2026 Draft: Tight Ends

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

One of my binkies last year was the blocking TE Jackson Hawes from Georgia Tech who, annoyingly, went to the Bills. So when I watch a pocast and they talk about a TE and give him Jackson Hawes comps, I pay attention. That TE is:

Cody Hardy, TE, NC State, 6-4, 267lbs.

For comps, here are Jackson Hawes' blocking grades last year:

Run Blocking - 74.7
Pass Blocking - 74.9

Here are Hardy's so far this year:

Run Blocking - 78.5
Pass Blocking - 75.4

So he grades a tad better. I am now very interested. Now I just need to get some eyes on him.

Here's the link to the segment on the NFLSE podcast where Connor Rogers talks about him. The link should take you straight there, but if it doesn't, you need to go to 1:20:19.



Connor Rogers quotes:

"He is out there to absolutely kill you as a blocker"
"He's the best blocking TE I've watched this year"
"He constantly puts defenders in the dirt"
"The violence that he plays with, he is the classic 'I am going to play until they rip me off of you"
"He's a linebackers worst nightmare"
"He's moving 290lb defensive ends"

 

[manxman2601]

Terrance Carter please...although see post above.

 

[manxman2601]

A no3 TE has to contribute on special teams, so here's Cody Hardy making a tackle on special teams



Here he is blocking at Elon. From what Connor Rogers is saying, the step up in competition hasn't hurt him. #87 (he plays 44 for NC State which is a cool FB number).



He had transfer portal visits to Alabama, Mississippi State, Cincinnati, LSU, Auburn, Illinois and Louisville. He had offers from Miss. St., Illinois and Auburn. He's clearly no slouch.

 

[Clonamery]

A no3 TE has to contribute on special teams, so here's Cody Hardy making a tackle on special teams



Here he is blocking at Elon. From what Connor Rogers is saying, the step up in competition hasn't hurt him. #87 (he plays 44 for NC State which is a cool FB number).



He had transfer portal visits to Alabama, Mississippi State, Cincinnati, LSU, Auburn, Illinois and Louisville. He had offers from Miss. St., Illinois and Auburn. He's clearly no slouch.

I am excited.

 

[Clonamery]

 

[manxman2601]

I am excited.

If you want to help your running game, an elite blocker at TE3 seems like a good way to do it.

Just a cautionary note. He's only had 2 catches on the year and only 12 catches for 109 yards in his career so he's a projection to be anything more than a TE 3.

 

[Clonamery]

If you want to help your running game, an elite blocker at TE3 seems like a good way to do it.

Just a cautionary note. He's only had 2 catches on the year and only 12 catches for 109 yards in his career so he's a projection to be anything more than a TE 3.

Westover's role & ST's

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

 

[manxman2601]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I'm guessing a good thing as in athleticism.

 

[mayoclinic]

Vernon Davis never produced consistently on anything approaching his athleticism.

Sadiq has been inconsistent as well. I'm very high on him, but would like to see more consistent production. He was a non-factor in the loss to Indiana.

Again, I'm very bullish overall on Sadiq.

 

[manxman2601]

Vernon Davis never produced consistently on anything approaching his athleticism.

Sadiq has been inconsistent as well. I'm very high on him, but would like to see more consistent production. He was a non-factor in the loss to Indiana.

Again, I'm very bullish overall on Sadiq.

I agree on his production but that might be a result of the scheme. He did get those two TDs last weekend so maybe we'll see an uptick.

 

[mayoclinic]

I hope so. I am a bit concerned about putting up gaudy numbers against Rutgers while disappearing against Indiana. But again, I am still bullish overall.

 

[mayoclinic]

Anyone know anything about this guy?

Chiefs scouting report: Tennessee Volunteers TE Miles Kitselman

The Kansas City Chiefs could target Tennessee Volunteers tight end Miles Kitselman in the 2026 NFL draft.

chiefswire.usatoday.com

 

[mayoclinic]

I'll see your Cody Hardy, Manx, and raise you a Miles Kitselman:

 

[manxman2601]

I'll see your Cody Hardy, Manx, and raise you a Miles Kitselman:

Two different types of TEs.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Umm ... no.

Good player, but does not belong in 1st round conversation for me, personally.