Power Rankings: AFC South Tight End Groups

NFL training camps are active, and teams are warming up with drills and practices under the summer sun. Football fans have reasons to be excited. The preseason kicked off last week, and teams are gearing up for their second exhibition games this upcoming weekend. As the NFL regular season eagerly approaches with a start date of September 9, we continue to examine each team’s key offseason stories.

We’ve previously assessed top position battles, promising rookies for starting roles, and potential player cuts. We’ve also ranked head coaches, quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers by division. Now, we focus on the tight end groups within the AFC South division.

AFC South Tight End Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts lead with a strong lineup of tight ends, featuring Tyler Warren, Will Mallory, Mo Alie-Cox, and Drew Ogletree. Warren, the 14th overall pick in the 2025 draft, had an impressive rookie season with 76 catches, 817 yards, and four touchdowns. His performance has made him one of the top young tight ends in the NFL.

Mallory, Alie-Cox, and Ogletree provide depth with their varying roles, showcasing their value as reliable backup options.

2. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans’ tight end corps includes Dalton Schultz, Cade Stover, and Brevin Jordan. Schultz has been consistent since 2020, surpassing 53 receptions and 530 yards annually. Last year, he achieved a career-high of 82 catches and 777 yards. Expectations are high for him to perform similarly in 2026.

Stover offers solid backup support, contributing around 15 catches and 120 yards. Despite injuries, Brevin Jordan’s potential as a productive TE3 remains high if he stays healthy.

3. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are transitioning to Gunnar Helm as their primary tight end for 2026, after Chig Okonkwo moved to Washington. Helm surpassed Okonkwo with more catches last year, recording 44 receptions, 357 yards, and two touchdowns.

Daniel Bellinger, a reliable acquisition from the Giants, has accumulated 88 receptions, 934 yards, and four touchdowns in four years. He provides a strong backup for Helm.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars feature Brenton Strange, Nate Boerkircher, and Tanner Koziol. Strange had a decent year in 2025 with 46 receptions, 540 yards, and three touchdowns. Although not as impactful as Evan Engram, Strange fits well with the team’s wide receiver talent.

Jacksonville selected Boerkircher and Koziol in the 2026 NFL Draft’s second and fifth rounds. These selections indicate plans for utilizing multiple tight end sets.