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For NFL Draft fans, there is nothing quite like the NFL combine. The testing is not much in terms of action, but regardless, it gets you on the edge of your seat for the first time since the Super Bowl.
On Friday, we get to see two position groups on the field with actual testing in the tight ends and defensive backs. Both are positions that the Vikings could use some help at this draft cycle, so we wanted to give you some players to watch today when testing begins at 3:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network.
In this piece, we will focus specifically on tight ends. It is not a need yet, but it could become a big one very quickly. The Vikings have a decision to make on T.J. Hockenson as they look to get their salary cap under control. If the team decides to make him a cap casualty, then the team could be looking to draft his replacement to work with Josh Oliver.
With that in mind, here are five players we are looking forward to seeing test at the NFL combine.
Jack Endries did not have the year many expected him to have at Texas in 2025. However, he remains one of the more complete tight ends in the class with his athleticism and strength. Testing well could make him a day two pick for someone and could be a day one starter as a result.
Full disclosure, everything I just wrote about Endries applies to Max Klare. He was my TE1 heading into the season, and the Ohio State offense just never seemed to use him the way they should have last season. Klare will be a better pro than college player as a result, but it all starts with how he tests on Friday.
Sam Roush has the size and athleticism to be a fun project at tight end for a team. He won't be drafted to play right away on day one, but with strong testing, paired with a strong all-star cycle so far, Roush could be a riser in the class.
Koziol transferred to Houston from Ball State, and immediately the step up in competition did him wonders. He rose to the occasion and showcased a wide catch radius and speed to be a dynamic receiving threat for the Cougars. Koziol should be a fun watch when testing takes place on Friday, and could be a steal for someone on day two or three of the draft.
Michael Trigg impresses a lot of folks, but they remain questionable on his talents and ability as an overall tight end. Testing is going to be massive for Trigg as he looks to cement himself in the top tier of the tight end class. Without string testing, he is going to be seen as a singular threat to opposing defenses rather than being a complete tool for an offense to gameplan around.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 Scouting combine: 5 TE prospects fans should watch
Continue reading...
On Friday, we get to see two position groups on the field with actual testing in the tight ends and defensive backs. Both are positions that the Vikings could use some help at this draft cycle, so we wanted to give you some players to watch today when testing begins at 3:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network.
In this piece, we will focus specifically on tight ends. It is not a need yet, but it could become a big one very quickly. The Vikings have a decision to make on T.J. Hockenson as they look to get their salary cap under control. If the team decides to make him a cap casualty, then the team could be looking to draft his replacement to work with Josh Oliver.
With that in mind, here are five players we are looking forward to seeing test at the NFL combine.
Jack Endries, Texas
Jack Endries did not have the year many expected him to have at Texas in 2025. However, he remains one of the more complete tight ends in the class with his athleticism and strength. Testing well could make him a day two pick for someone and could be a day one starter as a result.
Max Klare, Ohio State
Full disclosure, everything I just wrote about Endries applies to Max Klare. He was my TE1 heading into the season, and the Ohio State offense just never seemed to use him the way they should have last season. Klare will be a better pro than college player as a result, but it all starts with how he tests on Friday.
Sam Roush, Stanford
Sam Roush has the size and athleticism to be a fun project at tight end for a team. He won't be drafted to play right away on day one, but with strong testing, paired with a strong all-star cycle so far, Roush could be a riser in the class.
Tanner Koziol, Houston
Koziol transferred to Houston from Ball State, and immediately the step up in competition did him wonders. He rose to the occasion and showcased a wide catch radius and speed to be a dynamic receiving threat for the Cougars. Koziol should be a fun watch when testing takes place on Friday, and could be a steal for someone on day two or three of the draft.
Michael Trigg, Baylor
Michael Trigg impresses a lot of folks, but they remain questionable on his talents and ability as an overall tight end. Testing is going to be massive for Trigg as he looks to cement himself in the top tier of the tight end class. Without string testing, he is going to be seen as a singular threat to opposing defenses rather than being a complete tool for an offense to gameplan around.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 Scouting combine: 5 TE prospects fans should watch
Continue reading...
