Pewter Report analyzes the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft with its position previews. Scott Reynolds continues the previews with the wide receiver position, offering a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need at wide receiver.

Adam Slivon then analyzes a detailed list of this year’s top wide receiver prospects while Reynolds provides the annual Pewter Report Bucs Best Bets – the most likely wide receiver for the Bucs to select in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.

What The Bucs Have At Tight End

With the re-signing of starter Cade Otton and reserve Ko Kieft, the Bucs’ 2025 tight end room returns intact. But is that a good thing? Is Tampa Bay’s tight end room a team strength? That’s debatable, and I think the Bucs even think that themselves. The team has studied this deep class of tight ends very thoroughly and is likely looking for an update and to build the depth from the bottom up with a new addition this year.

Otton, who signed a three-year, $10 million deal this offseason, is truly the only tight end guaranteed to make the 53-man roster in 2026. No. 2 tight end Payne Durham is entering a contract year and he’s not assured of being re-signed next offseason because he’s a very one-dimensional blocking tight end.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: USA Today

Devin Culp, a seventh-round pick from the 2024 draft has struggled to get on the field under two different offensive coordinators. He’s a one-dimensional pass catching tight end, who has yet to put in the work in the weight room to get bigger and on the practice field to become a better blocker.

Kieft’s toughness and physicality was missed last year as a designated blocking tight end as well as on special teams where he has been one of the Bucs’ best tacklers in coverage. Returning from a broken leg, Kieft was re-signed to a one-year, league minimum deal and his roster spot is not a given.

The Bucs have brought in six tight ends for official 30 visits prior to the draft and formally interviewed seven of them at the NFL Scouting Combine. So despite having all of last year’s tight ends back it looks like Tampa Bay is ready to make an upgrade at the position. A couple of the tight ends – Georgia’s Oscar Delp and Ohio State’s Max Klare – have received both a formal interview at the NFL Scouting Combine as well as an official 30 visit.

What The Bucs Need At Tight End

The Bucs don’t need tight end from a depth standpoint. The team has four experienced tight ends on the roster in Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp and Ko Kieft. But it seems like the Bucs are eager to upgrade the talent and add some competition to the room with the fact that they have expressed serious interest in a dozen tight ends in this year’s draft class.

Ideally, Tampa Bay would like a tight end that can block at the line of scrimmage, but also has sure hands as a receiver. Cade Otton is really the only tight end on the roster that can do both, and when he’s injured the position becomes very one-dimensional. It seems like the team is looking for a blocking tight end with better receiving skills than Durham has, as he’s in a contract year.

While the Bucs could take a tight end like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq in the first round, or Georgia’s Oscar Delp or Max Klare on Day 2, the guess here is that the team waits until Day 3 to select a tight end. That’s been the case in the past, as Otton was a fourth-rounder, Durham and Kieft were sixth-rounders and Culp was a seventh-rounder.

Top Tight Ends In 2026 NFL Draft

*Important Note: These players are NOT listed in the order of Pewter Report’s ranking for them. Rather, the numbers are provided to show you the rough order in which we expect them to come off the board during the draft.

1. Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – Junior – 6-3, 241, 4.39

When it comes to the tight end position, there’s no better prospect than Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft. Known more as a receiving type of tight end, he is an explosive route runner that creates mismatches against opposing defenses. He was the top target for Oregon last season, which was his first year as the main starter, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and a whopping eight touchdowns in 14 games.

While Sadiq is not viewed as a blocking tight end, he has always wanted to change that narrative. He is a very willing blocker and can be tenacious in the running game. Sadiq was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to his progression at Oregon, so the best is yet to come. His receiving prowess just might be to difficult to pass up when the Bucs get ready to make their selection at No. 15.

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Dale Zanine

2. Ohio State TE Max Klare – RS Junior – 6-5, 246, N/A

Playing three seasons at Purdue before transferring to Ohio State, Klare was actually teammates with Bucs backup tight end Payne Durham. His 2024 season was his best, putting up 685 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in receiving and making third team All Big-Ten.

