The San Francisco 49ers have their top two tight end spots locked in, at least for now.
George Kittle is one of the best in the league, but he's recovering from a major injury. Jake Tonges was solid in 2025, but he's still relatively unproven.
The 2026 NFL Draft gives the Niners an opportunity to add a developmental tight end to their roster who could eventually command a major role. Baylor prospect Michael Trigg fits the role perfectly. He's an athletic freak with the potential to grow into stardom.
Baylor TE Michael Trigg 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240 lbs
Recruiting: 4-star prospect, No. 4 ranked TE nationally
College production: 108 receptions, 1,419yards, 14 touchdowns
Positives:
- Ideal frame makes him a physical mismatch against both linebackers and safeties.
- Strong hands at the catch point to win contested catches.
- Impressive body control, especially on vertical routes.
- Runs through arm tackles after the catch.
The allure of Trigg as a prospect has to start with his physical profile. His combination of size, speed, and length will make him a mismatch against most slot defenders. The Baylor prospect makes some jaw-dropping catches down the field.
Negatives:
- Shows inconsistent effort when he's not the primary target.
- Too many concentration drops to ignore.
- Not a refined route runner.
- Struggles as a blocker when used as an in-line tight end.
Trigg's slightly lighter frame and inconsistency as a blocker will likely limit his role in the NFL. He's more of a slot player than a true, in-line tight end. When the ball isn't coming his way, he often takes plays off.
Michael Trigg NFL player comparison: Jelani Woods
Jelani Woods hasn't hit his potential in the NFL, but he was an enticing draft prospect coming out of Virginia. His large frame and strong hands made him a dynamic player in the red zone. He has been used as an in-line tight end more than Trigg likely will in the NFL, but his skill set as a receiver is similar to the Baylor prospect's.
Michael Trigg NFL Draft grade: 3rd round
There are plenty of question marks surrounding Trigg as a prospect. His inconsistency and limitations as a blocker are certainly worth considering. But many NFL teams will likely be willing to look past his flaws due to his impressive physical profile. Athletes like Trigg aren't often available in the middle rounds of the draft. Even as a developmental tight end, he's worth taking a chance on.