Tuesday, April 14, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect TE Dallen Bentley

Dallen Bentley:

Scouting Reports:


NFL.com:  https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dallen-bentley/32004245-4e68-7044-cb9c-764de16dfad5




Video:

Dallen Bentley Regular Season Highlights | 2025 Big 12 Football:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Q064joKmY

Dallen Bentley runs official 4.62-second 40-yard dash at the Combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/dallen-bentley-runs-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine

Articles:

My Guys for the 2026 NFL Draft – Multiple first round wildcards, a late breakout tight end, and other massive risers (TE Dallen Bentley (Utah):  Over the previous three seasons, which included a stop at Snow College, Bentley managed to haul in just 11 total receptions. Then out of nowhere, he managed to make 48 receptions for 620 yards and six touchdowns for Utah this past season. At over 260 pounds, Bentley is a unique passing game weapon whose game is eerily similar to that of former NFL tight end Vance McDonald. He moves a lot better than you would expect for such a dense tight end, chewing up a ton of grass. Playing a ton of reps detached, Bentley has yet to become a major asset in the running game. He does have effort as a blocker, which gives some hope for the future. Despite Bentley being an older prospect, there is still a very real developmental track for him to become a starter down the road. He is just scratching the surface of how good he can be.) (4-17-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-my-guys-multiple-first-round-wildcards-massive-risers/

25 Best NFL Draft Fits For the Lions Ranked by Round and Impact (23. TE Dallen Bentley:  New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing utilized multi-tight end packages at one of the highest rates in the entire league. Even with the addition of Tyler Conklin to a room that already features Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, Bentley is one of several mid-to-late tight ends with upside who could help the Lions' offense.) (4-17-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/25-best-nfl-draft-fits-for-lions-ranked-by-round-impact-2026

College coaches pick 2026 NFL draft sleepers (Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes - Key numbers: 48 receptions, 620 receiving yards, six TDs in 2025. Bentley was limited by injuries and stuck behind other tight ends on Utah's depth chart, so he had only three receptions in his first two seasons with the Utes before last fall. He had multiple receptions in every game and caught touchdown passes in three of the last four, including the Las Vegas Bowl against Nebraska.  Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 234 overall, No. 22 tight end, grade of 45.  What else to know: Bentley transferred to Utah from Snow College, where he had eight receptions (two touchdowns) in 2022. He was limited by a hamstring injury in 2023 but capitalized on his opportunity last season, finishing second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards, and tying for the lead in touchdown catches. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Bentley tied for fifth in bench press reps among tight ends (24) at the combine, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds.  "He's a complete tight end, he can block and he can catch the ball," former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "He can be an in-line guy that is very physical and can block, but he runs really good routes, he's got soft hands. He's smart. He was bogged down with injuries the first couple seasons with us, but last year he really blossomed.") (4-13-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48380198/2026-nfl-draft-college-football-coaches-sleeper-picks


2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Tight ends (9. Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes - Big board rank: 142. Bentley produced as a receiving tight end in 2025 but likely lacks the baseline athleticism needed to stick at the next level. He will need to win with anticipation and route nuance to overcome those limitations.) (4-2-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-tight-end-rankings

Patriots 2026 NFL Draft Preview: Tight ends (Mid-Day 3 - Moving further down the board there are still tight ends will more well-rounded skillsets, but they are more project players at this point. That includes players like Dallen Bentley from Utah and Marlin Klein from Michigan. For most of his career at Utah Bentley, who stands 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, was primarily used as a blocker. He had a total of three catches over his first two seasons, despite playing over 400 snaps during that time. Last year though his receiving role expanded and he caught 48 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns. With a big catch radius he projects as a chain mover for teams that believe his 2025 receiving production was not a fluke.) (3-26-26):  https://985thesportshub.com/2026/03/26/patriots-2026-nfl-draft-preview-tight-ends/

Marlin Klein Details Unique NFL Draft Journey That Has Teams Buzzing (3-25-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/marlin-klein-details-unique-nfl-draft-journey-that-has-teams-buzzing

Detroit Lions have 'significant' interest in Utah TE Dallen Bentley (3-24-26):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/03/24/detroit-lions-interest-utah-dallen-bentley/89278591007/

2026 NFL Draft: My top 10 players at each offensive position (Tight End - 9. Dallen Bentley, Utah) (3-24-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-wasserman-top-10-players-offense

Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Dallen Bentley among former Utes who shined at Utah’s pro day (Meanwhile, Bentley had a productive day and likely improved his draft stock with some scouts in attendance.  Bentley looked to have one of the fastest 40-yard dash times of the day — around 4.5 seconds, according to an unofficial stopwatch — and was impressive in the route-running and catching portion of the event.  Former Utah and Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes served as the quarterback at pro day, and his deep ball to Bentley, who proceeded to backflip after scoring the touchdown, was the highlight of the afternoon.  “I just tried to put out my best self and I think I did a pretty good job doing that today,” Bentley said.) (3-19-26):  https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/03/19/utah-football-pro-day-spencer-fano-caleb-lomu/

NFL Combine: Utah Tackles Fano, Lomu Stand Out (Bentley Adds Versatility to the Utah Group - Not to be overlooked was Dallen Bentley (TE), who came through with a strong showing on Friday. After a great senior season that ended with 48 catches for 620 yards and 6 touchdowns, his combine performance continues bolster his outlook at the next level.  Bentley posted excellent measurables — including 33⅛″ arm length and a balanced 6-4, 253-pound frame — and spoke confidently about his role at the next level:  “Take pride in being the best TE I can be with both blocking and receiving … just do whatever is being asked of you,” Bentley said on site, underscoring his willingness to contribute in multiple ways.  His combine testing highlighted his two-phase skill set, he ran a 4.62 second 40-yard, as well as 24 reps on the bench press. Bentley projects as a traditional in-line tight end, who contributes as a blocker and receiver.) (3-2-26):  https://sports.ksl.com/ncaa/utah/fano-lomu-nfl-combine-utah/572341

2026 NFL Combine Stock Report – Tight Ends (Up - Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah:  Dallen Bentley’s numbers won’t pop out when compared to what Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers accomplished, but his 4.62 40-yard dash and 35-inch vertical are very good for a 253-pound tight end.) (2-27-26):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2026stockTE.php

What an NFL analyst said about Utah’s 5 players in the 2026 NFL Combine (Dallen Bentley, tight end - 2025 stats: 76.9 PFF grade, 48 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns.  2025 honors: All-Big 12 third team.  PFF Big Board rank: 181.  Mel Kiper’s positional rank: No. 3.  NFL.com prospect grade: 5.84 (average backup).  Scouting report:  “With just three catches over his first two seasons at Utah, Bentley’s 48 grabs in 2025 came as a surprise. He has the build of an in-line tight end but mostly uses his size to occupy defenders instead of digging into blocks. A heavy portion of his catches came against zone, so he will need to refine his route running and contested-catch technique to prove he can win on his own. Bentley’s NFL future could depend on his ability to play with more tenacity and technique as a run blocker since his catch production from 2025 might not translate.” — Zierlein) (2-25-26):  https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/02/25/utah-utes-nfl-combine-scouting-report-big-board/

Top Prospects Lions Fans Need to Watch at 2026 Scouting Combine (Dallen Bentley, Utah:  This year's crop of tight ends is deep in the middle-to-late rounds, and Bentley is one of the more productive options. He had six touchdowns in his final year with the Utes, and could be a nice compliment to Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright in Drew Petzing's offense.) (2-23-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/top-prospects-lions-fans-to-watch-2026-scouting-combine

From SLC To Indy: Utah’s Combine Crew, Their Draft Stakes (Dallen Bentley — Tight End:  Bentley carved out a key role in Utah’s offense, particularly as a red-zone and chain-moving option. Reliable hands, willing blocker, understands spacing. Bentley’s inviting to the Combine came on the heels of a career year in which he showed reliable hands, contested catch ability, and Red Zone utility. He finished second on Utah in receiving and earned All-Big 12 honors, making it clear he’s more than just a role player.  Stakes: While currently viewed as a late-round or priority free agent prospect, Bentley could entice teams with athletic testing that shows he’s more than a matchup fix — a real contributor in pro offenses.) (2-23-26):  https://sports.ksl.com/ncaa/utah-football/utah-utes-nfl-combine/572175

2026 Combine preview: Tight end (5. Dallen Bentley, Utah, 6-3, 262.  Bentley is a versatile tight end with a solid overall game as a pass catcher and run blocker, which teams will like about him. He was seventh among all tight ends nationally in receiving yards and 10th in receptions with 48 catches for 640 yards and six touchdowns for the Utes this past season.) (2-20-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-combine-preview-tight-end-sadiq-vanderbilt-klare

