My favorite part of the NFL offseason’s “dead period” is using the summer to evaluate team needs and scout early prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this process is identifying potential breakout candidates at various positions, particularly as their roles change heading into a new season.
When attempting to predict breakout candidates, it’s essential to look not only at specific criteria but also at the broader picture. Some of these players may be first-year starters seizing a new opportunity to excel, while others may have shown intriguing tools in 2024 that they could build upon in 2025.
Without further ado, here are some of the top breakout tight end candidates for the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Draft’s Top Breakout Candidates at Tight End
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Breaking out might not be the best phrase to describe what Kenyon Sadiq could do in 2025. After all, he’s already seen as one of the best tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Realistically, his first order of business is to back up what he’s already put on tape with numbers.
Sadiq played second fiddle to 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson in Oregon’s tight end room last year, but he impressed with the playing time he received. He’s a versatile weapon who can create separation in the slot, in-line, or out wide, and his deep speed and lateral quickness are far superior to the average tight end prospect.
He has all the makings of the total package an NFL general manager would want to see from a tight-end prospect. It’s now up to translate those traits into highlights on the field.
AN UNREAL HURDLE FROM OREGON’S KENYON SADIQ TO GIVE THEM THE LEAD ON THE OPENING DRIVE OF THE GAME 😱 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oC5rtFIUmV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2024
As a receiver, Sadiq exploits soft spots in zone coverage by varying the tempo and depth of his route. He has soft hands, impressive ball skills, and, though inconsistent as a blocker and undersized at 6’3″ and 245 pounds, he has the immense pass-catching upside to warrant early-round consideration for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Brett Norfleet, Missouri
To this point, Brett Norfleet has taken on somewhat of a limited role in Missouri’s offense through his first two collegiate seasons. However, with their two top receivers from last year now in the NFL, there should be more opportunities for him to shine.
Norfleet’s tape shows shades of Zack Kuntz from the New York Jets. Admittedly, Norfleet is a skinny tight end who lacks top-notch physicality as a blocker. He’s listed at 260 pounds on Mizzou’s website but is reported as low as 235 elsewhere, and his high center of gravity can impact his ability to sink his hips into his breaks and accelerate out of them.
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Nitpicking his flaws aside, Norfleet has tremendous potential. He has a large catch radius and a massive 6’7″ frame. He’s explosive off the line of scrimmage and is exceptionally good at sensing soft spots against zone coverage.
As you might expect from a tight end with his frame, Norfleet possesses the ball skills and coordination to dominate smaller defenders on jump balls. He’s a tad raw, but the developmental upside is palpable.
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Tanner Koziol was highly productive at Ball State last year, catching 94 passes for 839 yards and eight touchdowns. Now that he’s transferring to Houston for 2025, he has the chance to make himself a household name for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 6’7″, 240-pound Koziol is a tall, lengthy tight end with a massive catch radius that enables him to get to the high point on 50/50 balls. His frame allows him to box out defensive backs at the catch point and secure grabs in contested catch situations, which gives him plenty of red-zone potential in the pros.
The next step for Koziol will be to work on his anchor as a blocker, as he tends to be top-heavy when blocking in-line. His athletic upside isn’t particularly elite, either. That said, his size and ball skills should have him in early Day 3 consideration for teams in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Oscar Delp, Georgia
Going into 2024, expectations were high for Oscar Delp, seeing as though Brock Bowers headed to the NFL and was no longer ahead of him in Georgia’s tight end room. A crowded Bulldogs weapon group ate into his targets yet again, though. However, with four skill position players from last year now in the NFL, Delp should have more opportunities for touches.
There’s a lot to like with Delp when projecting him for the 2026 NFL Draft. His athleticism stands out when you watch him on tape. He’s quick off the snap, explosive out of his breaks, and has reliable hands as a pass catcher. He blocks with ideal willingness in the trenches as well.
While Delp is an intriguing overall prospect, he can stand to get stronger at the point of contact, both as a blocker and after the catch. He’s also yet to top 300 receiving yards in a single season. If he can improve his numbers and his physicality, he could be a Day 2 pick next April.
Marlin Klein, Michigan
Marlin Klein doesn’t have much buzz for the 2026 NFL Draft, but that should change as the upcoming season progresses.
Last season, Klein sat behind Colston Loveland, who went No. 10 overall to the Chicago Bears in this year’s draft. Loveland is known for his elite athleticism, but Klein put up better on-field speed numbers. A member of the annual Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in 2024, Klein topped out at a whopping 21.75 miles per hour, surpassing Loveland’s top speed.
A native of Germany, Klein moved to the United States before his junior year of high school, and some signs suggest that he still requires high-level coaching to develop into the player he clearly can be.
Klein still needs to develop as a route-running technician and as a blocker, and he has only caught 14 passes in college, making him an unproven commodity. With his elite athleticism, he could be a massive riser for the 2026 NFL Draft if his production improves.
Alex Honig, UConn
If you’re looking for a deep sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft tight end class, Alex Honig is a name to remember. Keep in mind that he’s a massive projection at this point, seeing as though he’s only caught six passes at the collegiate level. The talent and measurables are there, though.
TD ALEX HONIG‼️
63 points ties our FBS school record for most points in a single game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rE9d8dgtsM
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) September 7, 2024
Listed at 6’7″ and 270 pounds, Honig was the top-rated high school recruit out of Germany as a quarterback in his class. He made the switch to tight end, where his size has been a significant advantage for him in the States. Among returning tight ends, he placed 12th in PFF grades last year with above-average marks as both a pass and run blocker.
Honig is massively unproven as a receiver, and his route tree has been limited to this stage. However, he’s an imposing blocker with length, size, tenacity, and power as an in-line blocker.
Honig undoubtedly has some athletic upside and coordination to tap into. Keep an eye on him as a deep sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft.