Dynasty Rookie TE Rankings 2026 (Tight End)

Updated on Sat, 7 Feb 2026

These Dynasty Rookie TE Rankings aren’t like any others … because of how we build them.

At Draft Sharks, we don’t just put the TEs in the order we think they belong. We build these rankings out from our actual, award-winning projections.

We combine those 2026 projections with two decades of NFL research – as well as a series of machine-learning models – to produce three-year, five-year, and 10-year projections for every player. That process includes research-based aging curves and expected retirement rates specific to each TE archetype.

The result: You get 3D+ Values that determine the rankings and present the clearest picture of a player’s dynasty outlook you’ll find anywhere.

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Rookies

RK	Player	ADP	Bye	Age	1yr. Proj	3yr. Proj	5yr. Proj	10yr. Proj	DS Analysis	3D Value +


Tier 3
1	Kenyon Sadiq K Sadiq RK TE7	N/A	18	20.9	88	312	538	1,093	Sadiq is an elite athlete who uses his footwork and leaping ability to get open and make catches. He is extremely tough to cover and can box out when contested. He led the Ducks in receptions this year despite numerous drops. Sadiq may not add much as a blocking presence, but he could be a top-15 pick with his ability as a weapon.	26
5yr. Proj 538 10yr. Proj 1093 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Sadiq is an elite athlete who uses his footwork and leaping ability to get open and make catches. He is extremely tough to cover and can box out when contested. He led the Ducks in receptions this year despite numerous drops. Sadiq may not add much as a blocking presence, but he could be a top-15 pick with his ability as a weapon.

Tier 5
2	Eli Stowers E Stowers RK TE22	N/A	18	22.8	62	221	376	699	Stowers is a former QB converted to TE. He will be more slot WR than TE, sitting at 6'4, 235 pounds. He led Vanderbilt with 62 catches this year and was a reliable option for QB Diego Pavia. Stowers has elite explosiveness and short area quickness and that should be reflected at the Combine. He could sneak into Day 2 and be a consistent fantasy presence with enough playing time.	6
5yr. Proj 376 10yr. Proj 699 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Stowers is a former QB converted to TE. He will be more slot WR than TE, sitting at 6'4, 235 pounds. He led Vanderbilt with 62 catches this year and was a reliable option for QB Diego Pavia. Stowers has elite explosiveness and short area quickness and that should be reflected at the Combine. He could sneak into Day 2 and be a consistent fantasy presence with enough playing time.

Tier 6
3	Max Klare M Klare RK TE32	N/A	18	22.6	58	187	344	669	Klare broke out at Purdue in 2024 going 51-685-4. He took a step back on the Buckeyes this year at 43-448-2, but he showed improved blocking and good route running to be a shallow target. He did have some drops and mental lapses, but Klare has the ability to be a Jake Ferguson type TE.	2
5yr. Proj 344 10yr. Proj 669 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Klare broke out at Purdue in 2024 going 51-685-4. He took a step back on the Buckeyes this year at 43-448-2, but he showed improved blocking and good route running to be a shallow target. He did have some drops and mental lapses, but Klare has the ability to be a Jake Ferguson type TE.

Tier 7
4	Michael Trigg M Trigg RK TE41	N/A	18	23.6	42	177	286	514	Trigg was a highly recruited TE to USC who transferred to Ole Miss and did very little. He finally found a good home at Baylor and went 50-694-6. Trigg's athleticism allows him to do damage after the catch at 6'4, 240 pounds. He has receiving upside and could sneak into Day 2.	-4
5yr. Proj 286 10yr. Proj 514 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.6 DS Analysis Trigg was a highly recruited TE to USC who transferred to Ole Miss and did very little. He finally found a good home at Baylor and went 50-694-6. Trigg's athleticism allows him to do damage after the catch at 6'4, 240 pounds. He has receiving upside and could sneak into Day 2.
5	Marlin Klein M Klein RK TE43	N/A	18	23.3	45	162	277	514	Klein replaced Colston Loveland at Michigan, but dealt with nagging injuries over the course of the season. He is another elite athlete who showcases good blocking and soft hands. Klein isn't on the production level of Loveland, but he could be a sleeper TE in the class.	-5
5yr. Proj 277 10yr. Proj 514 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.3 DS Analysis Klein replaced Colston Loveland at Michigan, but dealt with nagging injuries over the course of the season. He is another elite athlete who showcases good blocking and soft hands. Klein isn't on the production level of Loveland, but he could be a sleeper TE in the class.
6	Justin Joly J Joly RK TE44	N/A	18	21.5	31	156	287	558	Joly has been a consistent proudcer with three straight seasons over 480 yards receiving. He continued thriving after transferring up from UConn to NC State. Joly has in-line capabilities and is a solid blocker along with an ideal red zone threat when he boxes out.	-5
5yr. Proj 287 10yr. Proj 558 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Joly has been a consistent proudcer with three straight seasons over 480 yards receiving. He continued thriving after transferring up from UConn to NC State. Joly has in-line capabilities and is a solid blocker along with an ideal red zone threat when he boxes out.
7	Sam Roush S Roush RK TE45	N/A	18	21.6	33	152	279	543	Roush has improved every season, topping out at 49-545-2 in 2025 for Stanford. He is massive at 6'5, 260 pounds and an elite blocker. Roush likely profiles as a red zone threat who will be used in 12 personnel.	-6
5yr. Proj 279 10yr. Proj 543 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Roush has improved every season, topping out at 49-545-2 in 2025 for Stanford. He is massive at 6'5, 260 pounds and an elite blocker. Roush likely profiles as a red zone threat who will be used in 12 personnel.
8	Tanner Koziol T Koziol RK TE46	N/A	18	23	36	158	270	502	Koziol went 94-839-8 in 2024 with Ball State before transferring to Houston. His 74-727-6 showcases Koziol's pass-catching prowess. His massive wingspan makes him a mismatch at 6'7, 250 pounds. He can be used as a red zone option in the NFL, though he lacks the leverage needed as a blocker. He could be an intriguing sleeper in the right situation.	-7
5yr. Proj 270 10yr. Proj 502 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Koziol went 94-839-8 in 2024 with Ball State before transferring to Houston. His 74-727-6 showcases Koziol's pass-catching prowess. His massive wingspan makes him a mismatch at 6'7, 250 pounds. He can be used as a red zone option in the NFL, though he lacks the leverage needed as a blocker. He could be an intriguing sleeper in the right situation.

9	Jack Endries J Endries RK TE48	N/A	18	21.7	48	134	246	479	Endries transferred from Cal to Texas to replace Gunnar Helm and had a connection with QB Arch Manning. He went 33-346-3. He is a good route runner who can play in-line or in the slot. With soft hands, Endries has starter upside if he ends up in the right situation.	-8
5yr. Proj 246 10yr. Proj 479 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Endries transferred from Cal to Texas to replace Gunnar Helm and had a connection with QB Arch Manning. He went 33-346-3. He is a good route runner who can play in-line or in the slot. With soft hands, Endries has starter upside if he ends up in the right situation.
Tier 8
10	Oscar Delp O Delp RK TE50	N/A	18	22.5	41	125	229	445	Delp is an H-Back who continues in the line of great Georgia TEs. He went 20-261-1 and was used as a lead blocker often throughout the season. That blocking may get him drafted higher than his production indicates, but Delp's soft hands could be enough to be a better pro than college player.	-10
5yr. Proj 229 10yr. Proj 445 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Delp is an H-Back who continues in the line of great Georgia TEs. He went 20-261-1 and was used as a lead blocker often throughout the season. That blocking may get him drafted higher than his production indicates, but Delp's soft hands could be enough to be a better pro than college player.
11	Joe Royer J Royer RK TE53	N/A	18	21.9	40	120	220	429	Royer transferred from Ohio State to Cincinnati. He went 29-416-4 with QB Brendan Sorsby. A soft hands in-line TE at 6'5, 250 pounds, Royer will make his NFL bones as a blocker. He could be the occasional end zone target as well, but don't expect huge fantasy numbers.	-12
5yr. Proj 220 10yr. Proj 429 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Royer transferred from Ohio State to Cincinnati. He went 29-416-4 with QB Brendan Sorsby. A soft hands in-line TE at 6'5, 250 pounds, Royer will make his NFL bones as a blocker. He could be the occasional end zone target as well, but don't expect huge fantasy numbers.
12	Josh Cuevas J Cuevas RK TE56	N/A	18	22.3	36	109	201	390	Cuevas found his largest role on Alabama's offense in 2025 going 37-411-4. He figures to be a primary blocking TE at 256 pounds, but Cuevas does offer some red zone upside with his contested catching ability. Expect him to be a Day 3 pick.	-14
5yr. Proj 201 10yr. Proj 390 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Cuevas found his largest role on Alabama's offense in 2025 going 37-411-4. He figures to be a primary blocking TE at 256 pounds, but Cuevas does offer some red zone upside with his contested catching ability. Expect him to be a Day 3 pick.
13	John Michael Gyllenborg J Gyllenborg RK TE57	N/A	18	23	36	116	199	369	Gyllenborg flashed as a receiving weapon for Wyoming in 2024, going 30-425-3. He dealt with injuries in 2025, taking a step back, but Gyllenborg would be a receiving TE who could emerge with opportunity.	-14
5yr. Proj 199 10yr. Proj 369 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Gyllenborg flashed as a receiving weapon for Wyoming in 2024, going 30-425-3. He dealt with injuries in 2025, taking a step back, but Gyllenborg would be a receiving TE who could emerge with opportunity.
14	Lake McRee L McRee RK TE59	N/A	18	23.4	35	112	190	353	McRee spent his entire five-year career at USC and finally earned the starting TE job. He went 30-450-4 in 2025. McRee is a solid blocker and a soft hands catcher who was a reliable third down option for the Trojans. He offers little upside.	-15
5yr. Proj 190 10yr. Proj 353 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.4 DS Analysis McRee spent his entire five-year career at USC and finally earned the starting TE job. He went 30-450-4 in 2025. McRee is a solid blocker and a soft hands catcher who was a reliable third down option for the Trojans. He offers little upside.

