2026 Draft: Tight Ends

[Clonamery]

It would also be useful to find out how many prospects sign second contracts with the same team. If that's a low percentage, the age of a rookie matters less.

I think that it's about 30% of players that sign a 2nd contract sign it with their drafted team.

 

[manxman2601]

I think that it's about 30% of players that sign a 2nd contract sign it with their drafted team.

That tells me that rookie age is less important then if they only have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a second contract.

 

[Clonamery]

That tells me that rookie age is less important then if they only have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a second contract.

Obviously, higher the Draft position the higher % the 2nd contract is with the original team.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[dliverey44]

My comment had ZERO to do with contracts and everything to do with potential.

A 24 year old player is very near peaking in terms of physical attributes compared to a 21 or 22 year old. Hence why I said he had a higher floor, but lower ceiling.

One way to look at it is that if the older player is better than the younger counterparts then you are not spending 2-3 years developing them and getting lower production. The older player should be better able to step in and be productive early on.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

One way to look at it is that if the older player is better than the younger counterparts then you are not spending 2-3 years developing them and getting lower production. The older player should be better able to step in and be productive early on.

The big thought is older rooks might not be good into the later years of their second contract, which carries risk.
So many players don't get a 2nd contract, and those that do, over 50%ish get that contract from a different team.
I would not worry about a 24-25 rook. Again, we aren't talking about an almost 29 year old rook like Chris Weinke.

 

[mgteich]

The big thought is older rooks might not be good into the later years of their second contract, which carries risk.
So many players don't get a 2nd contract, and those that do, over 50%ish get that contract from a different team.
I would not worry about a 24-25 rook. Again, we aren't talking about an almost 29 year old rook like Chris Weinke.

I agree. We draft aa player for 4 years (sometimes 5). I'm fine if he's a 5th year player who is 25. In fact, I think that this is an advantage. Of course, folks here would never say that a player is only 23, he has so much to learn.

 

[mayoclinic]

A really nice summary breakdown of some of the top TE prospects:

Logan Paulsen's top 10 TE draft prospects of 2026

The Washington Commanders’ “Drive to the Draft” podcast has spent the last month ranking each position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tight end is less likely to be addressed in the draft now that Chig Okonkwo is on the team, but co-hosts Logan Paulsen and Jason

www.commanders.com

I love the Sam Roush description. It's why he is a binky.

Oscar Delp is probably my TE4.

 

[mayoclinic]

Rising NFL Draft Prospect 'Getting a Lot of Interest' From New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have once again made a splash in free agency. Now they're zeroing in on a 2026 NFL Draft prospect.

sportsnaut.com

 

[DaBruinz]

DAMN.. That may put him out of reach for the Pats. I know that TE is a need, but not sure they can prioritize it over LB, Edge, or RT

 

[mayoclinic]

I still prefer Sam Roush as a true Y.

For me:

- Eli Stowers would get consideration starting at 63
- Sam Roush, Oscar Delp and Max Klare would get consideration starting at 95, 4th round preferred
- Dallen Bentley and Eli Raridon would be Day 3 options
- Matthew Hibner, Jaren Kanak, and Tanner Koziel are late Day 3 options

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 NFL Draft Profile: Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers

The Denver Broncos need to add talent to their tight end group. Vanderbilt prospect Eli Stowers is one they should consider.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[mayoclinic]

My personal favorite offensive skill players for the Pats:

- X-WR Chris Bell
- X-WR Ted Hurst
- RB Mike Washington
- TE Sam Roush

Exact order still TBD.

 

[PatsFan2]

My personal favorite offensive skill players for the Pats:

- X-WR Chris Bell
- X,-WR Ted Hurst
- RB Mike Washington
- TE Sam Roush

Exact order still TBD.

 

[PatsFan2]

Definitely Roush or Delp @ TE for us they would relegate H Henry to a Back-up role in no time.

 

[PatsFan2]

DAMN.. That may put him out of reach for the Pats. I know that TE is a need, but not sure they can prioritize it over LB, Edge, or RT

I don't want to see an anemic Playoffs Offense again...you get the Young TE especially if it's glaring Need!

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I don't want to see an anemic Playoffs Offense again...you get the Young TE especially if it's glaring Need!

Lots of good TE options in the draft this year.