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2026 NFL Draft: Tight Ends to Watch for Teams

2/1/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NFL Draft features 18 draftable tight ends.
Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is a top prospect, with Stanford's Sam Roush and USC's Lake McRee as late options.
The Denver Broncos may target Sadiq to bolster their tight end group.
The Kansas City Chiefs plan early tight end (TE) selection as Travis Kelce nears retirement.
Utah tight end Dallen Bentley has produced this season and earned All-Big 12 honors.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 NFL Draft marked a significant shift in offensive strategies, with 16 tight ends selected, reflecting the New England Patriots' innovative use of players like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. This trend continues today, as teams like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs prioritize tight ends for their versatility, highlighting the ongoing evolution of NFL offenses since the Patriots' Super Bowl victories in the early 2000s.

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Story summary

The 2026 NFL Draft features 18 draftable tight ends.
Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is a top prospect, with Stanford's Sam Roush and USC's Lake McRee as late options.
The Denver Broncos may target Sadiq to bolster their tight end group.
The Kansas City Chiefs plan early tight end (TE) selection as Travis Kelce nears retirement.
Utah tight end Dallen Bentley has produced this season and earned All-Big 12 honors.

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