Both Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell talked this offseason about fourth-year tight end Sam LaPorta being a core piece of Detroit's foundation with the potential to re-sign him as he enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. A second-round pick in 2023, LaPorta has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL over the last four seasons.
He missed the final eight games of the season last year after suffering a back injury that required surgery. He had 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns prior to the injury. LaPorta said after the season he's expected to be full go for training camp which is big for Detroit's offense.
Behind LaPorta are veterans Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin. It wouldn't be surprising if Detroit adds a young player to the mix at some point in this draft to push Wright or Conklin for a roster spot or playing time and build the position for the future.
View photos of the tight end prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Utah tight end Dallen Bentley runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Utah tight end Dallen Bentley (01) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly (7) watches the ball against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)
North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly (09) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State receiver tight end Max Klare plays against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State tight end Max Klare (13) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Joe Royer (11) runs down the field during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tanner Pearson)
Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer (11) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (23) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers catches a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Friday, March 20, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Baylor tight end Michael Trigg runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Baylor and Utah Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Baylor tight end Michael Trigg (1) during an NCAA football game against Kansas State on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 35-34. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher)
Tight end class draft strength: Athleticism. There are some terrific athletes at the tight end position in this draft class, led by Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq. There's size, speed and versatility to this class. Some of these tight ends are so athletic it won't be surprising to see teams use them as big receivers at the NFL level.
Lions tight end depth chart: LaPorta, Wright, Conklin, Thomas Gordon, Zach Horton.
Lions tight end draft priority: Low. As long as LaPorta comes back from last year's back injury the same level of player - and there's been no indication he won't - this isn't a huge need for the Lions. The Lions have a ton of offensive weapons and only one football to go around but getting a young player in the mix who has some versatility and can learn behind one of the best in the business is an investment in the future of the position.
And don't forget how much new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing utilized the tight end position in Arizona. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has had a couple monster seasons in Petzing's schemes.
Five tight ends who could fit the Lions:
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
6-3, 241. 4.39 seconds 40-yard dash (1.54 10-yard split)
The thought of a player with Sadiq's explosiveness and speed in a 12 personnel package alongside LaPorta, Jahmry Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams is pretty scary to think about. Sadiq will be a matchup nightmare for defenses because of his size and speed combo.
2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
6-4, 239. 4.51 seconds 40-yard dash (1.59 10-yard split)
Stowers is an athletic freak who is going to make some NFL quarterback very happy about the catch radius to throw at with Stowers. Some teams view Stowers as being a possible big receiver because of his 6-4 frame, 4.5 speed, 45.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad jump. Just throw it up to Stowers and he'll go get it.
View photos of some of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft at their Pro Days.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., left, does a football workout during the school's NFL pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) talks with reporters during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Wide receiver Germie Bernard catches a pass in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston runs the ball during Washington's NFL football Pro Day Monday, March 16, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs drills during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs the 40 yard dash for during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano, center, participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter runs a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter watches a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor runs during a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs with the ball during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love speaks with media during the school's NFL Pro Day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, right, works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa completes a football drill during the school's NFL fpo day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren takes part in the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren catches a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor waits to work out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson's TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price runs a drill runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs through drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Miami corner back Keionte Scott runs the 40 yard dash during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson watches teammates during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods runs a 10-yard split during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C.. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Missouri defensive end Zion Young runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
6-4, 246. Did not run 40-yard dash
Klare played inline, wing, slot and lined up in the backfield. He caught 94 passes for 1,133 yards and six touchdowns the last two seasons at Purdue and Ohio State. He combines toughness with good ball skills and fits the profile of what teams are looking for at the position in the pass game.
4. Oscar Delp, Georgia
6-5, 245. 4.48 seconds 40-yard dash (1.57 10-yard split) – Pro Day
Delp wasn't a huge part of the Bulldogs' offense the last two seasons but his ceiling is high based off his size, speed and athleticism profile. He plays with physicality in all parts of the game and has a chance to be a more productive professional than he was college player.
5. Michael Trigg, Baylor
6-4, 240. 4.52 seconds 40-yard dash (1.62 10-yard split) - Pro Day
Trigg finished his 2025 senior season at Baylor with 50 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns, following his transfer from Ole Miss. He's got a huge frame with long arms (34 ¼) and big hands (10 ½). He's got the kind of size and versatility to be a chess piece for an offense, especially in the red zone. He could be a Day 3 steal for a team if they feel comfortable with some of the off-field issues he had in college.
