Full Breakdown
Early Predictions for the 2026 NFL Tight End Rankings
1/10/2026, 6:51:53 AM
Overview of the Rankings
As the NFL offseason approaches, analysts from CBS Sports have released their early predictions for the top 12 tight ends for the 2026 season. These rankings are influenced by the outcomes of the 2025 season and potential changes during the upcoming free agency and NFL Draft.
Predicted Top Tight Ends
The consensus among CBS Sports analysts places Trey McBride and Brock Bowers at the top of the rankings. Following them are notable names such as George Kittle, Harold Fannin Jr., and Colston Loveland. The rankings vary slightly among analysts, but McBride and Bowers consistently appear in the top two positions across multiple lists.
Individual Rankings
- Jamey Eisenberg: 1. Trey McBride, 2. Brock Bowers, 3. George Kittle, 4. Colston Loveland, 5. Harold Fannin Jr., 6. Tyler Warren, 7. Tucker Kraft, 8. Kyle Pitts, 9. Sam LaPorta, 10. Oronde Gadsden II, 11. Dalton Kincaid, 12. Jake Ferguson.
- Adam Aizer: 1. Trey McBride, 2. Brock Bowers, 3. George Kittle, 4. Harold Fannin Jr., 5. Tyler Warren, 6. Colston Loveland, 7. Sam LaPorta, 8. Tucker Kraft, 9. Kyle Pitts, 10. Dalton Kincaid, 11. Oronde Gadsden, 12. Brenton Strange.
- Heath Cummings: 1. Trey McBride, 2. Brock Bowers, 3. George Kittle, 4. Harold Fannin Jr., 5. Tucker Kraft, 6. Tyler Warren, 7. Sam LaPorta, 8. Kyle Pitts, 9. Colston Loveland, 10. Dalton Kincaid, 11. Oronde Gadsden, 12. Isaiah Likely.
Criticism of Rankings
Some analysts express skepticism regarding George Kittle's ranking due to his age and injury history. Kittle finished the 2025 season strong but missed six games due to injuries. This has led to varied opinions on his viability as a top tight end moving forward.
Conclusion
The early rankings for the 2026 NFL tight ends reflect a blend of past performance and future potential, with analysts closely monitoring free agency developments that could significantly impact these predictions. As the offseason progresses, these rankings will likely evolve based on player movements and team strategies.
