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Top 5 tight end prospects for Cowboys to consider in 2026 draft
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- Top 5 tight end prospects for Cowboys to consider in 2026 draft
While the defense is clearly the top priority, the Dallas Cowboys do have room for improvement on offense. And if they go in that direction during the 2026 NFL Draft, tight end could be a high priority. Jake Ferguson is a reliable target for QB Dak Prescott , but adds very few explosive plays. Ferguson ranked 22nd amongst tight ends in Explosive Play Rating (EPX) and had only two explosive plays on the year. The tight end room was at the bottom of the league in yards per catch and yards per route run.
That makes the top-five tight end prospects something fans should keep an eye on, just in case. Adding an explosive receiving tight end could be important. Still, with Luke Schoonmaker on the final year of his rookie deal and an out from Ferguson's deal available after the season, the Cowboys could be open to any of these talents.
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TE Justin Joly, NC State
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NC State tight end Justin Joly (TE09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Justin Joly is an undersized tight end at only 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, but he has a great mind for the game that makes him tough to stop as an underneath pass catcher. He doesn't use size or quick-twitch movements to create separation. Instead, he thrives on understanding when to make his breaks and set them up. He finds holes in zone coverage and is comfortable making catches in traffic. His game is more about making plays underneath and getting yards after the catch (YAC). Don't look for him to beat linebackers and safeties up the seam with his athleticism.
TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Ohio State tight end Max Klare (86) makes a catch against Michigan defensive back Jordan Young (14) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
Max Klare is a pass-catching tight end who can line up in the slot like a wide receiver with good athleticism and an above-average route tree for a rookie. This is commonplace in the league now, but what makes Klare unique is his ability to survive in-line and the chances he has to add to his frame and possibly become a plus blocker as a vertical threat tight end. His hands aren't top-notch, suffering from some drops in his college career. He is the best prospect at the position when it comes to a mix of in-line blocker success and vertical receiving threat.
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TE Michael Trigg, Baylor
Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) against the Arizona Wildcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Michael Trigg has rare traits and a frame that give him a ton of potential at the NFL level. Breaking down his tape shows a need to improve route-running details, getting off the press, and learning to block, but his athleticism, rare length, and giant hands make him a possible top-end weapon at the position. He could be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection who could make multiple explosive plays downfield and be a Red Zone menace. It could be limited early on, but he could quickly become a big-play waiting to happen for the team that drafts him.
TE Eli Stowers , Vanderbilt
Nov 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers (9) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Eli Stowers doesn't quite look the part of a tight end. He is a former quarterback who just recently transitioned to the position. He had an elite Relative Athletic Score (RAS), only brought down by his height and weight. Stowers ran a 4.5 in the 40 with a 45.5-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of over 11 feet.
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He is an elite catcher of the football who can beat most linebackers up the seam and leap over the defenders and contort his body if necessary to make a play. A true receiving threat, he brings little as a blocker. He comes with risk due to his frame and lack of experience at the position, but if developed correctly, he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Kenyon Sadiq is the game changer in the tight end class, and could be the best pass catcher on an offense. His athleticism makes him tough for defenses to match up with. He can box out corners and has great hands to make contested catches. His reactive athleticism makes him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties. He threatens them with his speed and knows how to use that to get easy receptions for his quarterback underneath. Sadiq could be a 1,000-yard pass catcher with the possibility of catching double-digit touchdowns as he develops. He isn't much of a blocker, but he can play in-line. Sadiq is one of the top offensive options in the 2026 class .
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You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Top 5 tight end prospects for Cowboys to consider in 2026 draft
