Wednesday, April 15, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect TE Marlin Klein

Marlin Klein:

Scouting Reports:





Video:

Tight end Marlin Klein runs official 4.61-second 40-yard dash at 2026 combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/marlin-klein-runs-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine

2026 NFL DRAFT HIGHLIGHTS: TE Marlin Klein:  https://bigten.org/gallery/videos/22995/

Articles:

Max Klare is Forcing NFL Draft Conversations to Shift in Real Time (4-24-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/max-klare-is-forcing-nfl-draft-conversations-to-shift-in-real-time

TE Marlin Klein left Europe to pursue his football dream and now hopes to see payoff at NFL draft (4-22-26):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-europe-b145534d181d8552cd87d2da6be9bf00


2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Tight ends (8. Marlin Klein, Michigan Wolverines -;Big board rank: 138.  Klein is an intriguing young prospect who is relatively new to football but shows the effort and mentality to develop into a difference-making in-line tight end. If he continues to add weight and strength, he projects as a strong TE2-type with blocking upside.) (4-2-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-tight-end-rankings


2026 NFL draft: Tannenbaum's prospect targets in Rounds 1-7 (The player I'd be trying to steal in Round 5 - Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan:  There's something special about Klein, who grew up playing mainly soccer in Germany, went to a boarding school in Georgia to play high school football and eventually became a captain his senior year at Michigan. I see great physical attributes at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds. Even with 248 yards and one score last season, I believe Klein can make it over the long term. He's the kind of developmental prospect I'd be looking for in this range.) (3-27-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48305662/2026-nfl-draft-tannenbaum-board-prospects-targets-seven-rounds-gm

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. Klein's ability as a well-rounded tight end is more of a projection. Born in Germany, he didn't start playing football until he was in high school, and started just 12 games in college. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds he's already shown he can use his size to block. He's still growing as a receiver but did show some progress last year with 24 catches for 248 yards in 11 games. It'll be up to teams to develop him more there but he does have athletic upside, running a 4.61 40 with a 46-inch vertical at the Combine.) (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

NFL Draft Late Round Value Picks: Tight Ends (Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan:  A Cologne, Germany native, Marlin Klein fell in love with football overseas and pursued his dream all the way to Michigan and the NFL Draft. His passion for football is evident on tape through his compete level and effort. Klein is an ascending prospect who is still scratching the surface of his upside. He'll require a patient environment, but he's above-average both as a receiving option and blocker.) (3-20-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/late-round-expert/nfl-draft-late-round-value-picks-tight-ends

Marlin Klein Details Unique NFL Draft Journey That Has Teams Buzzing (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/player-profiles/marlin-klein-details-unique-nfl-draft-journey-that-has-teams-buzzing

2026 NFL Draft TE Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions (8. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan:  Michigan tight end Marlin Klein once hit 6.89 in the three-cone drill, according to Bruce Feldman's Freaks List. A similar result at next week's NFL Combine would turn heads. Klein, a German native, is an effective route runner once he reaches top speed, and he's a well-developed blocker as a result of playing in Michigan's run-heavy offense.) (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/rumors/2026-nfl-draft-te-rankings-big-board-tiers-predictions-01khtnwzgwt6

How Every Michigan Football Player Fared at the NFL Scouting Combine (TE Marlin Klein - Measurements: 6'6", 248-pounds, 40-yard dash: 4.61 seconds, 10-yard split: 1.64 seconds, Vertical jump: 36", Broad jump: 9' 9", 3-cone drill: 7.42 seconds.  Out of the 18 tight ends who ran, Klein had the 7th fastest time for the 40-yard dash. He had the ninth-best vertical jump, but was towards the bottom of both the broad jump and the 3-cone drill.  Zierlein believes Klein has just average athleticism, but coming from Michigan, he has some tough grit. As of now, the German prospect is viewed as a Day 3 pick, but could develop into a backup TE in the NFL. Klein's testing numbers didn't overly help him, but he showed better athleticism in Ann Arbor.) (2-28-26):  https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/every-michigan-football-player-fared-nfl-scouting-combine

NFL Combine recap: Michigan tight end Marlin Klein shines in 40-yard dash, vertical leap (2-28-26):  https://247sports.com/article/nfl-combine-recap-michigan-tight-end-marlin-klein-shines-in-40-yard-dash-vertical-leap-276016903/

