Dynasty Rookie TE Rankings 2026 (Tight End)

Updated on Wed, 13 May 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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RK	Player	ADP	Bye	Age	1yr. Proj	3yr. Proj	5yr. Proj	10yr. Proj	DS Analysis	3D Value +


Tier 5
1	Kenyon Sadiq K Sadiq NYJ TE9	8.03	9	21.2	89	267	461	936	Sadiq (6’3, 241) brings an elite athletic profile with the footwork and leaping ability to separate and win at the catch point. He’s a matchup problem, especially in tight coverage, and adds value after the catch. He led Oregon in receptions in 2025, though drops showed up at times. The Jets made him a mid-Round 1 pick, signaling a long-term featured role. Short term, the path to volume looks crowded. Garrett Wilson remains locked in as the top target, and the addition of Omar Cooper Jr. adds another high-percentage option underneath.	19
5yr. Proj 461 10yr. Proj 936 ADP 8.03 Bye 9 Age 21.2 DS Analysis Sadiq (6’3, 241) brings an elite athletic profile with the footwork and leaping ability to separate and win at the catch point. He’s a matchup problem, especially in tight coverage, and adds value after the catch. He led Oregon in receptions in 2025, though drops showed up at times. The Jets made him a mid-Round 1 pick, signaling a long-term featured role. Short term, the path to volume looks crowded. Garrett Wilson remains locked in as the top target, and the addition of Omar Cooper Jr. adds another high-percentage option underneath.

2	Eli Stowers E Stowers PHI TE12	10.10	9	23	48	262	448	831	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 last year and was a reliable option for QB Diego Pavia. Stowers has elite explosiveness and short-area quickness, and that was reflected in his excellent Combine performance. Stowers will be the future starting TE for the Eagles. Dallas Goedert is set to be a free agent after this season.	16
5yr. Proj 448 10yr. Proj 831 ADP 10.10 Bye 9 Age 23 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 last year and was a reliable option for QB Diego Pavia. Stowers has elite explosiveness and short-area quickness, and that was reflected in his excellent Combine performance. Stowers will be the future starting TE for the Eagles. Dallas Goedert is set to be a free agent after this season.

Tier 8
3	Max Klare M Klare LAR TE34	19.04	8	22.8	38	182	311	578	Klare broke out at Purdue in 2024 with 51-685-4. He took a step back on the Buckeyes last 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 can be a Jake Ferguson-type TE. He will split time with Terrance Ferguson, but the rest of the Rams TEs are set to become FAs within the next two years.	6
5yr. Proj 311 10yr. Proj 578 ADP 19.04 Bye 8 Age 22.8 DS Analysis Klare broke out at Purdue in 2024 with 51-685-4. He took a step back on the Buckeyes last 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 can be a Jake Ferguson-type TE. He will split time with Terrance Ferguson, but the rest of the Rams TEs are set to become FAs within the next two years.
4	Oscar Delp O Delp NO TE37	21.04	11	22.8	30	170	289	537	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 become a better pro than college player. Delp could develop into the starting TE for the Saints. The team has a potential out for Juwan Johnson after this year.	4
5yr. Proj 289 10yr. Proj 537 ADP 21.04 Bye 11 Age 22.8 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 become a better pro than college player. Delp could develop into the starting TE for the Saints. The team has a potential out for Juwan Johnson after this year.
5	Eli Raridon E Raridon NE TE38	29.07	14	22.3	30	155	284	553	Raridon stands to be a two-way TE at the next level with solid blocking skills showing development as a pass catcher as well. Hunter Henry is getting older and Raridon's Day 2 draft capital could make him the heir apparent. He offers intriguing upside if you can stash him for a bit.	4
5yr. Proj 284 10yr. Proj 553 ADP 29.07 Bye 14 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Raridon stands to be a two-way TE at the next level with solid blocking skills showing development as a pass catcher as well. Hunter Henry is getting older and Raridon's Day 2 draft capital could make him the heir apparent. He offers intriguing upside if you can stash him for a bit.
6	Justin Joly J Joly DEN TE40	25.12	12	22.8	27	165	281	522	Joly has been a consistent producer, with three straight seasons over 480 yards receiving. He continued thriving after transferring up from UConn to NC State. Joly fell to Day 3, but he has the ability to play HC Sean Payton's "Joker" role on the team after Evan Engram leaves. He has intriguing receiving upside.	3
5yr. Proj 281 10yr. Proj 522 ADP 25.12 Bye 12 Age 22.8 DS Analysis Joly has been a consistent producer, with three straight seasons over 480 yards receiving. He continued thriving after transferring up from UConn to NC State. Joly fell to Day 3, but he has the ability to play HC Sean Payton's "Joker" role on the team after Evan Engram leaves. He has intriguing receiving upside.