Several intriguing draft prospects boosted their draft positioning for the 2026 NFL Draft at the East-West Shrine Bowl practices. (Tight end: Dallen Bentley, Utah - Bentley was far and away the best tight end here at Shrine every day, and his athleticism popped off the field every time. This draft class is wide open at tight end behind Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, and Bentley is making a case to be the second tight end off the board.  At 6’5, 262 pounds, Bentley is a rocked-up athlete, and I’ve heard he’s expected to test well for his size, potentially running in the low 4.6s.) (1-26-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/cade-klubnik-2026-nfl-draft-prospects-improved-stock-east-west-shrine-bowl/

Shrine Bowl: Offensive prospects on East roster for Packers to watch (Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah:  Bently enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Utes this past season, recording 48 receptions for 620 yards and six touchdowns. He runs his routes with urgency and does a good job of working himself open. The Utah tight end is competitive after the catch and racked up 257 yards after the catch.) (1-24-26):  https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2026/01/24/shrine-bowl-offensive-prospects-on-east-roster-for-packers-to-watch/88329735007/

Utah's Dallen Bentley gaining NFL draft buzz ahead of East-West Shrine Bowl (1-23-26):  https://www.si.com/college/utah/football/utah-dallen-bentley-gaining-nfl-draft-buzz-ahead-of-east-west-shrine-bowl

Utah senior Dallen Bentley accepts East-West Shrine Bowl invite (12-18-25):  https://www.si.com/college/utah/football/utah-senior-dallen-bentley-accepts-east-west-shrine-bowl-invite

PFSN All-Big 12 Football Team Headlined by Devon Dampier, David Bailey (PFSN All-Big 12 Second Team  - TE: Dallen Bentley, Utah Utes) (12-11-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-all-big-12-football-team-2025/

Opportunity Has Allowed TE Dallen Bentley To Flourish This Season According to Freddie Whittingham (11-19-25):  https://247sports.com/college/utah/article/utah-utes-football-opportunity-has-allowed-te-dallen-bentley-to-flourish-this-season-according-to-freddie-whittingham-262403720/

PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football Team Headlined by Josh Hoover, David Bailey (PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football First Team - TE: Dallen Bentley, Utah) (10-14-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-midseason-all-big-12-football-team/

‘He’s turning into the player that we hoped he would’: How Dallen Bentley went from high school sidelines to starring for his favorite childhood team (10-8-25):  https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/10/08/utah-utes-tight-end-dallen-bentley-making-impact-for-utah-utes/

College Football Week 4: Team of the Week, Player Awards (Big 12 Team of the Week - TE: Dallen Bentley, Utah) (9-21-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025


Utah Football’s Top Performers From Week Two According to PFF (Other Notable Grades: Dallen Bentley - Utah's TE1 had his best day ever, according to PFF. Bentley had two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, leading to a grade of 81.6, which is the highest of his career. Bentley had a receiving grade of 80.9, which was the highest on the team last week. He had a hand drop grade of 70.7 and a hand fumble grade of 62.9  He recorded a 65.5 pass blocking grade and a run blocking grade of 73.2, which was the highest of any player who started last week.) (9-9-25):  https://247sports.com/college/utah/article/utah-utes-football-jackson-bennee-johnathan-hall-john-henry-daley-top-performers-253747639/

Utah football breakout candidates for 2025 (TE Dallen Bentley:  TE1 is in a prime position to make a big-time impact on this year's team. Bentley is the lone 'traditional' tight end on this offense, but don't expect to see him locked into that role. Bentley said last week that this group is going to be used in a multitude of different ways this season, and Beck is focused on utilizing whatever abilities these guys possess.  Bentley comes into this season with only three receptions for 19 yards during his first two seasons here. Last season, he could have had a big season, but due to poor QB play, he wasn't utilized. Upon reviewing the film, there were many moments where Bentley was open, but the ball just never got to him.  But the hope is that he can establish himself as not only a solid target for Devon Dampier but also an effective blocker in the run game. He very well could be one of the top receivers on this Utah offense this season if he does what is asked of him and continues to put in the work.) (8-23-25):  https://247sports.com/college/utah/article/utah-utes-football-breakout-candidates-rabbit-evans-daidren-zipperer-252879444/

Is Utah's tight end due for breakout season? (8-22-25):  https://www.si.com/college/utah/football/is-utah-tight-end-due-for-breakout-season

Utah TE Dallen Bentley Poised For Bigger Role With Utes This Season (6-12-25):  https://sports.ksl.com/60-in-60/dallen-bentley-utah-role/549954

Posted by LionsFan at 9:36 AM

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