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Dynasty Rookie Tight End Rankings
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is the expected jewel of the 2026 tight end class. Sadiq is expected to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, the only tight end expected to go in the round. He is a very athletic player, especially for the position, and has an advanced career path for a TE. He uses his athleticism to create separation in his routes and gain yards after the catch. Unlike most young receiving tight end athletes, Sadiq is also a capable run blocker despite his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame. The only problem with his film is that despite his skills, it’s a bit inconsistent.
Statistically, however, Kenyon Sadiq doesn’t stand out as an elite top tight end in any class. Over his career, Sadiq averaged just 1.72 yards per route, which is the lowest of the five tight ends I will discuss today. His 0.63 yards per team pass attempt is also the lowest among this group. Sadiq’s NFL Draft and dynasty stock is more of a projection of what he could be in the NFL than a reflection of his college production. He’s a junior, 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
Former quarterback Eli Stowers is entering the NFL after two solid final seasons at Vanderbilt. Stowers is a natural athlete. His change-of-direction speed is as good as it gets at the position, allowing him to create separation with ease even while he is still learning the position. His athleticism also gives him great ability after the catch. Plus, he has natural hands and routinely plucks the ball out of the air. However, because he is still learning the position, he is a bit of a liability as a blocker, especially since he only has 235 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame. He also still needs to learn proper zone coverage sense.
Eli Stowers, who has less time at the position, has a smaller statistical sample than other TEs in this class, but it is impressive. Stowers has a league-leading 2.34 yards per route, as well as a league-best 1.51 yards per pass attempt. There is no doubt that 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 is expected to be drafted on day two of the NFL Draft, so he is expected to adapt quickly.
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
Former Purdue tight end Max Klare had a productive third season before ending his college career playing for Ohio State. Like the tight ends above, Klare is a very athletic player who is a receiver first. He’s a smooth athlete who excels at playing out of the slot, and he’s capable of running a real route tree. Additionally, his athleticism allows him to create after the catch. Unfortunately, Klare offers next to nothing as a blocker, which could limit his playing time in the NFL.
During his college career, the 6’5″, 245-pound Max Klare averaged 1.74 yards per route, with a career-best 2.22 in his third season while at 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 he can play in all situations to reach his ceiling in the NFL achieve.
4. Michael Trigg, Baylor
The 6’4″, 240-pound fifth-year Michael Trigg enters the NFL after a productive final season at Baylor. For his career, Trigg averaged 1.87 yards per route, increasing that number to 2.18 in his final season. Trigg was also second among Baylor pass catchers in receiving yards and ranked second in receiving touchdowns in 2025. Trigg showed his ability to play like a big wide receiver and was in the row. 66.9% of the time in college.
Michael Trigg has an excellent wingspan for his frame, which obviously contributes to his ability to make acrobatic catches. Trigg’s greatest strengths are his body control, timing and ability to aim a ball high, catching passes outside his body to ensure defenders cannot interfere. He also has enough athleticism to outrun most linebackers. Unfortunately, though, Tirgg still has a lot of work to do on his overall technique, both as a receiver and as a blocker. He’s not 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 contributed to his college team every year of his career. During his career, Joly averaged 1.78 yards per route, with at least 1.75 in every season. He also boasts one of the better career yards per team pass attempt in the class, with 1.11. During his college years, Joly showed positional versatility by connecting on 52.7% of his snaps. 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 greatest strength is that he is 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. But unfortunately he could use improvement everywhere. His running is not refined, he needs to get better at not letting the ball get into his body and onto his targets, and he needs to improve his technique as a blocker. Joly has the potential, but he has work to do.
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