Browns Nab Potential No. 2 TE with Joe Royer

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 7:30 PM UTC

The Cleveland Browns selected Cincinnati TE Joe Royer in Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. A former four-star TE at Ohio State, he transferred back home to Cincinnati in 2024. Royer immediately won the starting job. Royer showed receiving promise with a 50-521-3 line in 2024. He took a slight step back in 2025 (29-416-4) with the Bearcats needing more blocking help. Royer spent 49.5% of his snaps at Cincinnati in the slot and 44.1% inline. He showed success in run and pass blocking and created mismatches against slot CBs and LBs. Among the 27 TEs invited to the NFL Combine, Royer ranked 21st in 2025 aDOT (6.2), and 13th in team market share of receiving yards (14.4%). He ranked 13th in 2025 receiving yards per team pass attempt (1.21) and 14th in receiving yards per route run (1.49). He is currently 24 years old.

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “His quick feet and soft hands should make Royer a reliable target in the NFL. He could be worth stashing in deep dynasty leagues in case he develops into a Jake Ferguson-type starter.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

With David Njoku moving into free agency, the Browns do have an opening for their No. 2 TE. Royer offers a blocker first mentality with some receiving production to contribute behind Harold Fannin Jr.

Royer won’t have any redraft value unless Fannin gets injured at some point this season. Royer could certainly win the No. 2 job with his main competition being Blake Whiteheart and newly signed Jack Stoll.

Dynasty Impact

Royer’s production profile offers a bit of upside if Fannin does get injured. But Royer will be unlikely to make a long term impact except for the occasional red zone target.

He could offer occasional slot ability, which he showcased at Cincinnati, but Royer should only be considered in deep TE premium leagues.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.