Hey Nerds! Welcome to the Dynasty Nerds 2026 Rookie Profile Series, where we break down the top prospects from the upcoming NFL Draft using the All-22 Film, production data, and dynasty-specific context.
This profile focuses on Tanner Koziol, a dynamic tight end prospect from Houston Using the Dynasty Nerds Film Room, we’ll examine Koziol’s background, on-field strengths, areas for development, and projected dynasty outlook in 12-Team SuperFlex PPR formats.
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Tanner Koziol | Tight End | Houston
Height: 6’7’’
Weight: 240 lbs
Tanner Koziol was a former two-star prospect out of Nazareth Academy and a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He committed to play his college football at Ball State in 2022.
Across 3 seasons with the Cardinals, Koziol scored 18 total touchdowns. His true breakout came during his junior season, when he posted 94 receptions for 839 yards. Following that standout year, Koziol entered the transfer portal and ultimately ended up at the University of Houston.
At Houston, Koziol quickly became a focal point of the offense, finishing second on the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Koziol’s production and all-around impact earned him national recognition, as he was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award in both 2024 and 2025. He capped off his college career with a First-Team All-American selection in 2025.
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Rookie Profile | Strengths and Weaknesses
Tanner Koziol is a true mismatch tight end prospect. He has excellent size, which gives him a massive catch radius and makes him difficult for most defenders to match up with in coverage. One of his best traits is his ball skills—on film, Koziol consistently catches everything thrown his way in a wide variety of situations. He has enough functional strength to hold up in contested-catch scenarios, and his hands are elite.
Koziol was highly productive at the college level despite playing against lower-tier competition, but he consistently dominated as a reliable pass catcher.
Koziol’s upside as a pass catcher is solid, but the rest of his game still needs development. He is likely best suited as a big-slot tight end, which could limit his overall role, as he is not a prototypical in-line option. He shows poor natural leverage when coming off blocks, and his blocking ability is below average.
Despite his size, Koziol does not consistently break tackles on film. He also lacks the burst and twitch needed to create separation against man coverage, and his route movement can appear stiff at times.
Tanner Koziol | All-22 Film Breakdowns
One of the greatest benefits of a Nerd Herd subscription is access to our All-22 Film Room, where you can study prospects like Tanner Koziol for yourself.
One game worth watching is Koziol vs. LSU in the Texas Bowl, where he finished with 76 yards and a touchdown. At the 5:15 mark, you see his value in the short-area game—finding soft spots in zone coverage and presenting himself as a reliable underneath target. At 5:50, Koziol shows his red-zone upside, using his size and leverage to separate just enough on his route and secure the touchdown. Later at 7:23, he flashes against man coverage, gaining a step on the defender and working open over the middle of the field.
Draft Capital | Potential Landing Spots
The Houston tight end looks locked in as a Day 3 pick. He isn’t a complete tight end, but teams will have interest in him as a pass-catching specialist. Two teams make sense for Tanner Koziol. The Denver Broncos could use Koziol in the passing game early, scheming touches and creating mismatches rather than asking him to play in-line. The Kansas City Chiefs are another fit. If Travis Kelce returns for one more year, Koziol could develop behind him and compete with Noah Gray for a future role.
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🧠 People Also Ask About Tanner Koziol
Who is Tanner Koziol and why is Tanner Koziol a top NFL Draft prospect?
A: Tanner Koziol is a former Ball State standout who transferred to Houston and emerged as a highly productive, All-American tight end. His elite size, strong hands, and consistent production make him an intriguing NFL pass-catching prospect.
What is Tanner Koziol’s projected NFL Draft range?
A: Tanner Koziol currently projects as a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, with teams viewing him as a specialized receiving tight end rather than a complete in-line option.
Is Tanner Koziol a good dynasty fantasy football rookie pick?
A: In SuperFlex PPR formats, Koziol profiles as a late-round rookie pick who could develop value as a red-zone and big-slot tight end, especially in tight end–premium formats.
What NFL teams are the best potential landing spots for Tanner Koziol?
A: The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs stand out as potential fits, as both could utilize Koziol as a schemed pass catcher rather than relying on him as a traditional blocker.
