Justin Joly | NC State | 6’ 3.5” 241 lbs. | 07/09/2004 (Age 21)

Justin Joly was drafted 152nd overall by the Denver Broncos, becoming the 11th tight end drafted and 152nd overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Joly attended Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York. During his high school career, he had 123 receptions for 1,827 yards and 22 total touchdowns. He committed to the University of Connecticut to play college football. As a true freshman at UConn in 2022, he played in 12 games and had 18 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2023, he led the team with 56 receptions for 578 yards and two touchdowns. After the season, he entered the transfer portal and transferred to NC State University. 

FILM

STRENGTHS

Elite Hands and Catching Ability: Joly is described as a “contested catch monster” with excellent hand-eye coordination. He has a high contested-catch rate (over 80% according to some sources) and very few drops, making him a reliable red-zone threat.

• Receiving Versatility: He can line up in the slot, out wide, in the backfield, or in-line. He uses his body well to shield defenders and tracks the ball efficiently downfield.
• Route Running and Athleticism: As a former receiver, he is smooth, fluid, and shows good, quick feet at the top of his routes to create separation against defenders.
• YAC and Physicality: Joly is a willing runner after the catch who uses his 251-pound frame to grind out extra yards and initiate contact.
• Improved Blocking: Despite his “move” role, he has shown, particularly at NC State, that he can be a competitive blocker when using correct technique, showing a strong anchor in the run game

WEAKNESSES 

• Undersized for In-Line Role: At roughly 6’3″ and ~250 lbs, he lacks the ideal height and length for a traditional NFL in-line “Y” tight end.
• Inconsistent Blocking/Technique: While willing, he is inconsistent as a blocker, often playing with a high pad level and narrow base, which can lead to him being a liability in run blocking if used too often in-line.
• Lack of Elite Speed/Separation: He lacks the top-end speed to consistently burn defenders vertically and does not always create high-end separation against defensive backs.
• Limited Catch Extension: He does not always extend his hands to catch the ball away from his body, relying more on body control to secure passes.

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ATHLETIC TESTING

He tested pretty average. He ran a 4.75 40, had a vertical jump of 30.5 inches, and had a broad jump of 114 inches.

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: OK.

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Decent.

Joly was selected with the 152nd  overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Joly was projected in the 4th round before the Draft. In your rookie drafts, he is more than likely a mid-3rd-round pick. Although he slid in the NFL Draft, he still is one of the better tight ends in this class, and he should have every opportunity to battle for the starting spot. 

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