The 2026 NFL Draft tight end class is widely discussed at the top, but the real intrigue lies beneath the surface. Every year, teams uncover value at the position outside the early rounds, and this cycle is no different. While headline prospects dominate attention, several tight ends are quietly positioning themselves to outperform expectations and deliver real impact at the next level.
his piece highlights three of the most intriguing, under-discussed tight end prospects who bring a combination of versatility, upside, and scheme value that could translate at the next level.
Marlin Klein Is a Traits-Based Projection Worth Betting On
Michigan tight end Marlin Klein may not have eye-popping production, but his profile demands attention when viewed through an NFL lens. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a well-proportioned frame, Klein fits the mold of a traditional inline tight end with room to grow into more.
Michigan deployed him in a pro-style system that asked him to handle multiple responsibilities. He lined up attached to the formation, contributed in the run game, and worked as a short-to-intermediate receiving option. His tape reflects a player who understands spacing and timing, even if the stat sheet doesn’t fully capture his impact.
The Cologne, Germany native flashes impressive top-end speed for his size, forcing defenders to account for him vertically. That ability alone creates stress on safeties and opens throwing windows underneath. However, his evaluation is not without concerns. His blocking technique remains inconsistent, particularly with hand placement, and he can be overpowered at times by stronger edge defenders.
Klein’s trajectory will hinge on refinement. If he sharpens his route running and becomes more technically sound as a blocker, he projects as a dependable TE2 with three-down capability. His combination of size and versatility gives him one of the more stable floors among late-round tight ends.
Justin Joly Offers Modern Receiving Upside
NC State’s Justin Joly presents a different archetype. He is not built to dominate inline snaps, but he thrives in space and brings a skill set tailored to today’s passing offenses.
Joly’s movement skills stand out immediately. He accelerates smoothly off the line, separates effectively against linebackers, and shows comfort working through traffic across the middle. His hands are reliable, and his catch radius allows quarterbacks to trust him in contested situations. Over the course of his career, he has also shown surprisingly clean pass protection, rarely giving up pressure when called upon.
As a run blocker, Joly still has work to do. He lacks consistent push at the point of attack, and his effort can fluctuate in that phase. That limitation may cap his early-down usage, particularly in more traditional offensive systems.
Even so, his role at the next level is clear. Joly projects as a move tight end who can create mismatches and function as a safety valve in quick-game concepts. In the right scheme, his receiving ability could make him one of the more productive players in this tier.
Eli Raridon Brings Developmental Value With Real Upside
Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon might be the most intriguing long-term bet of the group. His career has been impacted by injuries and inconsistent opportunities, but his flashes suggest a player with untapped potential.
Raridon moves fluidly for his size and displays natural hands when targeted. He has a strong feel for zone coverage, consistently finding soft spots and presenting himself as a reliable option for his quarterback. His length allows him to extend beyond defenders, turning routine plays into chain-moving gains.
He is still developing as a blocker, but the foundation is there. With improved technique and added strength, he has the tools to become more effective in that area. What stands out most is his ability to process the field, particularly when working against zone looks, where he shows patience and awareness.
For teams willing to invest in his development, Raridon offers legitimate upside. He profiles as a late-round selection who could evolve into a well-rounded contributor with time and coaching.
Why These Prospects Matter in This Class
Klein, Joly, and Raridon each represent a different pathway to NFL relevance. Klein brings balance and reliability, Joly offers receiving upside in space, and Raridon provides developmental potential with flashes of high-level play.
The tight end position continues to evolve, and success is increasingly tied to fit rather than a single prototype. Teams that identify how these players align with their offensive philosophy will be better positioned to extract value beyond the early rounds.
In a class defined by depth, these under-the-radar tight ends could ultimately become some of the most impactful selections when the 2026 NFL Draft is all said and done.
Dujunnea Bland is a NFL and NHRA reporter for SportsJourney. Bland was a New Orleans Saints Reporter and Content Producer for About.com and a contributor at USA TODAY SMG's Redskins Wire. You can follow him on Twitter @NotBland21
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