Joe Royer

NFL Draft Profile: Joe Royer

Position: Tight End | School: Cincinnati (via Ohio State) | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 250 lbs | Archetype: Receiving / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Joe Royer’s collegiate journey is defined by patience and a late-career explosion. A consensus four-star recruit out of Cincinnati’s Elder High School, he originally signed with Ohio State. His time in Columbus was hampered by a groin injury and the profound personal tragedy of losing his mother in 2022. After three years and limited snaps behind future NFL talent, Royer transferred back home to Cincinnati for the 2024 season.

The move ignited his career. In 2024, he set the Cincinnati single-season record for receptions by a tight end (50), surpassing Travis Kelce’s previous mark. In 2025, Royer refined his game as a vertical threat. While his reception total dipped due to a more balanced Bearcats attack, his yards-per-catch skyrocketed to 14.3, proving he could stretch the field as a "Big Receiver" archetype. He finished 2025 as an All-Big 12 selection and a Mackey Award semi-finalist.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 29 | Receiving Yards: 416 | TDs: 4

• Avg: 14.3 YPC | Long: 73 (vs Iowa State)

• Drops: 2 (Excellent concentration in traffic).

• Career Totals: 83 Rec, 961 Yds, 7 TD.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Nebraska	2 / 18 / 0	B-	Physical matchup; used heavily in pass protection.
3	vs Northwestern St	3 / 44 / 2	A	The Apex. Red-zone dominance; scored twice on corner routes.
5	vs Iowa State	4 / 102 / 1	A+	The Apex. Exploded for a 73-yard TD; showcased elite seam speed.
7	@ Oklahoma State	3 / 48 / 1	A-	Clinical route running; won repeatedly against safeties.
8	vs Baylor	2 / 21 / 0	B	Solid contributor; provided key blocks on perimeter runs.
9	@ #15 Utah	1 / 9 / 0	C+	Worst Game. Stifled by elite LB play; limited targets in blowout.
11	vs #21 Arizona	5 / 62 / 0	B+	Reliable "security blanket" on 3rd downs; high-volume day.
12	vs #12 BYU	4 / 55 / 0	A-	High-effort blocking; reeled in a difficult contested catch.
13	@ TCU	3 / 36 / 0	B	Effective in the short-to-intermediate game; high IQ spacing.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Leadership: Respected veteran who returned home to lead a rebuilding program.

• Mental Toughness: Elite. Navigated significant injury and personal loss at OSU.

• Competitor: High; plays with a chip on his shoulder as a "former Buckeye."

• Team Player: Praised for his unselfishness and dedication to special teams.

• Star Power: He has "it" as a receiver; defenses must account for him in the seam.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Height/Weight: 6'5", 250 lbs. (Meets both benchmarks perfectly).

• Stamina: High; maintains route speed throughout long offensive possessions.

• Durability: Proved durable at UC, playing full seasons in 2024 and 2025.

• Injury History: Groin issues in 2022 are well in the past; medically clear.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 91/100

• Catching: Elite. One of the surest sets of hands in the 2026 class.

• Route Running: Very nuanced; understands how to use blind spots in zone coverage.

• Strength: Good; has added 15+ lbs of muscle since his freshman year.

• Blocking: Improved. Willing to stick his nose in, but technique can be inconsistent.

• Release: Sudden; uses basketball-style footwork to bypass jams at the line.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Speed: 4.65 (Estimated). Excellent long strides for vertical/get-away speed.

• Agility: Fluid; can sink his hips and snap off routes surprisingly well for 6'5".

• Jumping: Very good; wide catch radius makes him a red-zone favorite.

• Acceleration: Good; reaches top speed quickly for a player of his mass.

• Break Tackle: Uses size to fall forward; more of a "shrug off" than a "juke" runner.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Awareness: High; understands leverage and QB sightlines.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Protypical NFL height/weight; elite hands and ball tracking; significant experience in pro-style systems; vertical threat ability (14.3 YPC); high-character individual with proven resilience.

• Weaknesses: Shorter strides can limit YAC in the open field; needs to improve tenacity as an in-line run blocker; will be an older rookie (6th-year senior).

• Scheme Fit: Ideal "U" Tight End / Big Slot in a vertical-passing offense (e.g., Bengals, Cowboys, Lions).

• NFL Comparison: Cole Kmet / Mike Gesicki.

Scout's Final Word

"Joe Royer is the definition of a 'Pro's Pro.' He has the size and speed of a modern NFL mismatch weapon and the mental makeup to handle the league’s rigors. While he needs to find more consistency in his blocking to become a three-down player, his receiving floor is incredibly high. He is a ready-made red-zone and seam target. Draft Projection: Round 3–4."