2026 NFL Draft Preview: Could the Cardinals Tighten Up Their TE Room?

The Arizona Cardinals’ offense is buzzing with anticipation. With Kyler Murray orchestrating a dynamic attack featuring weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr., the focus is rightly on the present. But in the NFL, roster building never sleeps. While the tight end room, led by the reliable Trey McBride and supplemented by intriguing pieces like Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman, appears solid on paper, the future whispers a note of caution. Higgins hits free agency after the 2025 season, and the injury bug is an unpredictable foe. On the latest episode of the podcast, cohost Seth Cox and I dove deep into the 2026 NFL Draft’s tight end class. This isn’t about an immediate need, but about proactive intelligence. For a team on the rise, knowing the landscape two years out is how you sustain success. Let’s preview the potential future targets who could one day catch passes from Murray in the desert.

Beyond the Obvious: Why the Cardinals Should Scout 2026 Tight Ends

To the casual observer, drafting a tight end in 2026 might seem like a luxury the Cardinals can’t afford. That’s a surface-level view. Proactive roster management is what separates perennial contenders from the rest. Trey McBride is a cornerstone, but the NFL trend is towards multiple-TE sets that create mismatches. Elijah Higgins’ impending free agency creates a direct roster opening. Furthermore, special teams value cannot be overstated; a Day 3 pick who excels as a blocker and core special teamer is immensely valuable. This draft exploration isn’t about replacing McBride; it’s about finding a complementary piece who can grow within the system, provide insurance, and ultimately add another layer to an already potent offense. The work done now in identifying talent pays dividends when the draft board lights up in two years.

The Cream of the Crop: Potential First-Round Tight Ends for 2026

The 2026 class is already showing signs of elite talent at the tight end position. These are the players who aren’t just pass-catchers; they are offensive weapons who demand defensive attention and could be top-32 selections.

• Oscar Delp, Georgia: Now in the spotlight as Brock Bowers’ successor, Delp has all the tools. He’s a smooth, athletic receiver with proven SEC pedigree and under Mike Bobo’s offense, his route-running and production should skyrocket. He projects as a true move tight end who can stretch the seam and be a nightmare in the red zone.
• Luke Hasz, Arkansas: A receiving phenom who burst onto the scene as a freshman. Hasz possesses rare ball skills and yards-after-catch ability for his size. If he can continue to develop his in-line blocking and add strength, his ceiling is as high as any player in the country. He’s the definition of a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
• Colston Loveland, Michigan: The prototype. Loveland has ideal size, reliable hands, and has already been a key component of a national championship offense. He’s a more complete, traditional tight end than Hasz or Delp, offering immediate value as a three-down player and a security blanket for any quarterback.

Cardinals Fit Analysis: For Arizona, a first-round tight end in 2026 would signal a “best player available” approach at its peak. If the board falls this way, it would mean adding an explosive, immediate contributor to an already stacked offense, creating perhaps the most versatile skill group in the NFL. The cost of a fifth-year option on a weapon like this is also a significant front-office benefit.

Value and Versatility: Day 2 Prospects to Monitor

This is where the draft gets interesting for a team like Arizona. The second and third rounds are often where savvy teams find immediate contributors and future starters. The 2026 class looks particularly deep here, filled with high-upside players.

• Jaden Reddell, Georgia: Another Georgia product, Reddell might be the most purely gifted receiver of the bunch. He was a highly-touted recruit and could form a historic duo with Oscar Delp. He’s a bit leaner but represents a massive vertical threat who could be a steal if he declares early.
• Holden Staes, Notre Dame: The transfer from Tennessee will be the focal point of the Irish’s TE room. Staes is a big-bodied target with surprising agility. A strong 2025 season could solidify his status as a Day 2 lock, offering a great blend of size and receiving polish.
• Brett Norfleet, Missouri: A former two-sport star, Norfleet is a freak athlete at 6’7″. He’s still raw as a pure tight end, but his untapped potential and red-zone dominance are tantalizing. With two years of development, he could be the draft’s biggest riser.

Cardinals Fit Analysis: This range feels like the sweet spot for a potential Higgins replacement. A Day 2 pick here would be a direct investment in the TE2 role with starter upside. The Cardinals could target a specific trait—like Reddell’s deep speed or Staes’ reliability—to perfectly complement McBride’s all-around game, all while getting crucial special teams help.

Day 3 Diamonds and Developmental Projects

The final day of the draft is for traits, toughness, and special teams. The Cardinals, under Monti Ossenfort, have shown a keen eye for finding value here. These are the types of players who could fill out the bottom of the depth chart and push for playing time.

• Blocking Specialists: Look for college players with a nasty demeanor in the run game. Guys like Mason Pline (Fresno State) or Justin Joly (NC State) fit this mold. They are essentially a sixth offensive lineman who can occasionally sneak out for a play-action pass.
• Converted Athletes: The draft is full of former basketball players or oversized receivers. A team like Arizona, with a creative offensive mind, could take a flier on a supreme athlete and coach him into a specific role.
• Productive “Tweeners”: Some college H-backs or fullback/TE hybrids find their niche in the NFL as core special teamers and versatile blockers. This is where you find the heart-and-soul players who carve out decade-long careers.

Final Verdict and Prediction for the Cardinals

The 2026 tight end class is shaping up to be exceptionally strong and deep, from blue-chip prospects to quality depth pieces. For the Arizona Cardinals, the impetus to draft one will hinge on three factors: Elijah Higgins’ 2025 performance and contract demands, the health of the current room, and the undeniable “best player available” logic when their pick arrives.

Our prediction? Barring a major injury, the Cardinals will not use a first-round pick on a tight end in 2026. The needs on the defensive side of the ball and possibly along the offensive line will likely take precedence. However, the Day 2 and early Day 3 range is a prime territory for a strategic selection. General Manager Monti Ossenfort values building through the draft and securing cost-controlled talent. Drafting a tight end in the third or fourth round to learn behind McBride for a year before stepping into the TE2 role is a classic, sustainable team-building move.

The ultimate goal for the Cardinals is to keep Kyler Murray surrounded with weapons and protected. A dynamic, young tight end added to the mix of Harrison Jr., McBride, and James Conner would ensure the Arizona offense remains a multifaceted nightmare for opponents for years to come. The scouting starts now, and the options in 2026 look promising.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.