Author: Yahoo Sports

On an episode of Yahoo Sports’ “Football 301” podcast, host Nate Tice and NBC’s Connor Rogers examined the most intriguing and debated positions in the 2026 NFL Draft: tight end.

They dove deep into their rankings, discussed key traits that separate top prospects from the rest, and highlighted some of their favorite names that might surprise NFL teams and fans alike.

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Below, we recap some of the most notable tight ends — both consensus favorites and potential hidden gems — from their discussion.

The tight end class is deeper than it may appear at first glance. While Sadiq stands alone atop most boards, teams looking for role players, big-bodied blockers, or developmental freaks have options deep into Day 3.

Tice and Rogers emphasized the importance of two traits: versatility (run, catch, block) and willingness to contribute on special teams. In today’s NFL, one-trick tight ends struggle to earn roster spots. Those who can check multiple boxes, or who showcase grit, athletic potential, and a unique body type, will always have a suitor.

When draft day comes, don’t be surprised if a few of these names outside the consensus rankings end up carving out meaningful roles in the league.

No. 1 TE: Kenyon Sadiq

Tice and Rogers are in agreement: Kenyon Sadiq stands as the consensus No. 1 tight end in this draft class. While not a “perfect” prospect, Sadiq’s athletic upside and unique skills put him in his own tier. According to Tice, Sadiq’s explosiveness, willingness as a blocker, and ability to stretch the field make him a dynamic piece for a creative NFL offense— “somewhere in that archetype between Tommy Tremble and Vernon Davis.”

Rogers ranked Sadiq 14th overall on his big board. He pointed out that while Sadiq isn’t a typical 260-pound inline monster, his toughness and versatility — lining up in the backfield, blocking on the perimeter and making plays as a receiver — make him “a very, very unique player.”

Both analysts agree that Sadiq's landing spot will be huge for his development and usage.

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Sam Roush: The pro-ready all-rounder

Stanford’s Sam Roush is the name to circle for any team that plays a lot of 12 personnel and values versatility.

Rogers raved about Roush’s “big body” (6-foot-6, 267 pounds) and readiness for the pro game, noting he’s played over 1,000 inline snaps the past two years. Roush’s blend of contact courage as a blocker and surprising yards-after-catch ability shows up on tape. While his arm length is on the shorter side, both analysts agree he’s a tough and savvy player who can contribute immediately as a role player in the NFL.

Rising stock: Eli Raridan

One of the most intriguing stories comes from Eli Raridan, who has overcome two ACL tears and is still climbing up draft boards. Rogers loves how Raridan “just climbs over linebackers,” plays with impressive receiving efficiency, and has handled heavy blocking assignments at Notre Dame. The size, the hands and the flashes are there; if Raridan can stay healthy, he's a high-upside pick with real “every-down” potential.

Max Klare and the receiving-only type

Max Klare drew “summer darling” status for both hosts — especially after flashing at Purdue. They noted his fluidity and hands as a receiver, but admitted he struggled to develop further after transferring to Ohio State. Still, as a receiving-only type, Klare could contribute as a Day 3 or fringe Day 2 selection if an NFL team uncovers untapped playmaking.

Day 3 options with upside on their development

• Dae’Quan Wright (Ole Miss): Tice and Rogers called Wright a “moose in the open field” with real pop as a blocker and after the catch. He’s imperfect, but could carve out an NFL role if asked to do what he does best: stretch the field and provide a physical presence.

• Justin Joly (NC State): Excellent hands and contested-catch ability, though both had questions about his speed and separation against higher-level competition.

• Michael Trigg (Baylor): Rogers described him as a high-variance, highlight-friendly prospect with incredible length (“inspector gadget arms”) but an inconsistent game and blocking effort.

• Carsen Ryan (BYU): A former 4-star recruit, Ryan didn’t get a scouting combine invite but put up big numbers and played with a high-effort, aggressive style. Both analysts expressed surprise at his lack of buzz.

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ defensive presence is among the hot topics of the NFL scouting combine, with several prospects drawing serious attention from scouts and coaches. What makes this year unique is not just the usual slate of first-round hopefuls — it’s the quantity and versatility of OSU defenders that has everyone buzzing.

In an episode of the “Football 301” podcast, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Matt Harmon, who are in Indianapolis this week at the combine, took a look at those star Buckeyes.

According to Tice, this year’s draft is “basically one quarterback, one running back, and a lot of defenders and some tackles.” And there’s no school more central to this defensive bonanza than Ohio State.

What makes this Buckeye class special is its fit for today’s NFL. As Tice points out, “the league needs [off-ball linebackers] and they’re so important now.” With defenses constantly in flux, players who can shift from linebacker to edge and even out to the slot are at a premium, and Ohio State’s blue-chip prospects all check those boxes.

As Harmon summed up, “when you go back and watch [Ohio State’s defense], it’s just not like, ‘Oh, yeah, they’re pretty good players.’ It’s like, no, they’re the best players of this draft.”

Sonny Styles: modern linebacker prototype

Harmon called Styles “one of those guys” who blends elite athleticism (a legit 6-foot-5, 240+ pounds), rare movement skills and the ability to do everything required in the modern NFL: “He can play off-ball linebacker but can also line up on the edge and play and drop from there, play the run, take on tight ends.”

Tice’s assessment: “What's cool about Styles is he can do all the modern asks because that's what he was asked to do at Ohio State under Matt Patricia. Line up on, on the ball on the edge, much like how Zack Baun is used sometimes for the Eagles.”

Both Tice and Harmon expect Styles to be a top-15 pick, and potentially even higher given the way defenses are evolving.

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Arvell Reese: the next hybrid force

Reese is being pegged as possibly “the first non-quarterback selected after Fernando Mendoza.” Like Styles, Reese brings versatility. He can play off-ball, line up on the edge, and has a “developing game sense as far as coverage,” according to Tice. His blend of pass rush and coverage skills fits perfectly with what today’s defensive coordinators are seeking.

Kayden McDonald: Anchor on the interior

Not to be outdone, McDonald has cemented his stock as a premier run-stuffing defensive tackle. He may not have the flashiest pass rush yet, but his ability “to line up across the interior, eat blocks and keep his balance” is drawing attention for teams looking for a dependable presence in the trenches.

Caleb Downs: Swiss Army Knife in the secondary

On the back end, Downs, a safety, is a prospect everyone is watching. Tice described him as more of a Budda Baker or Antoine Winfield Jr. type — "a guy that just gives a boost effect on everybody else because he’s so, so smart.” Downs’ workout numbers will be scrutinized, but his tape already gives him a very high floor.

The unsung hero: Caden Curry

He’s a likely Day 2 pick with real flash and the kind of tools that get coaches excited. He’s the type of prospect who rises over the course of combine week.

Projected overall draft Impact

With Styles and Reese project as sure-fire first-rounders — and with McDonald and Downs also likely to see their names called early — it’s not an exaggeration to say that four or five Ohio State defenders could go in the first 15 picks. Other teams will likely soon mirror their approach, blending size, movement, and versatility as the new defensive standard.