Klare wanted more of a challenge so he transferred to Ohio State where he had to fight for playing time. He recorded 448 yards and two touchdowns for the Buckeyes. He needs to continue to refine his route running and blocking, but Klare is a capable receiver that is willing to do all of the assignments that teams will ask their players. Klare is viewed as a Day 2 pick.

3. Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers – RS Senior – 6-4, 239, 4.51

A former quarterback, Stowers transitioned into a productive tight end for Vanderbilt after stops at Texas A&M and New Mexico State, bringing unique athleticism to the position. He’s posted a combined 1,407 receiving yards and nine touchdowns with the Aggies, showcasing his ability to be a factor in the passing game.

He also is a two time first-team All-SEC selection, and last season was a first-team All-American as he helped Vanderbilt become a Top 25 team. Stowers moves well in space, understands route concepts, and can be used creatively in different alignments. He’s got great speed and athleticism for his size, but doesn’t show up when asked to block.

4. Georgia TE Oscar Delp – Senior – 6-5, 245, 4.49

The production may not have been there as much as Delp desired at Georgia. Yet with that said, his potential at the NFL level is through the roof. Delp won’t be confused with former Bulldog Brock Bowers, but looking at his 40-yard time will grab attention from teams. He’s super capable as a receiver and willing to work hard as a blocker, too.

Delp played last season with a hairline fracture in his foot and yet started all 14 games, showing his toughness. He has 854 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his career. It feels like the best is yet to come for him and there’s a lot of meat remaining on the bone as a possible Day 2 selection.

Georgia TE Oscar Delp – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Brett Davis

5. Stanford TE Sam Roush – Senior – 6-6, 267, 4.70

Roush has carved out a big-time role with playing his entire career at Stanford. A three-year starter, his receiving production has been modest, but had his best year last season with 545 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He’s been effective in limited opportunities, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

He brings a physical, team-first approach to the position. Roush is willing as a blocker and plays with good effort, contributing to the run game. While he’s not a high-volume receiving threat, his versatility and toughness give him value as a depth tight end with the ability to fill multiple roles. Roush is regarded as a mid-round pick who could sneak into the third round.

6. North Carolina State TE Justin Joly – 6-3, 241, N/A

Transferring to North Carolina State after a productive stint at UConn, Joly recorded over 700 receiving yards in two seasons and emerged as a primary target. At NC State, he continued to be involved as a pass-catching tight end, using his size and catch radius to create mismatches, recording more than 1,000 yards playing against tougher competition and scoring 11 touchdowns.

He profiles as more of a moving tight end with receiving upside. Joly has shown the ability to stretch seams and contribute in the red zone, though his blocking remains an area for growth as he needs to get bigger and stronger at the next level. Joly’s athletic traits and production make him an intriguing option for teams looking for a tight end who can add value in the passing game.

7. Ohio State TE Will Kacmarek – RS Senior – 6-5, 261, 4.74

Kacmarek has been a consistent contributor in the state of Ohio. He began his career for the Ohio Bobcats  and then transferred to Ohio State. He operates more as a reliable target in the passing game for the Bobcats, posting seasons of 264 and 243 yards, respectively, without much yards after catch ability.

With the Buckeyes, his game is built more on consistency as a blocker. Kacmarek is very comfortable blocking at the point of attack in different offenses. He’s known as a hard worker with a mean streak and can likely bring more as a receiving tight end depending on what type of offense he’s in.

8. Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkricher – RS Senior – 6-5, 245, 4.78

During most of his career Boerkricher played for Nebraska before heading to Texas A&M for his last season. He’s a great example of hard work and perseverance as he was a walk-on for the Cornhuskers, eventually earning a scholarship several seasons in. Contributing as both a blocker and situational receiver, his production in the passing game has been modest.