Tier 9
7	Marlin Klein M Klein HOU TE42	27.03	6	23.6	24	153	247	443	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 will need development, but his Day 2 draft capital could make him the future starter at TE for the Texans. He is worth stashing long term if you have space.	1
5yr. Proj 247 10yr. Proj 443 ADP 27.03 Bye 6 Age 23.6 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 will need development, but his Day 2 draft capital could make him the future starter at TE for the Texans. He is worth stashing long term if you have space.
8	Tanner Koziol T Koziol JAC TE43	29.03	8	23.3	21	144	246	456	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. Koziol fell to Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but he offers more receiving upside than Nate Boerkircher (who was drafted ahead of him). It may be worth betting on Koziol to become the pass catcher if Brenton Strange becomes a free agent after this season.	1
5yr. Proj 246 10yr. Proj 456 ADP 29.03 Bye 8 Age 23.3 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. Koziol fell to Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but he offers more receiving upside than Nate Boerkircher (who was drafted ahead of him). It may be worth betting on Koziol to become the pass catcher if Brenton Strange becomes a free agent after this season.
9	Nate Boerkircher N Boerkircher JAC TE45	26.09	8	24.7	27	152	242	420	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. Boerkircher's Round 2 draft capital was surprising, but he does everything pretty well (and nothing great). He likely sticks as the Jaguars No. 2 TE, even if Brenton Strange enters free agency after this season.	1
5yr. Proj 242 10yr. Proj 420 ADP 26.09 Bye 8 Age 24.7 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. Boerkircher's Round 2 draft capital was surprising, but he does everything pretty well (and nothing great). He likely sticks as the Jaguars No. 2 TE, even if Brenton Strange enters free agency after this season.
10	Sam Roush S Roush CHI TE46	26.08	5	22.9	24	139	236	439	Roush has improved every season, topping out at 49-545-2 in 2025 for Stanford. At 6'5, 260 pounds, he brings excellent size and blocking ability, but there's also some red zone upside here. Roush will be the No. 2 TE on the Bears, eventually. His Day 2 draft capital means the Bears will likely stick to primarily 12 personnel moving forward.	0
5yr. Proj 236 10yr. Proj 439 ADP 26.08 Bye 5 Age 22.9 DS Analysis Roush has improved every season, topping out at 49-545-2 in 2025 for Stanford. At 6'5, 260 pounds, he brings excellent size and blocking ability, but there's also some red zone upside here. Roush will be the No. 2 TE on the Bears, eventually. His Day 2 draft capital means the Bears will likely stick to primarily 12 personnel moving forward.
11	Dallen Bentley D Bentley DEN TE54	395.12	12	22.3	9	121	222	431	Bentley earned the starting job at Utah, going 48-620-6 this past season. A solid blocker with soft hands, he lacks starting TE upside but could contribute as a No. 2 TE. He will be a blocking reserve at best for the Broncos.	-2
5yr. Proj 222 10yr. Proj 431 ADP 395.12 Bye 12 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Bentley earned the starting job at Utah, going 48-620-6 this past season. A solid blocker with soft hands, he lacks starting TE upside but could contribute as a No. 2 TE. He will be a blocking reserve at best for the Broncos.
12	Jack Endries J Endries CIN TE56	24.09	10	22.1	13	116	212	413	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. Endries will have a battle to even make the Bengals roster, but his intriguing receiving upside makes him a stash in very deep dynasty leagues.	-2
5yr. Proj 212 10yr. Proj 413 ADP 24.09 Bye 10 Age 22.1 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. Endries will have a battle to even make the Bengals roster, but his intriguing receiving upside makes him a stash in very deep dynasty leagues.
Tier 10
13	Joe Royer J Royer CLE TE58	401.07	9	24.2	16	113	183	328	Royer transferred from Ohio State to Cincinnati. He went 29-416-4 with QB Brendan Sorsby, a potential Round 1 pick in 2027. 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. He should settle as the No. 2 TE next to Harold Fannin. That would make Royer mainly a blocker.	-4
5yr. Proj 183 10yr. Proj 328 ADP 401.07 Bye 9 Age 24.2 DS Analysis Royer transferred from Ohio State to Cincinnati. He went 29-416-4 with QB Brendan Sorsby, a potential Round 1 pick in 2027. 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. He should settle as the No. 2 TE next to Harold Fannin. That would make Royer mainly a blocker.

