2026 Watch List

[WaterfallJumper]

Trade for a 1st rounder now.

Last time I'll complain about this, but we could have done precisely that if we'd ended up with first overall. Such is life.

 

[Rdforty2]

They could’ve drafted someone better than Dippre and Bell was a 7th round hardly used TE. This was a very deep TE class, so I was disappointed during the draft. I do think Dippre might beat out Bell due to his blocking, but unless he has hidden offensive talent, I don’t expect him to be around longer than maybe a year.

They could have, but didn't. Maybe that says something?

Bell is a physical clone of Harold Fannin, and isn't far off from Jonnu Smith. Not necessarily saying he's as good, but hes as talented. And the fact that he was good enough to be used inline, out wide and in the backfield at big schools tells you his athleticism carries over to the field.

He may never be a true inline TE but as a TE3/FB or TE2, there's real upside. No lock and he needs to win a job, but there's clear talent there.

 

[Rdforty2]

Harbor and Ja'kobi Lane are the two WR's I'm looking at. Harbor needs to step up and be more of a featured part of the offense. Somewhat similar for Lane, but his lack of dominance stems from Lincoln Riley trying to spread it around too much, and Miller Moss's(since transferred) inability to throw downfield. 12 touchdowns on 43 catches is insane. Lane has massive hands and is fantastic in contested catch situations. Hopefully USC has a more concentrated usage with their studs this year and he shows the growth to be the 1st round his talent suggests. His length and red zone skills would be a big boost to the current WR group.

 

[p8ryts]

They could have, but didn't. Maybe that says something?

Bell is a physical clone of Harold Fannin, and isn't far off from Jonnu Smith. Not necessarily saying he's as good, but hes as talented. And the fact that he was good enough to be used inline, out wide and in the backfield at big schools tells you his athleticism carries over to the field.

He may never be a true inline TE but as a TE3/FB or TE2, there's real upside. No lock and he needs to win a job, but there's clear talent there.

I only remember Bell making one catch. Don't remember any other contributions.

 

[State]

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon. 6'5" 265#, turns 20 in July.

Mattie Manchild?

 

[Patriot Missile]

Caleb Downs S Ohio St
Francis Mauigoa OT Miami
Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
TJ Parker DE Clemson.

As of right now there might be a slight chance with the QB’s that one of these guys might be available before 10. Slim but you never know?

I expect this team to be picking between 11-23 so I doubt they will end up with one of those 4.

 

[Rdforty2]

I only remember Bell making one catch. Don't remember any other contributions.

Most rookie tight ends don't make much of an impact. But he was kept all year and it was mentioned that the old staff liked his work ethic. I know that staff is gone, but a hard worker is going to endear himself to any staff. He'll have to fight to get a spot, but hes got clear athletic talent, has versatility, and now has a year of experience at the NFL level. To me, he's the favorite for TE3.

 

[p8ryts]

Most rookie tight ends don't make much of an impact. But he was kept all year and it was mentioned that the old staff liked his work ethic. I know that staff is gone, but a hard worker is going to endear himself to any staff. He'll have to fight to get a spot, but hes got clear athletic talent, has versatility, and now has a year of experience at the NFL level. To me, he's the favorite for TE3.

i would like a people mover.

 

[bakes781]

i would like a people mover.

I truly think they got one in CJ.

 

[bakes781]

 

[bakes781]

 

[manxman2601]

That play where he holds off the two linemen with one hand each. Yikes!

 

[WaterfallJumper]

This is the one thing our dline is missing.

 

[manxman2601]

This is the one thing our dline is missing.

Agreed. This top 10 thing will depend on his pass rush. If he's just a very good run defender, he might not go top 10 and therefore might be in reach.

 

[bakes781]

 

[Clonamery]

McShay's #2 TE didn't make the list.

 

[manxman2601]

Some interesting TEs.

10 tight ends to know for the 2026 NFL Draft

Although this year's NFL draft just wrapped up, it's never too early to start scouting next year's tight end prospects, including Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers.

www.pff.com

This one intrigued me.


TANNER KOZIOL, Houston

After a stellar junior season at Ball State, Koziol originally transferred to Wisconsin this offseason before reentering the portal and ending up at Houston. No returning FBS tight end was more valuable in 2024 than the Illinois native, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. His 94 catches trailed only Harold Fannin Jr. and Tyler Warren at the position, while his 840 receiving yards were the fifth most.

At 6-foot-7, Koziol thrives on 50-50 balls. His 26 contested catches last year were nine more than any other tight end in college football.

 

[Clonamery]

Some interesting TEs.

10 tight ends to know for the 2026 NFL Draft

Although this year's NFL draft just wrapped up, it's never too early to start scouting next year's tight end prospects, including Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers.

www.pff.com

This one intrigued me.


TANNER KOZIOL, Houston

After a stellar junior season at Ball State, Koziol originally transferred to Wisconsin this offseason before reentering the portal and ending up at Houston. No returning FBS tight end was more valuable in 2024 than the Illinois native, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. His 94 catches trailed only Harold Fannin Jr. and Tyler Warren at the position, while his 840 receiving yards were the fifth most.

At 6-foot-7, Koziol thrives on 50-50 balls. His 26 contested catches last year were nine more than any other tight end in college football.

Originally committed to North Dakota but went to Ball State which was about 40 minutes from his hometown. Now this thing with Wisconsin. Hopefully he sticks with Houston and plays at a good level a long way from Mom's cooking.