His game is built on physicality and reliability. Boerkricher has enough versatility to help out an offense in several areas with just a little bit more development. He had 38 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

9. Notre Dame TE Eli Raridon – Senior – 6-6, 245, 4.62

Raridon has been part of a deep and competitive tight end room for Notre Dame, working his way back from early-career injuries to earn a role. His receiving production has been limited because of that, but he’s shown flashes when targeted, using his size and athleticism to create mismatches. Raridon’s last seasons was a true breakout year with 482 receiving yards on the year.

What makes Raridon intriguing is his upside as a pass-catching tight end. He moves well for his size and has the tools to develop into a more consistent offensive weapon if given more opportunities. He offers potential and he continues to grow as a modern tight end with receiving ability.

10. Michigan TE Marlin Klein – RS Junior – 6-6, 248, 4.61

This is a true blue, John Harbaugh Michigan-type of player. Klein has been a rotational contributor for the Wolverines, primarily serving as a depth option in a tight end room known for its run-first identity. His receiving stats have been minimal, as Michigan’s offense has historically leaned on tight ends more for blocking than yardage production through the air.

He fits that billing as a physical, assignment-sound player who contributes in the run game. Klein actually has more receiving prowess than people realize, though it’s not as noticed due to Michigan’s style of offense. Klein was a team captain and honorable mention All- Big Ten selection.

Michigan TE Marlin Klein – Photo by: Junfu Han – IMAGN Images

11. Texas TE Jack Endries – RS Junior – 6-5, 245, 4.62

Endries emerged as a reliable receiving option for the California, particularly in a passing offense that utilizes the tight end in the short and intermediate game. He’s posted productive numbers for the position, including a season of 623 receiving yards, showing consistency as a target over the middle. The results weren’t the same when we he went to Texas, though, seeing his numbers drop to 346 yards.

He doesn’t have elite speed, but can find ways to get past defenders, finds soft spots in coverage and consistently moves the chains. Endries shows blocking toughness as well and is dependable as a receiver.

12. Cincinnati TE Joe Royer – RS Senior – 6-5, 247, N/A

Royer transferred to Cincinnati after beginning his career at Ohio State, looking for a larger role in the offense. With the Bearcats, he’s become a more involved part of the passing game, producing close to 1,000 yards while showing his ability to contribute as a reliable target.

He has a balanced skill set to the position, combining adequate blocking with pass-catching ability. Royer isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s dependable and understands how to operate within the structure of an offense. That well-rounded profile could make him an appealing depth option with developmental upside at the next level.

13. Utah TE Dallen Bentley – Senior – 6-4, 253, 4.59

Bentley has worked his way into the rotation at Utah  after beginning his career at Snow Colleg. He’s contributed to a tight end room known for its physicality and blocking demands in a different way. Bentley’s receiving production really showed up in his latest season, bursting onto the scene with 620 yards and six touchdowns.

His value largely comes from what he did as a receiving tight end. There’s work to be done as a blocker but a lot to like for what he put together in the passing game.

14. Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski – RS Senior – 6-2, 250, 4.66

Nowakowski has been a steady contributor for the Indiana Hoosiers  operating as a complementary piece in the passing game. His production has been modest, generally hovering in the 100–200 receiving yard range in a rotational role, but he’s shown dependable hands and an ability to move the chains on short and intermediate routes.

What stands out is his consistency and understanding of his role. Nowakowski isn’t a high-volume target or explosive playmaker, but he executes within the structure of the offense and provides stability as a blocker and outlet receiver. That profile could translate to the next level as a reliable depth tight end who can contribute in multiple phases.

Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski – Photo by: Grace Hollard – IMAGN Images

15. Alabama TE Josh Cuevas – RS Senior – 6-3, 245, 4.65

Cuevas transferred to the Alabama after beginning his career at Cal and then Washington, where he was teammates with Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan. At  Cal and Washington, he showed flashes as a pass-catching tight end, recording multiple receptions in limited action while demonstrating athleticism and the ability to stretch the seam.

During his time at Alabama, Cuevas became a well rounded player that recorded 411 yards and four touchdowns that missed some time due to a foot injury. He has good body control and is committed to his assignment, whether that’s blocking or receiving in the game plan.

Best Of The Rest

16. Baylor TE Michael Trigg – RS Senior – 6-4, 240, N/A

Trigg, who transferred to the Baylor Bears after beginning his career at USC and Ole Miss, is an intriguing athletic tight end with receiving upside. During his time at Baylor, he flashed his potential with multiple touchdown receptions in a rotational role, using his size and catch radius to be a red-zone threat, though consistency and overall production have been limited. Trigg has some character concerns and is not a willing blocker.

17. Ole Miss TE Dae’Quan Wright – Senior – 6-4, 246, N/A

Wright has been a productive pass-catching option for Ole Miss Rebels, particularly in a tight end-friendly system. He posted a breakout season with over 635 receiving yards and five touchdowns, showing reliable hands and the ability to work the middle of the field as a dependable target.

Ole Miss TE Dae’Quan Wright – Photo by: Mark J. Rebilas – IMAGN Images

18. SMU TE Matthew Hibner – RS Senior – 6-4, 251, 4.51

Hibner has been a steady contributor in the passing game for SMU, recording 804 receiving yards in two seasons while operating as a reliable target. He’s known more for his consistency and route-running than explosive playmaking, making him a dependable option in a high-volume passing offense.

19. BYU TE Carsen Ryan – Senior 6-3, 255, 4.71

Ryan has developed into a versatile tight end for the BYU after transferring from UCLA and then Utah. He’s contributing both as a receiver and blocker. He’s posted modest receiving numbers, but offering value with his ability to line up in multiple spots, making him a well-rounded, scheme-friendly option.

20. Syracuse TE Dan Villari – RS Senior – 6-4, 243 – 4.77

Coming from Massapequa on Long Island, Villari began his career at Michigan as a quarterback, then moving to tight end. He really got everything going when he went to Syracuse. He’s a very tough football player that brings better than expected athleticism as a receiving tight end. Villari recorded 671 receiving yards for the Orange with four rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns.

Bucs Best Bets – By Scott Reynolds

Rounds 1-3: Georgia TE Oscar Delp

Tampa Bay could be looking for a more dynamic playmaking tight end in the passing game, and despite limited opportunities at Georgia, Delp proved that he could stretch the field and gain yards after the catch. While he only caught 70 passes for 854 yards and nine touchdowns for the Bulldogs, Delp averaged 12.2 yards per catch thanks to his sub-4.5 speed. His fast time in the 40-yard dash along with his athleticism and muscular 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame has Delp’s stock soaring prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. Once viewed as a Day 3 selection, Delp could very well see his name called on Day 2 as a third-round pick.

The Bucs had a formal interview with Delp at the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as swinging by One Buc Place for an official 30 pre-draft visit. Delp is making strides as a blocker in terms of his technique, but the want-to has always been there. Blocking is a prerequisite for playing at Georgia, as the Bulldogs are always a good running team. Delp might be a better blocker than Ohio State tight end Max Klare, who also received a formal interview and an official 30 visit, thus he’s our Bucs Best Bet on Day 2 for Tampa Bay.

Rounds 4-7: Ohio State TE Will Kacmarek

The Bucs had a formal interview with Kacmarek at the NFL Scouting Combine, but got to know him even before that at the Senior Bowl. Kacmarek, who started his career at Ohio, was coached by Tampa Bay assistant tight ends coach Jeff Kastl in Mobile, Ala. There is a lot to like about Kacmarek’s game from a blocking standpoint as he’s a nasty, physical finisher as a run blocker and he does an adequate job as a pass protector.

At 6-foot-5, 261 pounds, Kacmarek would be the second-biggest tight end on the Bucs roster behind 265-pound Ko Kieft. But Kacmarek has better hands than Kieft and could wind up replacing him or Devin Culp on this year’s team. If Tampa Bay waits to draft a tight end on Day 3, which is typically the team’s comfort zone, Kacmarek, who helped win a national championship at Ohio State in 2024 as a teammate of Emeka Egbuka, could be the guy.