Fitzpatrick quietly snuck into that TE3 role. Either Kraft and Musgrave both locked under contract (and Kraft likely getting an extension) we aren’t desperate at TE at all. If we draft a TE in 2026, we almost slow the growth of someone like Fitz, who they really seem to like. Unless we take one late, late draft and with one of our RD7 selections, where we can stash one on Practice Squad.
Also while Luke never really popped,he did show some signs of growth. He had 8/14 games with a 100% catch rate. In his other worst 6 games, he still posted a 56% reception rate. I call him “sticky hands” because of his solid 77.4% catch rate. He ranked 14th across all TE in securing the catch and tied with Dalton Schultz.
We essentially have Musgrave and Fitzpatrick as our main two next year to start....not great at all, but not bad at all either. Swinson has been with the team two years now and this third year could be the year with Kraft out that he gets reps. I wish like heck Ben Sims hadn't been let go - I still think he offers more to this team from a role perspective than Musgrave has shown he can provide with his different traits.
Look for us to add that 4th rounder to 6th rounder type TE or seek out a Ben Sims type guy we liked in draft process but didn't get yet is released from his team during TC or preseason.
As for the draft everyone knows I loved Oronde Gadsen and had a borderline 2nd round grade on him....well the league told me I was bullish and he went in the fifth round (only 11 picks from being in the 6th) but his rookie year was one of the best out there amongst TEs and proved me right LOL. Strongly doubt I can identify the Gadsen of this year but here are two guys I'm a fan of early that I think has that potential despite likely being there come Day 3
Tanner Koziol 6'7" 250lbs out of Houston (25') by way of Ball State (22'-24')
A frame for days he is an immediate RZ target at the next level just as he was for Houston and Ball State before that. This kid as a ROOKIE at Ball State put up 7 TDs / 373 yards on a mere 35 receptions (10.7 YPR). The three years he was at Ball State he put up 1507 yards on 163 receptions (9.2 YPR) and 18 TDs. 2025 he played for Houston where he put up 6 TDs and 727 yards (9.8 YPR) on 74 receptions. He closed out the 2025 year with a bowl game against LSU and thrived - 9 receptions | 76 yards | 1TD
Tanner is a receiving threat in every single sense of the word BUT does it out of in-line alignment A LOT - unlike many receiving threat TEs. Last three years his alignment breakdwon is 509 in-line and 571 in the slot. Almost a 1 to 1 ratio for a guy with so many yards, receptions and TDs is awesome to see. So why isn't he getting top 100 hype?? Truthfully, he doesn't pop, doesn't have rare speed or rare leaping ability - nor is he a great run blocker.
But from my study of him, I think his run blocking will only improve and honestly often times it is being overpowered on power moves than it is being able to stay engaged on spin moves. I see a willing blocker and one who is typically in the right spot, is quick enough to get to his assignment he just doesn't have the strength right now or the technique to win reps consistently.
Put simply I see him as a poor man's Luke Musgrave replacement that might be a slight downgrade in blocking week 1 and a touch slower, but every bit capable in the passing game - likely more so because he has better route running and foot work setting up defenders than Musgrave seems to have now years after being drafted. Nice thing is with Musgrave still here, Tanner wouldn't be asked to do an awful lot out the gate but until Kraft returns might prove to be capable and Musgrave expendable after the 26' season with ease.
Eli Raridon 6'7" 252 lbs out of Notre Dame
The Irish put forth solid TEs often into the NFL...I predict that Raridon at worst is going to be a Fasano type level player at the next level - a guy that played 11 years in the league, averaged around 300 yards a season with 3 TDs...solid TE2 numbers for a team (Mayer in 2023 and Evans in 2025). Raridon had to set behind TWO STUDs until 2025 was finally his year and put up solid numbers for a team that didn't throw a ton - 482 yards on 32 receptions (15.1 YPR) but did not surprisingly get any TDs.
I watch nearly every single Notre Dame game and he is for sure a step up in the run blocking category if you compare to Tanner above, has a touch more strength, seems to sink his hips when engaged for leverage better too. ND split him out 4 more times than keeping him in-line so nearly perfect 50/50 alignment guy. The knack of Raridon in the passing game is his knack for delayed releases up the seam or his ability to use his footwork and quickness to get by defenses along the sidelines - and once the ball is in the air using his massive frame so well to shield defenders. His agility at least on film appears VERY high, and I look forward to his testing. He is a guy I could see slide up into the end of the 3rd but also could be there Day 3 early. Little more complete TE or all around TE in his future if I were to predict than Tanner which is why I suspect he goes earlier.
Both of these would be excellent guys to keep eye on and add to our room for the future to pair with Kraft who I pray heals great and we pay to stay for a long time.
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