14	Will Kacmarek W Kacmarek MIA TE63	401.08	12	23.3	17	96	164	304	Kacmarek played second fiddle to Max Klare at Ohio State, but he was just as reliable a target. A blocker first with long arms at 6'6, Kacmarek does have soft hands and is dependable underneath. Kacmarek got Day 2 draft capital, but he will be exclusively a blocking TE. The playing time may be good, but he won't put up consistent fantasy numbers.	-5
5yr. Proj 164 10yr. Proj 304 ADP 401.08 Bye 12 Age 23.3 DS Analysis Kacmarek played second fiddle to Max Klare at Ohio State, but he was just as reliable a target. A blocker first with long arms at 6'6, Kacmarek does have soft hands and is dependable underneath. Kacmarek got Day 2 draft capital, but he will be exclusively a blocking TE. The playing time may be good, but he won't put up consistent fantasy numbers.
15	Matthew Hibner M Hibner BAL TE66	28.01	7	24.2	17	95	153	274	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 last year and worked more downfield as the season went on. Hibner could make the Ravens' roster as their No. 2 TE, but he will mostly be an in-line blocker.	-6
5yr. Proj 153 10yr. Proj 274 ADP 28.01 Bye 7 Age 24.2 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 last year and worked more downfield as the season went on. Hibner could make the Ravens' roster as their No. 2 TE, but he will mostly be an in-line blocker.
16	Josh Cuevas J Cuevas BAL TE67	28.07	7	22.6	13	90	153	284	Cuevas found his largest role on Alabama's offense in 2025, going for 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. Cuevas flashed a bit of receiving upside, but he will have to compete with fellow rookie Matthew Hibner for playing time behind Mark Andrews.	-6
5yr. Proj 153 10yr. Proj 284 ADP 28.07 Bye 7 Age 22.6 DS Analysis Cuevas found his largest role on Alabama's offense in 2025, going for 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. Cuevas flashed a bit of receiving upside, but he will have to compete with fellow rookie Matthew Hibner for playing time behind Mark Andrews.
17	DJ Rogers D Rogers DAL TE70	27.07	10	22.5	27	71	130	252	Rogers showcased his athleticism last year for TCU. At 6'4, 250 pounds, he brings intriguing upside but never put everything together for consistent playing time. He went 34-319-2 in 2025. Rogers will likely be a late-round pick as a developmental receiving TE.	-7
5yr. Proj 130 10yr. Proj 252 ADP 27.07 Bye 10 Age 22.5 DS Analysis Rogers showcased his athleticism last year for TCU. At 6'4, 250 pounds, he brings intriguing upside but never put everything together for consistent playing time. He went 34-319-2 in 2025. Rogers will likely be a late-round pick as a developmental receiving TE.
Tier 11
18	Riley Nowakowski R Nowakowski PIT TE72	401.09	5	24.3	13	79	128	230	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 will profile as the third TE on the Steelers	-8
5yr. Proj 128 10yr. Proj 230 ADP 401.09 Bye 5 Age 24.3 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 will profile as the third TE on the Steelers

