker, with impressive speed and athleticism.

Michael Trigg

A tight end from Baylor who is another supreme athlete that creates mismatches in the passing game, with good speed and length.

Sam Roush

A tight end from Stanford who is the prototypical in-line blocker, a position that is becoming more coveted in the NFL.

Max Klare

A tight end from Ohio State who can line up in the slot or out wide and make plays in the passing game, despite being surrounded by talented wide receivers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You love to see that. The more tight ends out there the better. I played 'Z' in 13 (personnel, a three-tight ends set) this year, 'H' in 12 (personnel, a two-tight ends formation) and 'Y' in 11 (personnel, one tight end). Even took a snap at running back.”

— Max Klare, Ohio State Tight End (detroitlions.com)

“Tight ends are seemingly being relied upon more and more on Sundays and the ones who are playing on Saturdays have not only noticed, they're being prepared for such an increasingly-varied role.”

— Mike Prisuta, Analyst (statenews.net)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh in April, where teams will have the opportunity to select these top tight end prospects to bolster their offenses.

The takeaway

This year's tight end draft class features a mix of traditional in-line blockers and dynamic pass-catching threats, reflecting the evolving role of the position in the modern NFL. Teams will have a variety of options to address their needs at tight end and take advantage of the increased emphasis on multiple tight end personnel groupings.