Three Tight Ends Who Boosted Their Stock at the 2026 NFL Combine

The tight end group at the 2026 NFL Combine delivered one of the most explosive positional workouts in recent memory. In today’s NFL, the position has evolved into a hybrid weapon, as part receiver and part space athlete. Indianapolis offered confirmation of who possesses true difference-making traits, and three prospects clearly elevated themselves: Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), and John Michael Gyllenborg (Wyoming).

Kenyon Sadiq, TE — Oregon

• Combine Highlight: 4.39 40-yard dash (NFL Combine TE record)
• Scouting Grade: 7.2 (Dynamic Offensive Weapon / Pro Bowl Upside)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 1

Sadiq delivered the headline performance of the entire tight end workout, breaking the NFL Combine record for the position with a blistering 4.39 forty-yard dash. At tight end size, that kind of speed is rare and transformational.

But it wasn’t just straight-line speed. Sadiq’s athleticism shows up everywhere. He truly “jumped out of the gym,” throughout the measurement process. In games, he transitions cleanly, his acceleration is effortless, and he looks more like a big receiver than a traditional inline tight end. His ability to open his stride and separate down the seam will immediately intrigue offensive coordinators. He tracks the ball naturally and shows the coordination to adjust mid-stride without losing speed.

Evaluation: Sadiq profiles as a vertical mismatch weapon who can stress linebackers and safeties immediately. After this performance, he likely solidified himself as the top tight end in the class and a legitimate Round 1 selection.

Eli Stowers, TE — Vanderbilt

• Combine Highlights: 11’5” broad jump | 45.5" vertical jump | 4.50 40-yard dash
• Scouting Grade: 6.9 (High-Upside Move TE / Red-Zone Threat)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2

Stowers may not have broken the 40-yard dash record, but his explosion numbers were jaw-dropping. An 11-foot-5 broad jump and a 45.5-inch vertical are elite testing marks at any position, let alone for a tight end. Add in a strong 4.50 forty-yard dash, and Stowers left no questions about his athletic ceiling.

In drills, his burst off the line and ability to elevate at the catch point stood out. The vertical explosion translated into high-point situations, where he plucked the ball cleanly and finished above defenders.

Evaluation: Stowers profiles as a move tight end who can stretch the field and dominate in the red zone. His lower-body explosion suggests significant mismatch potential. With that athletic profile confirmed, he likely pushed himself firmly into Day 2 conversation.

John Michael Gyllenborg, TE — Wyoming

• Combine Highlight: 4.55 40-yard dash | Best gauntlet drill performance
• Scouting Grade: 6.8 (Well-Rounded Starting TE Projection)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 3

Gyllenborg delivered one of the most technically impressive workouts of the group. His 4.55 forty-yard dash confirmed strong functional speed, but where he truly separated himself was in the gauntlet drill.

He was widely considered the best tight end in that drill, demonstrating smooth route running, clean hand placement, and elite hands tracking the ball over either shoulder. There were no body catches and no concentration drops, just polished, repeatable technique.

His routes looked efficient, and he transitioned in and out of breaks without stiffness. For a prospect coming from Wyoming, this workout validated that his skills translate against top competition.

Evaluation: Gyllenborg projects as a dependable, every-down tight end who can contribute as both a receiver and an inline option. His performance likely elevated him into the Round 3 range, especially for teams valuing reliability and route precision.