NFL breakout series: Strange leads three TEs set to smash expectations

The best examples from last year were the Bears' Colston Loveland and the Colts' Tyler Warren, who came roaring out of the gate as rookies.

Here are our top three tight ends poised to follow in their footsteps, take on a huge role, and register huge numbers in 2026.

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Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2025, Strange posted career-high numbers across the board, with 46 catches for 540 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

He achieved that feat despite playing only 12 games after a hip injury cost him five games.

The Jaguars selected Nate Boerkircher in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but his skill set suggests he'll be more of a blocker.

Among all qualifying tight ends (min. 50 targets), Strange finished ninth in yards per catch, eighth in yards after the catch per reception, and he only had three drops.

After signing a 3-year, $48 million contract extension with $25 million guaranteed, and as the unquestioned starter in an ascending offense led by Trevor Lawrence, Strange should, health permitting, enjoy a standout year.

Isaiah Likely, New York Giants

Despite playing second fiddle to Mark Andrews in Baltimore for four years, Likely's ability has never been in question.

So when the Giants made him the fourth-highest-paid tight end in the league this offseason, it came as no surprise.

That vote of confidence reflects what he brings to New York, where his combination of athleticism and size could make him an early favourite of Jaxson Dart.

He's never had more than 477 yards in a single season, but as the TE1 and with Malik Nabers no lock to be recovered from his torn ACL before Week 1, Likely should shatter those marks in 2026.

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers

Kraft tore his ACL in early November at a point when he was on pace for the best numbers by a tight end in franchise history.

In just eight games, he amassed 489 receiving yards, caught six touchdowns, and looked well on his way to registering elite numbers.

Before going down, Kraft ranked second at the position with 15.3 yards per reception and first with 10.8 yards after the catch per reception, 3.3 yards more than the next-nearest tight end.

"I feel great," he said in early June. "Swelling is minimal to none. No, like weird pains and aches coming out of my treatment and my training, so we're really excited to get this ball rolling, and we're gonna take off."

Kraft opened training camp on the PUP, but when he makes his return to the field, his rapport with Jordan Love should pick up right where it left off and make him a legitimate top-five contender at TE.