Lions' International Game Appealing to German Tight End Prospect Klein (2-28-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/lions-international-game-appealing-to-german-tight-end-prospect

Broncos targeting tight end in draft with Sam Roush and Marlin Klein among prospects evaluated (2-28-26):  https://nflanalysis.net/broncos-targeting-tight-end-in-draft-with-sam-roush-and-marlin-klein-among-prospects-evaluated/

2026 NFL Combine results: 5 winners from the tight ends group (Martin Klein, Michigan (6-foot-6, 248):  While Roush may be the top fit for the Lions, Klein may be my favorite combination of production, upside, and projected selection value. Still just scratching the surface of his skills, Klein showed off his athleticism at the Combine, running a 4.61 40-yard-dash, jumping 36 inches in the vertical, and knocking out a 9-foot-9 broad jump. In on-field drills, he put his head down and got to work immediately. The gauntlet drill looked easy for him, as he appeared to accelerate through the drill without losing any balance or catch production. In the blocking drill, he lost his square quickly and fell off, which was surprising because that is a skill he has in his tool bag.) (2-28-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158212/2026-nfl-combine-results-5-winners-from-the-tight-ends-group

2026 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times for tight ends (8. Marlin Klein, Michigan – 4.61 seconds - During his time at Michigan, Marlin Klein didn’t necessarily put up big numbers in the passing game, but became known as a blocker. He was still among the Top 10 tight ends in the 40-yard dash on Friday, running a 4.62.  Klein turned in his most productive season in 2025 when he had 24 receptions for 248 yards and his first career touchdown. He was also part of Michigan’s national championship team in 2023.) (2-27-26):  https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2026-nfl-scouting-combine-top-10-fastest-40-yard-dash-times-tight-ends-eli-stowers-kenyon-sadiq/


NFL Combine: 4 high-character tight ends that fit Detroit Lions (Michigan TE Marlin Klein - Size: 6-foot-6, 250 pounds.  Quick bio: A German-born player who is still learning the sport, but earned his keep at Michigan and was even named captain in 2025. Needs more build on his frame, but has a blocking framework and untapped catching potential.  Current draft projection: Early Day 3.  Combine vibes:  It didn’t take long into his media session for the Lions connections to come in. He said he met with the Lions on Wednesday night, and he also talked about the Germany connection to the Lions, both in terms of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s heritage and the recently announced international game to be played in Munich.  “My dream is to go back and play a game over there,” Klein said.  Beyond the Lions’ connection, Klein gave a great answer about the 2023 season. He was supposed to have a big role on offense, but Michigan added AJ Barner via the transfer portal, and the 2025 fourth-round pick took over his role. Klein admitted it was frustrating, but eventually said it was a blessing in disguise, because he got to watch how a professional operates.  “When they brought him in to start over me my sophomore year, I hated him,” Klein said. “I thought I was the man, I was supposed to play. They brought him in, he started. But looking back, it was the biggest blessing of my life. It was such a blessing to watch him work every single day, how he attacked the game of football, his life outside of football.”) (2-26-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158121/nfl-combine-4-high-character-tight-ends-that-fit-detroit-lions

2026 Combine preview: Tight end (Combine sleeper to watch: Marlin Klein, Michigan, 6-6, 250.  Klein didn't have a ton of production at Michigan, but he's got a massive frame and is likely to test off the charts at the Combine. He was on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List before the season and teams could look at the athletic numbers and his frame and see a player with a lot of upside they could mold.) (2-20-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-combine-preview-tight-end-sadiq-vanderbilt-klare

NFL Combine preview: 10 TE prospects the Lions should be scouting (Marlin Klein, Michigan (6-foot-6, 245):  Hailing from Germany, Klein is a traditional TE-Y with pro-style offense experience and tremendous upside. While he could use a bit more weight/strength on his frame, he’s strong in all aspects of his game and demonstrates strong blocking technique, an understanding of leverage, and how to create advantages with inside hands. As a receiver, he’s more effort than technique at this stage of his development, but the promise is there. He covers ground quickly, can stretch the seam, is smooth underneath, and hits his marks, but he lacks elite speed, which limits separation and YAC.) (2-19-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/156650/2026-nfl-combine-preview-10-te-prospects-detroit-lions-draft

