NFL Draft Day 2: 7 Tight Ends Picked, Affecting Team Plans

Seven tight ends were selected on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, the most in over 50 years. This high number could change how teams play offense this year.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

The second day of the 2026 NFL Draft saw teams grappling with roster holes, with a notable surge in tight end selections shaping the landscape. =Seven tight ends were selected within the first 73 picks, a frequency not seen in over half a century, potentially altering offensive personnel groupings across the league and impacting the value of third wide receivers.= This influx of tight ends, alongside a surprising lack of quarterback selections in the second round, highlights a distinct trend in team strategies as clubs looked to bolster their ranks after the initial frenzy of the first round.

Notable Selections and Strategic Moves

The Cleveland Browns made waves by using a third-round pick on quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a prolific college passer. The team also added playmakers, underscoring a commitment to offensive reinforcement. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals secured Zavion Thomas in the third round but missed opportunities to address pressing needs, opting for wide receiver Denzel Boston instead of filling other critical gaps.

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  • Indianapolis Colts were lauded for their Day 2 performance, capitalizing on "board value" late in the rounds to immediately upgrade their offense.

  • The Los Angeles Rams continued a peculiar draft strategy, adding another tight end, Max Klare, after drafting receiver Makai Lemon and tight end Eli Stowers, despite an already deep position group.

  • The Philadelphia Eagles, with General Manager Howie Roseman, again found themselves on the "winners" list, making astute selections.

  • Quarterbacks were a rarity in the second round, with two finding homes in the third round, while tight end talent was dispersed throughout Day 2, with four taken within an eight-pick span at one point.

Falls and Reunited Siblings

Some players with projected first-round potential experienced significant slides. Cornerback Will Johnson and edge rushers Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku were among those who found new teams after falling out of the first round. Notably, the Terrell brothers were reunited, and the Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers.

  • The Baltimore Ravens added safety Malaki Starks to an already strong secondary, featuring former first-rounders Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins.

  • Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, a primary target for Cleveland last season, now faces a potentially altered role with the addition of new offensive talent.

Draft Dynamics and Positional Shifts

The concentration of tight end selections suggests a potential league-wide shift towards utilizing heavier personnel packages, such as 12 and 13 personnel. This could alter defensive schemes and the pass-catching opportunities for wide receivers further down depth charts. The absence of quarterbacks in the second round also indicates a strategic hesitancy or a lack of perceived elite talent available at that specific juncture, pushing teams to wait or pursue options later.

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  • The San Francisco 49ers selected De’Zhaun Stribling with the first pick of the second round, placing him in a reportedly strong situation.

  • The Miami Dolphins saw Caleb Douglas emerge as a significant selection in the second round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were so many tight ends picked on NFL Draft Day 2?
Seven tight ends were picked in the first 73 selections on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. This is the most in over 50 years and could change how teams use offensive players.
Q: Did any teams make surprising picks on Day 2?
Yes, the Cleveland Browns picked quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round. The Los Angeles Rams picked another tight end, Max Klare, even though they already had many at that position.
Q: Were there any players who fell unexpectedly in the draft?
Yes, some players expected to be picked in the first round, like cornerback Will Johnson and edge rushers Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku, were not picked until later rounds.
Q: Were any siblings drafted together on Day 2?
Yes, the Terrell brothers were reunited when they were drafted.
Q: Why were there not many quarterbacks picked on Day 2?
Only two quarterbacks were picked in the third round, and none were picked in the second round. This shows teams might have thought there were not many top quarterbacks available then or chose to focus on other positions like tight end.