Five months of preparations and the biggest job interview in the world will now become real. Viewers have become accustomed to certain similarities. The best quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive linemen and cornerbacks are towards the top, while running backs, safeties and linebackers are less prioritized at the top.

In 2026, they throw out almost all the positional tendencies and trends. Tight ends, like running backs and quarterbacks, have one guy at the top. Then a drop-off for the rest of the pack.

Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq is this year's athletic freak. He will garner most of the Tight End attention until he comes off the board. Behind Sadiq though, there are several intriguing options.

The tight ends projected in the first four rounds will be contenders to be TE1 on many teams. Later on Day 3 should still provide options for teams in search of tight end help or depth. Best available TE in 2026 NFL Draft Name SchoolHTWTRangePick TeamKenyon SadiqOregon6'3245Rd 116JetsEli StowersVanderbilt6'4235Rd 2-354EaglesMax KlareOhio St6'5243Rd 2-361RamsJack EndriesTexas6'4236Rd 2-3Michael TriggBaylor6'4240Rd 2-3Justin JolyNC State6'3263Rd 2-4Sam RoushStanford6'5260Rd 2-4 69BearsMarlin Klein Michigan6'6250Rd 3-559TexansJosh CuevasAlabama6'3256Rd 3-5Nate BoerkircherTexas A&M6'4250Rd 3-5Joe RoyerCincinnati6'5250Rd 3-5Eli RaridonNotre Dame6'7252Rd 3-5Miles KitselmanTennessee6'5255Rd 4-6Tanner KoziolHouston6'7250Rd 4-6Dallen BentleyUtah6'4259Rd 4-6John Michael GyllenborgWyoming6'5250Rd 4-6Dae'Quan WrightOle Miss6'4255Rd 4-6Oscar DelpGeorgia6'5245Rd 473SaintsMax BredesonMichigan6'2250Rd 4-6Lake McReeUSC6'4250Rd 5-7Seydou TraoreMississippi St6'4235Rd 5-7Riley NowakowskiIndiana6'2249Rd 5-7Jaren KanakOklahoma6'2233Rd 5-7DJ RogersTCU6'4250Rd 5-7RJ MarylandSMU6'4240Rd 5-7Carson Ryan BYU6'4250Rd 5-7Social Media Reactions to TE selections in 2026 NFL DraftA run-blocking specialist. ✋With the 87th pick, we have selected Will Kacmarek from @OhioStateFBpic.twitter.com/bYAKZCsb37— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 25, 2026Georgia TE Oscar Delp is headed to NOLA!Shough got a weapon at TE 😤 pic.twitter.com/9N4CkKZmzi— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2026#Eagles Select OT Markel Bell with 68th Pick #FlyEaglesFlypic.twitter.com/yzPIlr6hKz— All About The Birds (@AATBirds) April 25, 2026With the No. 61 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @RamsNFL select Max Klare.NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/xCiP9rkdJx— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026The #Texans will select Michigan TE Marlin Klein at No. 59.A German-born prospect with limited experience (12 starts), Klein flashes more ability than his role at Michigan allowed him to show. https://t.co/ginJfiDTWopic.twitter.com/GQe217Dje5— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 25, 2026With the No. 54 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Eagles select Eli Stowers.NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/Ub1UyyRD1P— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026Kenyon Sadiq is bringing his athleticism to the @nyjets!2026 NFL Draft starts on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/8pXakMxiIp— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 20262026 NFL Draft How to WatchThe 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.More 2026 NFL Draft news:21 burning questions before the 2026 NFL Draft10 steals projected after top 50 picks in 2026 NFL DraftWhy NFL Draft trades will be less likely in 20262026 NFL Draft: Six pairs of players, same position, same team2026 NFL Draft stock reports: Who's trending up and down