The tight end spot in the NFL is becoming more important, as players at the position are viewed as big receivers as much as blockers. In recent years, more tight ends have been selected during the initial 125 selections of the NFL Draft than at any other time in league history. Depending on who you speak with inside the league, there is no elite prospect at the position this year; rather, there are a good number of tight ends with high upside. Here’s a ranking of the top 47 draft-eligible tight ends with write-ups on a half-dozen.

Kenyon Sadiq/Oregon: The junior from Oregon is the only player at the tight end position who could slide into the late part of Round 1, though that seems questionable at this point. Sadiq is an amazing athlete growing into the position, displaying natural pass-catching skill with the ability to get downfield and make long plays from the line of scrimmage. His blocking is also solid, and Sadiq continues to improve in that area. And while he has tons of upside, Sadiq is unpolished in just about all areas of the position, which makes him a risk as a first-round selection. In the end, he would be better served returning for another season on the college field to develop his game.

Max Klare/Ohio State: A notable offseason transfer, Klare took his game from Purdue to Ohio State, who were already lining up a pair of elite receivers before he arrived. During the early part of the season, the junior was a safety valve for quarterback Julian Sayin, who favored wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate over the tight end. Yet when the two receivers were sidelined with injury against Rutgers late in November, Klare stepped to the forefront with a seven-catch, 105-yard performance. He also made several big plays during the Buckeyes’ victory over rival Michigan. He’s a true move tight end who can line up in the slot or be put in motion before the snap, and Klare plays the position like a receiver.

Jack Endries/Texas: The Cal Bears lost several high-profile offensive playmakers to the transfer portal last season, with Endries being one of them. He’s been a reliable pass catcher for Arch Manning, who has shown himself to be a serious threat. Endries has size and growth potential as well as athleticism, and he effectively lines up as a blocker. Though his game is tied to the development of Manning, Endries is an NFL prospect with a bright future.

Tanner Koziol/Houston: Yet another transfer (I sense a trend), Koziol had two outstanding seasons for Ball State before taking his game to Houston this season, where he’s played extremely well. He’s been a prolific pass-catching target for the Cougars and comes with a large frame that measures 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, as well as enough speed to split the seam and get downfield. Koziol is a solid blocker and shows a lot of ability when put in motion and asked to take out defenders on the second level.

Eli Stowers/Vanderbilt: Another move tight end prospect, Stowers is an elite pass catcher at the position who makes plays all over the field. He’s fluid, easily makes receptions on crossing patterns, and has the speed to beat defenders downfield. Stowers has shown consistent improvement throughout his college career and is having the best season of his life this year at Vanderbilt.

Terrance Carter Jr./Texas Tech: Throughout his college career, Carter has shown next-level ability on the football field. He’s been a productive pass catcher, first at Louisiana for two seasons and now for the highly rated Texas Tech Red Raiders. He’s developed into a complete tight end, and Carter is effective as a pass catcher and blocker. He may not have the same amount of upside potential compared to those already mentioned at the position, yet Carter does have enough ability to develop into a No. 1 tight end on Sundays.

2026 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings