Top Tight Ends to Watch: Lawson Luckie and Max Klare Lead a Versatile 2026 NFL Draft Class

The 2026 NFL Draft tight end class is defined by versatility, explosiveness, and untapped upside—and it might be the most modern-ready group we’ve seen in years. Georgia’s Lawson Luckie looks like the next high-end pass-catching threat from Athens, while Max Klare arrives at Ohio State as a breakout candidate with seam-stretching speed and natural body control. There’s a strong argument for Eli Stowers—a former quarterback turned offensive weapon—as the TE1 in the class, bringing rare athleticism and elite spatial instincts to the position. Top 2026 NFL Draft Tight Ends to Watch 📌 Grades follow the Football Scout 365 trait-based evaluation model, combining film, data, and projection. Lawson Luckie, Georgia (TE) Ht/Wt:  6'4", 240 lbs Play Style/Scheme:  Vertical threat / Spread TE Ceiling:   High-End Starter Potential Scouting Report: Luckie is poised to break out as Georgia’s next great TE after backing up Brock Bowers and Oscar Delp. He averaged 14.5 YPC in 2024 and brings elite straight-line burst, route efficiency, and downfield mismatch ability. If he sharpens his blocking and handles a full TE1 workload, Luckie could push for TE1 status and first-round consideration. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (TE) Ht/Wt:  6'4", 225 lbs Play Style/Scheme:  Hybrid slot TE / motion mismatch Ceiling:   High-End Starter Potential Scouting Report: A former QB and 99th percentile athlete, Stowers thrives in detached alignments. His explosiveness, body control, and scramble instincts make him a dynamic weapon in motion-heavy spread systems. Though light-framed for in-line work, his upside as a coverage buster is enormous if used creatively. Max Klare, Ohio State (TE) Ht/Wt:  6'4", 240 lbs Play Style/Scheme:  Seam stretcher / YAC threat Ceiling:   High-End Starter Potential Scouting Report: Klare broke out with 684 yards at Purdue and now joins a loaded Ohio State offense. He’s a smooth mover with strong hands, 6.7 YAC/reception ability, and high football IQ. He’s not a punishing blocker, but his ability to find space and finish catches makes him an ideal TE weapon in motion and spacing-based passing attacks. Tanner Koziol, Houston (TE) Ht/Wt:  6'7", 240 lbs Play Style/Scheme:  Red-zone flex / vertical big slot Ceiling:   Mid-Level Starter Potential Scouting Report: With 163 career catches and 18 TDs, Koziol is one of college football’s most experienced receiving TEs. His 26 contested catches in 2024 were unmatched. He wins with size and body control, not separation, and projects as a vertical mismatch in 12 personnel or spread sets. He’ll need to improve strength and block sustainability to round out his game. Jack Endries, Texas (TE) Ht/Wt:  6'4", 240 lbs Play Style/Scheme:  Chain mover / slot-flex TE Ceiling:   Mid-Level Starter Potential Scouting Report: After leading Cal in receptions and yardage, Endries brings reliable hands (1 drop in 2024), clean route-running, and zone awareness to a Texas offense that highlights TEs. He lacks elite burst but profiles as a high-IQ safety valve with strong positional awareness. Ideal in TE-friendly systems with motion and spacing elements.