On Friday night, the tight ends kicked off the drills at the 2026 NFL Draft. This year’s class is packed with talent, and the prospects showed up ready to impress. Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon stole the show, setting a record for tight ends with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Other tight ends also showcased their skills, making this a deep class.
If the Lions are eyeing a tight end in this draft, they want players with versatile skill sets. Drew Petzing, the offensive coordinator, shared this on our podcast. He believes that having tight ends who can do multiple things allows teams to create mismatches against defenses.
Here’s a look at some of the standout prospects from this year’s NFL Combine:
Sam Roush, Stanford (6-foot-6, 267 lbs)
Roush would be a perfect fit for the Lions. He brings a mix of blocking and receiving skills. Roush ran a solid 4.70 in the 40-yard dash and had impressive vertical and broad jumps. His effort was noticeable in every drill, where he displayed strong hands and solid blocking technique.
Max Klare, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 246 lbs)
Klare took a while to find his rhythm during drills but shined in receiving tests. He has great hands and a wide catching radius. While his blocking was not as strong this time around, his game tape reflects better performance in that area.
Martin Klein, Michigan (6-foot-6, 248 lbs)
Klein might stand out as a favorite due to his combination of skill and potential. He ran a 4.61 in the 40 and showed exceptional agility in drills. Although he struggled a bit in blocking tasks, his overall athleticism shines through.
Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M (6-foot-6, 245 lbs)
Boerkircher started off slowly but picked up pace as drills progressed. He demonstrated good balance and soft hands. His blocking effort was apparent, showcasing his ability to leverage his size.
Tanner Koziol, Houston (6-foot-6 1/2, 247 lbs)
With a large catch radius and impressive 40-yard time of 4.7, Koziol proved he could be more than just a receiver. His blocking showed promise, and he displayed good technique during drills.
In recent years, the role of tight ends in the NFL has evolved, becoming vital for both blocking and receiving. Teams that invest in tight ends with diverse skills, like the Lions plan to do, often find themselves with a strategic edge. According to the latest statistics, teams with effective tight ends have seen a marked increase in offensive efficiency. The tight end position is not just a supporting role anymore; it’s key to a dynamic offense.
As the draft approaches, expect these prospects to draw considerable attention as teams like the Lions hope to enhance their rosters.
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