According to ESPN, the network surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts ahead of the 2026 training camp cycle to produce its seventh annual position rankings. Voters submitted top-10 ballots for 11 positions; results were compiled using the number of top-10 votes, a composite average, dozens of interviews and film study with help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen and ESPN Research. More than 70 people cast ballots, and additional voting and follow-up calls helped determine placements.
ESPN notes that tight ends are on the rise, with coaches often deploying two or three on the field to support both running and passing concepts. The top-10 tight end list reflects several recent Day 1 and Day 2 draft picks emerging as young stars: the group includes six players age 25 or younger and one 36-year-old, and the NFC North alone accounts for three of the players.
According to ESPN, Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders was voted the No. 1 tight end. The 23-year-old repeated as the top vote-getter despite a second season affected by injuries and a struggling Raiders offense. Voters cited his route running, separation and yards-after-catch ability; Bowers finished with 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. Last summer he set an NFL rookie record with 112 catches, and NFL Next Gen Stats clocked him at 19.58 mph on a 57-yard touchdown against Denver in 2024. “As far as route running, separation, zone instincts, yards-after-catch ability combination — he’s better than the field in those areas,” an NFL coordinator told ESPN.
Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals was ranked No. 2, according to ESPN. The 26-year-old drew more than 30% of first-place votes and received nearly all ballots inside the top three. McBride’s 126 catches in 2025 were the most ever by a tight end in a single season; he averaged 72.9 receiving yards per game (about 16 more than any other tight end), amassed 566 yards after the catch (90 more than any other tight end) and had 11 receiving touchdowns, tied for second leaguewide. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, his 71.5 receiving expected points added led tight ends and ranked fourth among all pass catchers.
According to ESPN, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers ranked No. 3 on the tight end list. The 32-year-old had a highest ranking of 1 and a lowest of 8 among ballots submitted.