19	John Michael Gyllenborg J Gyllenborg KC TE79	27.12	10	23.3	8	57	97	180	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. He went undrafted, but the Chiefs are a good situation for Gyllenborg to make the roster.	-10
5yr. Proj 97 10yr. Proj 180 ADP 27.12 Bye 10 Age 23.3 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. He went undrafted, but the Chiefs are a good situation for Gyllenborg to make the roster.
20	Bauer Sharp B Sharp TB TE80	26.05	9	23.1	10	51	87	162	Sharp was a high school QB who transitioned to TE at SE Louisiana. He transferred up to Oklahoma, then LSU, as he improved at the position. Sharp is still raw, going for 24-252-2 this past season. Sharp will have to battle to make the Buccaneers' roster.	-11
5yr. Proj 87 10yr. Proj 162 ADP 26.05 Bye 9 Age 23.1 DS Analysis Sharp was a high school QB who transitioned to TE at SE Louisiana. He transferred up to Oklahoma, then LSU, as he improved at the position. Sharp is still raw, going for 24-252-2 this past season. Sharp will have to battle to make the Buccaneers' roster.
21	Seydou Traore S Traore MIA TE81	402.01	12	23.8	8	55	89	159	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. Traore will be an International Player Pathway player and not count against the Dolphins' roster. He will likely take time to develop.	-11
5yr. Proj 89 10yr. Proj 159 ADP 402.01 Bye 12 Age 23.8 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. Traore will be an International Player Pathway player and not count against the Dolphins' roster. He will likely take time to develop.
22	Carsen Ryan C Ryan CLE TE82	395.09	9	22.7	7	51	87	162	Ryan went 45-620-3 in his final season at BYU. He flashes good power when blocking with some red zone targets that could make him intriguing. He will likely compete with fellow rookie TE Joe Royer to make the Browns' roster.	-11
5yr. Proj 87 10yr. Proj 162 ADP 395.09 Bye 9 Age 22.7 DS Analysis Ryan went 45-620-3 in his final season at BYU. He flashes good power when blocking with some red zone targets that could make him intriguing. He will likely compete with fellow rookie TE Joe Royer to make the Browns' roster.
23	Jaren Kanak J Kanak TEN TE83	29.01	10	22.3	7	48	88	172	Kanak only has one year of TE experience under his belt. He started his career as an LB before transitioning to TE in 2025. He went 44-533-0 despite the unfamiliarity with the position. Kanak will likely be a practice squad candidate for the Titans.	-11
5yr. Proj 88 10yr. Proj 172 ADP 29.01 Bye 10 Age 22.3 DS Analysis Kanak only has one year of TE experience under his belt. He started his career as an LB before transitioning to TE in 2025. He went 44-533-0 despite the unfamiliarity with the position. Kanak will likely be a practice squad candidate for the Titans.
24	Michael Trigg M Trigg DAL TE84	20.01	10	23.8	13	49	79	142	Trigg was a highly recruited TE who started at USC. He transferred to Ole Miss and did very little before finally finding a good home at Baylor. His output: 50 catches, 694 yards, and 6 scores. Trigg's athleticism allows him to do damage after the catch at 6'4, 240 pounds. Trigg went undrafted due to character and effort concerns, but there is an opening to make the Cowboys' roster.	-11
5yr. Proj 79 10yr. Proj 142 ADP 20.01 Bye 10 Age 23.8 DS Analysis Trigg was a highly recruited TE who started at USC. He transferred to Ole Miss and did very little before finally finding a good home at Baylor. His output: 50 catches, 694 yards, and 6 scores. Trigg's athleticism allows him to do damage after the catch at 6'4, 240 pounds. Trigg went undrafted due to character and effort concerns, but there is an opening to make the Cowboys' roster.
Tier 12
25	RJ Maryland R Maryland GB TE87	401.12	5	21.8	8	32	58	113	Maryland is a receiving first TE who had consistent production over his four years at SMU. Though he won't test very well, Maryland could make a fantasy impact if he receives playing time. He went undrafted, but could make the Packers' team as the No. 3 TE.	-13
5yr. Proj 58 10yr. Proj 113 ADP 401.12 Bye 5 Age 21.8 DS Analysis Maryland is a receiving first TE who had consistent production over his four years at SMU. Though he won't test very well, Maryland could make a fantasy impact if he receives playing time. He went undrafted, but could make the Packers' team as the No. 3 TE.

Dynasty Rookie TE Rankings 2026 (Tight End)

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