2026 NFL Combine: Prospects to Watch at Every Position (Marlin Klein, Michigan:  Marlin Klein, a tight end from Germany, made back-to-back Freaks List appearances. The Michigan standout hit 6.89 in the three-cone drill, faster than his former teammate Colston Loveland's 6.94. Klein is a candidate to lead all tight ends in several testing categories if he participates.) (2-12-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/02/12/nfl-combine-2026-prospects-to-watch

Senior Bowl: Broadcast schedule, which Michigan players are participating (Tight end Marlin Klein: The 6-foot-6 TE from Cologne, Germany, hauled in 38 receptions for 364 yards with one touchdown. Klein was a team captain in 2025 and appeared in 36 games for the Wolverines.) (1-29-26):  https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/105102/michigan-football-senior-bowl-broadcast-schedule-derrick-moore-marlin-klein-jaishawn-barham-rayshaun-benny


5 Draft Prospects Lions Should Scout Week 13 (TE Marlin Klein, Michigan:  Klein is a player who has not stuffed the stat sheet, failing to crack 200 receiving yards during a season with the Wolverines. However, the senior is still flirting with being a sixth-round draft pick.  The Wolverines have not had consistent quarterback play since J.J. McCarthy left to be a first-round pick, going through three passers in 2024 while Klein backed up Colston Loveland (another first-round selection). Klein also suffered an injury which sidelined him against the Sooners. The Wolverines tight end is being slept on, and he is a quick scout for Holmes & Co., being in their backyard. He is a willing blocker, and provides a great steal for the Lions to break in and compete with Brock Wright for the No. 2 tight end gig next season.  The Wolverines travel to Maryland Saturday, facing the Terrapins at 4 p.m. EST.) (11-22-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/5-draft-prospects-lions-should-scout-week-13

Michigan confident in tight end room’s ability to execute, no matter who’s on the field (Klein leads the room with 162 yards and a touchdown, but 93 of those yards and the touchdown came in the first game of the season against New Mexico. It’s been the impact and consistency of rotation players that have led to the Wolverines’ success. Whether Klein and Hansen have been out with injury or hit a slump, Michigan is finding it can rely on a next-man-up mentality.  When Klein and Hansen were both out against the Huskies, the Wolverines didn’t change their gameplan or take their foot off the gas in the passing game. Instead Michigan bunkered down and threw the ball to the third and fourth options in the room — junior tight ends Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli — both of whom answered the call.) (11-12-25):  https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/michigan-confident-in-tight-end-rooms-ability-to-execute-no-matter-whos-on-the-field/

After early-season injury setback, Michigan TE Marlin Klein says he’s back to 100 percent (11-10-25):  https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/football/2025/11/10/michigan-football-marlin-klein-injury-update-return/87199715007/

2026 NFL Draft Offensive Intel: A QB no one is talking about, the ultimate boom or bust WR, a sleeper at TE, and more (Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan:  What sources are saying: “Athletic international player that was in Colston Loveland’s shadow. All the making of a high draft pick given the traits.”  Analysis: What’s intrguing with Klein is his total array of skills. Still developing as a pass catcher and a route runner, he’s been dominant as a run blocker, yet it’s the mix of size and fluidity that makes you excited for what he can become. Certainly a player worth rolling the dice on. – Gregson.  For more intel, rankings, profiles, mock drafts and everything 2026 NFL Draft, make sure to follow A to Z Sports on all social media platforms.) (11-3-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-intel-chris-bell-cole-payton-olaivavega-loane/

Michigan depth chart: Injuries to starters creates uncertainty entering MSU game (Starting tight end Marlin Klein was ruled out before the game, but Hogan Hansen also didn’t play despite not being on the availability report.) (10-24-25):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2025/10/michigan-depth-chart-injuries-to-starters-creates-uncertainty-entering-msu-game.html


Where have Michigan’s tight ends gone in passing attack in 2025? (Tight ends have long been a focal point in Michigan’s offense, but the group hasn’t been very involved in the passing attack midway through this season. Klein, a captain, was freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood’s go-to target in the opener against New Mexico, finishing with a team-high six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. But the Germany native has just six receptions for 39 yards in four games since.) (10-15-25):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2025/10/where-have-michigans-tight-ends-gone-in-passing-attack-in-2025.html



PFF grades, snap counts following Michigan's electric win over Central Michigan (Bottom Five Offensive Players - 4. TE Marlin Klein - 55.8 grade. Snap Counts To Know
TE Marlin Klein didn't start, but he did get the most reps of any TE with 37 snaps. Klein did not play last weekend at Oklahoma.) (9-14-25):  https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/pff-grades-snap-counts-following-michigan-dominant-win-over-central-michigan

