Last year in the NFL draft, we saw the resurgence of the tight end as 22 were drafted, the most since 2002. The upcoming draft appears to be just as loaded, potentially with even more top-end talent. Stars like Trey’Dez Green and Jamari Johnson headline the class, but there are many formidable talents at their heels. Below are my top 5 tight ends of the 2027 NFL Draft: Summer Scouting Edition.
Other prospect rankings:
Top 10 QBs
Top 5 RBs
Top 5 WRs
Top 5 TEs
1. Colin Simmons, Texas
6’3″ | 245 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Can dominate with speed or power
• Sets the edge, then attacks downhill against the run
• Elite production with 21 sacks, 29.5 TFLs & 6 FFs at 20 years old
• Can drop into zone coverage or QB spy
Weaknesses
• Some stiffness in pursuit
• Good, not great closing speed
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Continued production
• More use in coverage/QB spy
• Move around the front seven
2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
6’5″ | 250 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Elite quickness. Rare ability to fire off the line and change direction
• Elite close behind the LOS
• Arrives at the ballcarrier violently
• High motor
• Speed to power in rush
Weaknesses
• Lacks refined hand technique
• No power to set the edge
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• More advanced technique and pass rush moves
• Add strength/weight to help anchor or set the edge
• General progression. Traits are rare and has the ability to be NFL elite
3. Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State
6’6″ | 265 | 22 | Senior
Strengths
• Great burst off the line
• Good power. Can win with bull rush and is violent tackler
• High-effort often resulting in sacks while QB is scrambling
• Tall & long but with strong build
Weaknesses
• Unrefined pass rush moves
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Can he anchor against the run?
• Poor gap discipline, does he run himself out of the play?
• More sack production
4. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
6’3″ | 253 | Junior
Strengths
• Rare raw power
• EDGE/LB flexibility
• Surprising athleticism and closing ability for his thick build. Arrives with violence
• Great hand usage, especially in bull rush
• Finishes at the QB with great feel for the backfield
Weaknesses
• Likely struggles in coverage
• Thumper style. Change of direction in space could hold him back in modern NFL
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Play in coverage
• More focus on one position
• Secondary rush move besides bull rush
5. Anto Saka, Texas A&M
6’4″ | 255 | 22 | Senior
Strengths
• Strong, cut build with long arms
• Great pursuit and closing speed
• High motor
• Quick first step
• Scheme versatility
Weaknesses
• Approaches blockers high
• Wins with effort more than technique
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Can he bend?
• Consistent pass rush and production
• More advanced pass rush moves
More Draft Content Coming!
NFL Draft season never ends for the die-hards. Last year, Blitz Sports Media brought you our first-ever draft prospect profiles, big board, and mock draft simulator. 2026-2027 will be even bigger.
Summer scouting is at full blast, and I will be bringing you pre-season position rankings right up to the start of college football. I will update trends throughout the season and, of course, lead right into NFL draft coverage starting right before the combine.
If you’re looking for NFL Draft coverage all season long, you have come to the right place!
Make sure to give me a follow on X for MUCH more NFL & draft content @JLSports24
