Look: Joe Royer Selected in First Round of Major Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft

CINCINNATI — The Ringer's Todd McShay thinks Joe Royer could be a first-round selection in next April's NFL Draft.

The longtime draft analyst had Royer as the final pick in the first round of his way-too-early 2026 mock draft. McShay posted the projection on his Substack.

Royer set a UC single-season record by a tight end with 50 catches in 2024. He turned those into 522 receiving yards and three touchdowns. It amounted to a 65.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade across 657 snaps. His run-blocking is the biggest weakness to beef up.

If Royer can improve a 52.3 PFF run-blocking grade from 2024, he very well could be selected in the first 32 picks. The consensus big board has Royer ranked 717th overall, with McShay the first of likely many analysts to boost that number.

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