Michigan football departs Oklahoma with more injured starters (Tight end Marlin Klein suited up with a thick rap over his right foot but did not play in the game, leaving freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood without a reliable option in the passing game. Underwood finished just 9 of 24 for 142 yards in the loss.) (9-7-25):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2025/09/michigan-football-departs-oklahoma-with-more-starters-injured.html

Meet Marlin Klein, Michigan's huge tight end who learned football playing for the Cologne Crocodiles (9-6-25):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/michigan/news/meet-marlin-klein-michigan-huge-tight-end-cologne-crocodiles/6fc4ce20cfd37f58a43defd6

Michigan football news: Marlin Klein gets unfortunate update before Oklahoma game (Reports indicate that Klein, who is 22 years old, arrived at the arena with a wrap around his ankle, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN) (9-6-25):  https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/michigan-football-news-marlin-klein-unfortunate-injury-update

Michigan's Marlin Klein receives top grade nationally after Week 1 performance (9-5-25):  https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-marlin-klein-receives-top-grade-nationally-after-week-1-performance

Michigan TE Marlin Klein's big game nearly equaled his production in all 2024 (8-31-25):  https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/michigan-te-marlin-kleins-big-game-nearly-equaled-his-production-in-all-2024-253298784/

Marlin Klein reliable and dynamic as Underwood’s favorite target against New Mexico (8-31-25):  https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/marlin-klein-reliable-and-dynamic-as-underwoods-favorite-target-against-new-mexico/

Takeaways from Michigan Football’s win over New Mexico (Have you a day Marlin Klein - Tight end Marlin Klein is no longer playing second fiddle to Colston Loveland and is now a TE1 and a captain for Michigan. Klein had the best game of his career against New Mexico, hauling in six receptions for 93 yards and the first receiving touchdown of his career. Klein looked like a favorite target of Underwood and had some excellent route running throughout the game, as well as explosiveness. Michigan’s been fortunate to have a steady stream of talented tight ends, and Klein looks like the next man up to succeed at the position for the Wolverines.) (8-30-25):  https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/91299/michigan-football-new-mexico-takeaways-game-recap-bryce-underwood-justice-haynes-big-ten-oklahoma

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Tight End Overview (Y TE - Marlin Klein, Michigan.  Strengths:  Long stride length — can look lumbering, but covers ground quickly.  Strong grip strength as a blocker despite a lighter frame.  Solid experience from an in-line alignment.  High-effort player with good energy on tape.  Weaknesses:  Very limited receiving production entering his fourth season in 2025.  Route running lacks polish and sharpness — primarily a vertical runner.  Needs to add mass if he's to fully embrace a traditional Y-tight end role.  Scouting Summary:  Klein’s journey from Cologne, Germany, to the States — where he picked up football as a high school sophomore — has been a slow and steady developmental arc. He now shows NFL potential as a high-effort tight end with strong technical skills in pass protection and experience playing in-line. His high PFF pass-blocking grades contrast with lower run-blocking marks, reflecting good technique but limited power due to his leaner frame. As a receiver, Klein hasn’t produced much, but his long strides make him a sneaky vertical threat. He projects as a low-volume, in-line blocking tight end who could surprise defenses if left unchecked in the passing game.) (8-30-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-summer-scouting-tight-end-overview-2026-nfl-draft

Michigan football names six captains for 2025 team, all seniors (Offensively, there are two new captains: left guard Giovanni El-Hadi, who has been spoken of about his offseason leadership all year, and tight end Marlin Klein.) (8-21-25):  https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/football/2025/08/21/michigan-announces-six-seniors-at-2025-team-captains/85759767007/

Renner's NFL Draft position rankings: Top 10 tight ends (Marlin Klein - Player type: All-around route-runner.  Room for improvement: Aggression in the run game.Early Grade: Early Day 3. Marlin Klein had both Colston Loveland and the putrid Michigan passing offense working against his draft prospects last year, but from what limited footage we got of Klein in the passing game, his NFL potential was obvious. He's got a classic tight end frame with plus all-around athletic tools -- almost like a tuned-down version of his first-round teammate. I love how loose his hips are when coming back to the quarterback to present a target. On underneath routes, every split second matters, so being able to get your chest back to the quarterback in a hurry can often be the difference between a completion and a pass-breakup.) (8-13-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renners-nfl-draft-summer-position-rankings-best-tes-for-2026-including-a-former-top-recruit-at-the-position/