 

[BobDigital]

2 Spots we 100% need filled next year assuming no new contracts are signed are nickel CB and Guard. Guard becomes even a bigger concern if Onwenu and the Pats part ways. I don't think we have the long term solution for 1 guard spot on this team... If Onwenu leaves thats 2 holes... 1 i think we fill through FA... but i think a long term solution be needed... Particularly with the uncertainty of Moses being there at RT after next year... I think he plays 2026... Even though he is there for 2027 on paper, do we want to rely on that? IDK. Play might slip or might have had enough and retire... In any case it be good to know the rest of the OL is worked out when that happen;

Point is as of now (and i know this will change) there seems to be a massive lack of talent on the interior OL. Where are the plug and play starters? Maybe an OT can kick in... but that isn't ideal. As for CB we have literally no one of note signed besides our 2 outside starters... maybe we decide to extend one of our guys... but with the lack of funds next year they will probably look to draft too. I think we can find a guy in this draft. But they typically don't rank nickel guys highly... All the write up i've seen are on bigger outside guys. So idk what to think... is this a bad year for slot CBs who has no one gotten around to writing them up yet? However this makes me wonder what we will use our first round pick on. I'd rather not use it on a guard or nickel if we pick around even if we pick around 18-22 (playoffs early out). A guard at 22 or so be fine... but early reports is no one is likely worth that spot.

Maybe go WR to prefer for when Diggs leaves... if you know Moses will only play 1 more year being early on RT be fine by me. Maybe LB be the best use of that spot. Elliss is on his last year that year and then you really only have Spillane. But early on there is no true LB in that range. TE could make sense... but this is a weak draft for starting TEs... I doubt we get a successor for the starting spot in this draft. Last year was the draft to get TEs. WR may be the move in the first. Best mix of value and need... that or a trade down.

If these early indications hold up, i don't think this draft will be near as good for us.... board looks to be a bit against what our needs might be. It's unfortunate cause i feel this Patsfans talk about WR too much... it is a need, but it seems to always a topic of conversation, rarely a break from it.

 

[BobDigital]

So i said WR... Here are my thoughts on the current top ranked guys going by that board.

Boston (rated 30th) - Did a write up already... Looked at him again and he just convinced me more. He plays up to his size. Guys that big and strong are rarely so smooth and fast. Looks like a top 10 overall guy so probably enters as the #1 WR in the draft. Probably out of our range.

Jordyn Tyson (rated 25th) - He looks very clean out of his breaks, seems to have the little moves down. His quickness with the first step is good. Makes him hard to stop at the line and hard to stay with in a box. That being said, after the first step the quickness isn't elite. His speed isn't all that good. Strength is average at best. Seems to lack some instincts but makes up for that by playing very deliberately, makes the most of what he's got. Most of what he does looks very measured and exact. I see him as a professional WR. The solid #2 option, but not elite. I think he's a mid to low round 2 guy. Maybe could be talked into a high 2nd. A 1st seems like a slight reach imo as of now, but he could improve enough to justify it.

Tate (rated 18th) - I just don't see him being 'that guy'. He has good traits but nothing truly note worth . Really good strong hands and concentration in traffic. Won't just be knocked over by a gust of wind... but his power isn't impressive. Nor does his wingspan seem to be. Speed/Quickness is fine i guess. He will lay out for you for a catch, but I don't see any particularly special talent here. From what I saw and i may be wrong... looks more like a scrappy 3rd WR than a #2. Take him in the 4th.

Williams (rated 26th) - The thing that jumps out is his speed. That what will make or break him in the NFL. He's pretty fast. Not blazing fast but just enough to be a real threat, but not enough to be game changing. Add in he does everything else pretty well but fairly average from an NFL perspective and he can be a #2 in this league i think. An all rounder with a threatening speed type. But not as solid as Tyson who shows a bit more of that 'something special'. Low 2nd/high 3rd.

Evan Stewart (rated 28th) - Now this guy i like a lot. He's doesn't weigh much. But he's 5'11. May need to put on a few lbs which could slow him down a bit. Plays with some real quickness and has plenty of speed to go with it as well as some nice moves. And man is he scrappy. I read he plays at 175lbs. Wow does he have a lot of strength for his size if that is true. He fights for those extra yards! A few issues though outside of him being light. WAAAY too much catching with his body. And he just seems to make some questionable choices. Diving for balls he doesn't need to. Sliding when he could catch low cause he doesn't trust his hands maybe? And while he made a nice one handed catch. Sometimes his catches don't appear as secure as they could be. Small hands? Guy smells like a bit boom or bust prospect. But the risk vs reward here is very reasonable. Just needs to clean up a few things to really rise up my board. I'll split the difference and say he cleans up some of it. Mid-low second rounder.

Nyck Harbor (rated 31st) - Okay... I get it... He's huge. Huge wingspan. And he is fast in a straight line. I can see the potential. I see why someone could love him. I can see why someone can believe they can train up this raw 19 year old to be truly great. I do. But.... no. Just no. He may still be growing into his body... I hope so... but man does he lack coordination. He has no real shake and bake I see, and yes i say that taking his size and weight into account. Even for that he lacks any. No quickness. Doesn't have the power and strength you'd like to see for his size and weight. You think you can turn him into the next Megatron or something? Nah. I don't think so. He just seems so out of his element on the football feild. He is beyond raw. I don't think he's on the menu. Take a flyer in the 7th if he shows more maybe? Right now... I wouldn't even draft him. I assume he will improve. Maybe he will really shoot up boards if he comes back a new man next year. But i don't think he will improve enough. He just looks all wrong. Not raw. Wrong. IMO, the kid doesn't have it. UDFA.