Tier 9
15	Riley Nowakowski R Nowakowski RK TE69	N/A	18	24	0	82	133	239	Nowakowski was overshadowed by the WRs at Indiana, but he was a reliable target for Fernando Mendoza. His 32-387-2 season in 2025 showcased strong blocking and great stick routes against zone coverage. Nowakowski is a do it all TE who should get drafted.	-22
5yr. Proj 133 10yr. Proj 239 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 24 DS Analysis Nowakowski was overshadowed by the WRs at Indiana, but he was a reliable target for Fernando Mendoza. His 32-387-2 season in 2025 showcased strong blocking and great stick routes against zone coverage. Nowakowski is a do it all TE who should get drafted.
Tier 10
16	Nate Boerkircher N Boerkircher RK TE71	N/A	18	24.4	31	64	104	186	Boerkircher is one of the best blocking TEs in the draft, but he boasts an excellent catch radius and range in the red zone. After spending four years as a back-up at Nebraska, he became the top TE for Texas A&M in 2025. Despite only having 19 catches, he did score 3 TDs. He will likely be a No. 2 TE on a team that specializes as a blocker.	-24
5yr. Proj 104 10yr. Proj 186 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Boerkircher is one of the best blocking TEs in the draft, but he boasts an excellent catch radius and range in the red zone. After spending four years as a back-up at Nebraska, he became the top TE for Texas A&M in 2025. Despite only having 19 catches, he did score 3 TDs. He will likely be a No. 2 TE on a team that specializes as a blocker.
17	Dan Villari D Villari RK TE74	N/A	18	23.6	0	73	118	212	Villari started his college career as a QB at Michigan before transferring to Syracuse to play TE. Despite the team's poor QB play, Villari was a mainstay as a possession TE who can play in the slot and be a weapon. He also had 17 rushes for 55 yards and a TD this season. He could be a fantasy sleeper on the right team.	-24
5yr. Proj 118 10yr. Proj 212 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Villari started his college career as a QB at Michigan before transferring to Syracuse to play TE. Despite the team's poor QB play, Villari was a mainstay as a possession TE who can play in the slot and be a weapon. He also had 17 rushes for 55 yards and a TD this season. He could be a fantasy sleeper on the right team.
18	Will Kacmarek W Kacmarek RK TE76	N/A	18	22.9	0	67	115	213	Kacmarek played second fiddle to Max Klare at Ohio State, but he was just as reliable as a target. A blocker first with long arms at 6'6, Kacmarek does have soft hands and is reliable underneath. He could make a roster.	-25
5yr. Proj 115 10yr. Proj 213 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Kacmarek played second fiddle to Max Klare at Ohio State, but he was just as reliable as a target. A blocker first with long arms at 6'6, Kacmarek does have soft hands and is reliable underneath. He could make a roster.
19	Seydou Traore S Traore RK TE77	N/A	18	23.4	0	67	115	213	Traore peaked in 2022 for Arkansas State going 50-655-4, but he was a reliable receiving option for Mississippi State the last two years. Though he won't add much blocking, Traore could be a deep sleeper since he pretty much played as a slot receiver throughout his college career.	-25
5yr. Proj 115 10yr. Proj 213 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 23.4 DS Analysis Traore peaked in 2022 for Arkansas State going 50-655-4, but he was a reliable receiving option for Mississippi State the last two years. Though he won't add much blocking, Traore could be a deep sleeper since he pretty much played as a slot receiver throughout his college career.
20	Matthew Hibner M Hibner RK TE78	N/A	18	23.8	0	64	104	186	Hibner's size and quick feet make him a great blocking TE and a reliable red zone option. He went 31-436-4 at SMU this year and worked more downfield as the season went on.	-26
5yr. Proj 104 10yr. Proj 186 ADP N/A Bye 18 Age 0 DS Analysis Hibner's size and quick feet make him a great blocking TE and a reliable red zone option. He went 31-436-4 at SMU this year and worked more downfield as the season went on.