Michigan’s Marlin Klein, Manuel Beigel named to The Athletic’s 2025 freaks list (Michigan football always has players who find their way on the annual 'freaks list' put together by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, and 2025 is no different. However, this year, it has a little more international flair. The Wolverines have seen German-born players on the list before, as former defensive lineman Julius Welschof made the cut twice. But this year, both players who were included are the two Germans on the team. The first is a bit of a household name at this point, as he was a co-starter at tight end with Colston Loveland last year. Marlin Klein had long been bandied about as a potential playmaker, but this year, he's expected to be the No. 1 tight end target. Last year, Loveland spoke about how Klein was the most athletic tight end in the room, and it appears that The Athletic agrees, putting him at No. 35 on the freaks list.  No. 35 Marlin Klein, Michigan, tight end.  The TE from Germany made the Freaks List last year (No. 90). In 2024, he started six games and caught 13 passes for 108 yards and was named Most Improved Player on offense. The 6-6, 250-pound junior, who has hit 21.75 mph, broad jumped 9-7. This offseason, Klein ran a 6.89 in the three-cone drill. His former teammate Colston Loveland did it at 6.94 last offseason, and no tight end at this year’s combine did it quicker than that. Klein’s shuttle time of 4.25 this offseason would’ve been the fastest by any tight end at the combine.  One other Wolverine Freak to remember is redshirt freshman RB Micah Ka’apana, a 5-11, 190-pounder from Hawaii who broke Roman Wilson’s reactive plyo stair record at Michigan of 2.22 by flying up the stairs in 2.19 seconds.) (8-4-25):  https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/football/2025/08/04/michigan-football-2025-freaks-list-marlin-klein-manuel-beigel-bruce-feldman/85513302007/

Top Breakout TE Candidates for the 2026 NFL Draft Include Kenyon Sadiq and Brett Norfleet (Marlin Klein, Michigan - Marlin Klein doesn’t have much buzz for the 2026 NFL Draft, but that should change as the upcoming season progresses. Last season, Klein sat behind Colston Loveland, who went No. 10 overall to the Chicago Bears in this year’s draft. Loveland is known for his elite athleticism, but Klein put up better on-field speed numbers. A member of the annual Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in 2024, Klein topped out at a whopping 21.75 miles per hour, surpassing Loveland’s top speed.  A native of Germany, Klein moved to the United States before his junior year of high school, and some signs suggest that he still requires high-level coaching to develop into the player he clearly can be. Klein still needs to develop as a route-running technician and as a blocker, and he has only caught 14 passes in college, making him an unproven commodity. With his elite athleticism, he could be a massive riser for the 2026 NFL Draft if his production improves.) (7-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-breakout-te-candidates-2026-nfl-draft/

Michigan football's most important players of the 2025 season, No. 18 Marlin Klein (6-19-25):  https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/michigan-footballs-most-important-players-of-the-2025-season-no-18-marlin-klein-251047186/



6 players would could swing the 2025 season for Michigan Football (Marlin Klein:  Michigan’s offense is undergoing a bit of a transformation, and one of the key questions is: Who replaces the production of Colston Loveland?  Enter Marlin Klein — the 6-foot-6 senior has been a part of Michigan’s offensive rotation since 2023 and now becomes the leader of a deep but unproven position group.  Physically, Klein has everything you want in a TE1 — size, speed, and experience (418 snaps last year). What he doesn’t have yet is consistent production, just 13 catches for 108 yards in 2024. But if he can take a leap like Luke Schoonmaker did in 2022, he could become a major weapon for the Wolverines in the passing game and a safety net in high-pressure moments. With Michigan desperate for reliable pass-catchers, Klein’s emergence as a legitimate No. 1 option at the position would be a massive boost.) (6-2-25):  https://www.maizenbrew.com/2025/6/2/24441567/michigan-football-bryce-underwood-jyaire-hill-tre-williams-donaven-mcculley-zeke-berry-marlin-klein

Veteran tight end ready to be ‘the guy’ for Michigan (3-28-25):  https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2025/03/veteran-tight-end-ready-to-be-the-guy-for-michigan.html


Posted by LionsFan at 9:45 PM

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