Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

We’ve already hit quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. Now we’re moving to the way too early tight end rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. You know what to do and why you’re here. Feel free to comment if you have something more to say!

15: Luke Reynolds (Penn State)

This answer realistically could be Andrew Rappleyea, who was a big recruit, but wasn’t healthy last year. Reynolds likely gets the first crack at being a starter and Penn State has built a track record of guys like Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson, and Tyler Warren in three straight drafts. Reynolds could be next.

14: Jelani Thurman (Ohio State)

Former big time recruit that hasn’t popped yet. Look, we’re in honorable mention territory at this stage. Hasn’t really done anything yet, but still has time on his side, and has size.

13: Brett Norfleet (Missouri)

6-foot-7 and had a tick over 230 yards last year. Doesn’t have to come out next year and probably won’t. It’s a reason to watch Missouri.

12: Tanner Koziol (Wisconsin)

6-foot-7 and stolen from Ball State. Put up 94 receptions for 839 yards, and eight scores last year. This year we find out if it was real when moving up a level.

11: Jack Endries (Texas)

Stolen from Cal and will now likely take over the starting role at Texas. Over 600 yards at Cal last year. This year will reveal a lot in the new landing spot.

10: Justin Joly (NC State)

Former UConn guy who put up really good numbers at NC State last year. 661 yards and four scores last year with zero quarterback play. That should be improved with CJ Bailey. If another leap happens he’s on the radar.

9: Lawson Luckie (Georgia)

Moving up the pecking order with no Ben Yurosek there to muddy the waters. The numbers aren’t crazy but he’s a Georgia guy and you can tell the movement skills are there. Let’s see if there’s any improvement heading into this year.

8: Shamar Easter (North Carolina)

Former big recruit who got swipped from Arkansas. Has size and looks like an athlete. Looks like he’s going to have a big role at UNC. We’ll see if it pas out. Also, will only be a redshirt sophomore next year so we have time here.

7: Terrance Carter (Texas Tech)

48 receptions for 689 yards and four scores last year. That was also with the Ragin Cajuns. Now moving up to the Big 12. What’s it going to look like there? Texas Tech has a huge portal class and Carter is part of it.

6: Luke Hasz (Ole Miss)

Not crazy numbers but the QB play hasn’t been there and he’s been on the field right away as a freshman. Now leaves Arkansas for a big role at Ole Miss. I think it’s possible the leap really happens here. Flashes of Hunter Henry, but hasn’t proven he’s that good yet. Has the potential to be better.

5: Max Klare (Ohio State)

Had a great year for Purdue and now moves over to Ohio State. Posting 685 yards on a bad Purdue team isn’t easy. We’ll see what he’s made of this year.

4: Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt)

Converted quarterback who is starting to figure out this tight end thing more and more. Was originally at New Mexico State and then had a great year posting over 600 yards for Vandy last year. Could be a real gem, but not ready to go there yet.

3: Oscar Delp (Georgia)

The leap never happened last year, but not convinced it can’t. Just didn’t separate from the other tight ends in the room. 248 yards last year just isn’t good enough. Big body and should have the traits to actually do it. Last stand time.

2: RJ Maryland (SMU)

Thought he was fantastic last year and could build on it. Only played seven games last year and posted 349 yards last year. The blocking stuff is still a question mark, but he’s a ready made receiving option right now. We’ll see if he turns into a real tight end this year.

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

1: Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)

21 catches and 308 yards last year in a reserve role. I don’t care what anybody says, he’s better than Terrance Ferguson. His wow plays were better than anyone in this group last year. Former big time recruit, and I think he pops off in a big way heading into this year. His pure movement skills are just different from most tight ends. I bet it comes together this year.

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Click here for Vendetta Fantasy Contests

Click here for more NFL Draft content