With Travis Kelce nearing the midway point of what is likely his final season, the Kansas City Chiefs need to identify several prospects in the 2026 NFL draft capable of adding depth to their tight end room. The class only features one or two players with the potential to start immediately, but several prospects project as early-career rotational options.
Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Joe Royer is a flashy prospect who showcased improved toughness and efficiency through the college football season’s opening weeks. At 6’5″, 250 lbs., Royer lacks the bulk of a traditional in-line tight end, but he spends almost equal time in slot and in-line alignments.
Royer is an explosive athlete with the speed to stretch defenses vertically. His burst off the line is inconsistent, and he lacks the rare speed to challenge defensive backs consistently. However, he still offers value as a proven three-level threat. Royer’s speed also shows up after the catch. He’s fast enough to test pursuit angles and gash defenses when left alone in space.
Royer’s intermediate route running has improved since last year. He runs well-defined routes and maintains his quickness going into and coming out of his break at the stem’s peak. Royer decelerates well on stop routes to create throwing windows for his quarterback. He deploys head and shoulder fakes to force defenders to open their hips before breaking in the other direction.
Cincinnati’s offense relies on using Royer on schemed touch opportunities. He needs to fill out his route tree in a more pro-style role. Royer doesn’t maximize his size at the catch point. He must be more ball-dominant when crowded by defenders. Royer likely needs a year in the NFL to develop his route running and add more functional mass but could still warrant a top 100 selection.
Royer’s play strength creates issues sustaining blocks and playing through contact after the catch. True edge rushers easily stack and shed his blocks at the point of attack. However, his value in the run game has improved significantly compared to his contributions in 2024. He excels at framing and clearing out second level defenders and maximizing angles as an in-line blocker.
The Bearcats go on the road to play Oklahoma State at 7:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 18.