Tier 1
21	Bijan Robinson B Robinson ATL RB1	1.03	5	24	278	690	1,111	1,866	With OC Arthur Smith out of town, Robinson's production exploded to 1,881 total yards and 15 TDs in 2024. While his TD count dropped in 2025, he still posted a career-high 22.0 PPR points per game. He also played all 17 games for the third straight season. At only 24, Bijan should remain an elite fantasy option for the foreseeable future.	100
5yr. Proj 1111 10yr. Proj 1866 ADP 1.03 Bye 5 Age 24 DS Analysis With OC Arthur Smith out of town, Robinson's production exploded to 1,881 total yards and 15 TDs in 2024. While his TD count dropped in 2025, he still posted a career-high 22.0 PPR points per game. He also played all 17 games for the third straight season. At only 24, Bijan should remain an elite fantasy option for the foreseeable future.
22	Jahmyr Gibbs J Gibbs DET RB2	1.04	8	23.8	287	653	1,035	1,654	Despite a slow start, Gibbs largely delivered as a rookie RB. He averaged 5.2 YPC and popped in 10 TDs on 182 attempts, adding 52 receptions. His production reached new heights in 2024, and he proved more than capable as a workhorse back following a late-season injury to David Montgomery. 2025 turned up much of the same, as he finished as the PPR RB3 even with a few late-season duds. The former Round 1 pick is now eligible for a contract extension.	91
5yr. Proj 1035 10yr. Proj 1654 ADP 1.04 Bye 8 Age 23.8 DS Analysis Despite a slow start, Gibbs largely delivered as a rookie RB. He averaged 5.2 YPC and popped in 10 TDs on 182 attempts, adding 52 receptions. His production reached new heights in 2024, and he proved more than capable as a workhorse back following a late-season injury to David Montgomery. 2025 turned up much of the same, as he finished as the PPR RB3 even with a few late-season duds. The former Round 1 pick is now eligible for a contract extension.
Tier 1
23	Ja'Marr Chase J Chase CIN WR1	1.01	10	25.9	213	651	1,055	1,949	Chase took a slight step backward after his triple crown in 2024, but he navigated a 2025 with Joe Burrow missing most of the season. He finished the season as the WR3 in PPR points per game at 19.7 and that felt closer to his floor than ceiling. With a healthy Burrow, Chase will challenge for the top WR yearly for most of his career.	91
5yr. Proj 1055 10yr. Proj 1949 ADP 1.01 Bye 10 Age 25.9 DS Analysis Chase took a slight step backward after his triple crown in 2024, but he navigated a 2025 with Joe Burrow missing most of the season. He finished the season as the WR3 in PPR points per game at 19.7 and that felt closer to his floor than ceiling. With a healthy Burrow, Chase will challenge for the top WR yearly for most of his career.

Tier 1
24	Josh Allen J Allen BUF QB1	2.01	7	29.7	373	1,037	1,688	3,200	Despite a weak pass-catching corps, Allen led all QBs in fantasy points per game in 2025. At 30, Allen’s run of elite play should continue for the foreseeable future.	49
5yr. Proj 1688 10yr. Proj 3200 ADP 2.01 Bye 7 Age 29.7 DS Analysis Despite a weak pass-catching corps, Allen led all QBs in fantasy points per game in 2025. At 30, Allen’s run of elite play should continue for the foreseeable future.
Tier 1
25	Brock Bowers B Bowers LVR TE1	1.10	8	23.1	151	460	748	1,332	Bowers disappointed in 2025 dealing with a knee injury. He only played in 12 games and ended with 64-680-7 receiving. The talent is undeniable, and Bowers will still be a consistent dynasty starter for the foreseeable future. With a new offense (and QB) in 2026, Bowers should bounce back to being an elite fantasy producer.	47
5yr. Proj 748 10yr. Proj 1332 ADP 1.10 Bye 8 Age 23.1 DS Analysis Bowers disappointed in 2025 dealing with a knee injury. He only played in 12 games and ended with 64-680-7 receiving. The talent is undeniable, and Bowers will still be a consistent dynasty starter for the foreseeable future. With a new offense (and QB) in 2026, Bowers should bounce back to being an elite fantasy producer.

Dynasty Rookie TE Rankings 2026 (Tight End)

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