Friday, May 1, 2026

2026 Lions UDFA TE Miles Kitselman

Scouting Reports:

Tennessee:  https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/miles-kitselman/22015





ESPN (Pre-Draft Analysis - Kitselman primarily served as a blocker in college, including as a lead blocker on run plays over the past two seasons at Tennessee. As a receiver, Kitselman lacks the burst and athleticism to create separation when relying on those traits alone. He primarily served as a short outlet and checkdown option. Overall, he does not possess any traits that are off the charts. -- Scouts Inc.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/bestavailable/_/position/te

Rankings:


Video:

Miles Kitselman runs official 4.90-second 40-yard dash at the Combine:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/miles-kitselman-runs-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine

Tennessee TE Miles Kitselman: My run-blocking can keep me in the NFL 'for a really long time':  https://www.cbssports.com/watch/general/video/tennessee-te-miles-kitselman-my-run-blocking-can-keep-me-in-the-nfl-for-a-really-long-time

Joey Aguilar throws 3-yard touchdown pass to Miles Kitselman:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46114575

Articles:


2026 Detroit Lions Undrafted Free Agent Spotlight: The best guys the Lions can steal after the 2026 NFL Draft (Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee:  Tight end is the one spot I can’t really figure out for the Lions. On paper, it looks like they’re all set. But you never know, they might want more. Kitselman is a really good run blocker, and I think the Lions need more of that from their tight ends.) (4-9-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/2026-detroit-lions-undrafted-free-agent-spotlight-the-best-guys-the-lions-can-steal-after-the-2026-nfl-draft/


10 Late-Round NFL Draft Pick Winners and Losers From the Combine (Loser: Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee:  Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman is an in-line blocking specialist. He never surpassed 301 receiving yards in a single college football campaign. Still, even selfless tight ends must showcase some semblance of athleticism to threaten NFL linebackers in coverage. Kitselman didn't do that. The Lyndon, Kansas native ran a position-slow 4.90-second 40-yard dash and also finished bottom-five in the vertical (34.5 inches) dead-last in the broad (9-foot-8).) (3-4-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/10-late-round-nfl-draft-pick-winners-and-losers-from-the-combine

3 Players Who May Have Fallen Down Patriots Board at NFL Combine (Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee:  While the Patriots would be happy to add some run-blocking prowess to their stable of tight ends in 2026, Kitselman’s Combine performance may place him outside their line of sight heading into April’s draft. The former Tennessee Vol ran a 4.90 40-yard dash — the slowest time of any player at his position in this year’s class. He also placed in the bottom five in both the vertical (34.5”) and the broad jump (9’ 8’’) — suggesting some concerns about his athleticism.  Though he may be a more nuanced route runner than his peers in this year’s class, Kitselman’s history with drops and lack of separation likely make him a poor fit for a team looking for an immediate complement {and possible heir apparent] to team captain Hunter Henry.) (3-2-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi/news/3-players-may-fallen-new-england-patriots-board-nfl-combine

2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Risers and Fallers: Kenyon Sadiq, Avieon Terrell Confirm Status As First-Round Picks (2026 NFL Combine Day 2 Fallers - Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee:  When watching Miles Kitselman on tape, it’s his run-blocking ability that provides the most value. As a result, an athleticism-forward event like the Combine was never going to be the best showcase of his skills. However, he likely wanted a better outing than what he ended up having on Friday.  Kitselman’s 4.90 40-yard dash was far and away the slowest of the tight ends at this year’s Combine. He measured in at 251 pounds, while SMU’s Matt Hibner came in at the exact same weight and ran a 4.57 time. He also placed in the bottom five in both the vertical and the broad jump, suggesting some concerns about his athleticism.) (2-28-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-combine-day-2-risers-fallers/

Former Vols by the numbers on Day 2 of 2026 NFL combine (Miles Kitselman - Before he transferred to Tennessee in 2024, Kitselman played at Hutchinson Community College in 2021 and Alabama from 2022-2023. In 24 games at Tennessee, he totaled 48 receptions for 554 yards and six touchdowns.  Arm length: 31.88 inches.  Hand size: 9.88 inches.  Wingspan: 78.25 inches.  40-yard dash: 4.9 seconds.  Vertical jump: 34.5 inches.  Broad jump: 9 feet 8 inches.  Combine score: 64) (2-28-26):  https://volswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/volunteers/football/2026/02/28/tennessee-vols-football-2026-nfl-combine-day-2-results/88899063007/



NFL Combine Risers and Fallers: Lorenzo Styles Jr. Follows in Brother’s Footsteps (Fallers - Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee:  Kitselman ran a 4.90 40-yard dash, the worst in the tight end class by 0.16 seconds, and he tied for the worst in the class with a 9' 8" broad jump. He added a 34 1/2-inch vertical jump, the fifth-worst mark among tight ends. The 6' 5", 251-pound Kitselman struggled in field drills, too, and made his standing on Day 3 much shakier.) (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/combine-risers-and-fallers-lorenzo-styles-jr-follows-in-brothers-footsteps

NFL Combine winners and losers: Live updates on defensive backs, tight ends in Indianapolis (Loser: Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee.  At 251 pounds, Kitselman was never going to compete with the pseudo wide receivers cosplaying at tight end. Yet, his Combine performances remained underwhelming. His 4.91-second 40-yard dash was the worst of the testing tight ends, as was his 9'8" broad jump. At 34.5 inches, his vertical was better (fifth-worst among TEs) but still unimpressive.  Kitselman isn't an athlete, but he doesn't have the size to be a standout blocker. As such, it's a little harder to see Kitselman being drafted than it was entering the event.) (2-27-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-live-defensive-backs-tight-ends/567fe89d3bea9511f58d55c9

Tennessee Falls To Illinois In Music City Bowl, 30-28 (Illinois (9-4) answered on its ensuing possession when Luke Altmyer connected with Justin Bowick on an 18-yard touchdown pass. Illinois and Tennessee traded touchdowns, with Altmyer scoring on a 2-yard run before Bishop answered with a 12-yard touchdown scamper.) (12-30-25):  https://utsports.com/news/2025/12/30/football-tennessee-falls-to-illinois-in-music-city-bowl-30-28

Tennessee Football Starting Tight End Ruled Out vs. Vanderbilt, Missing Second-Straight Game (11-26-25):  https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/11/26/tennessee-football-starting-tight-end-ruled-out-vs-vanderbilt-missing-second-straight-game/

Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman ruled out for Florida game (Kitselman suffered a lower-body injury in the second half of the win against New Mexico State) (11-19-25):  https://www.wvlt.tv/2025/11/20/tennessee-tight-end-miles-kitselman-ruled-out-florida-game/


2026 NFL Draft: Early TE big board (5. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee:  The Tennessee tight end is another guy with great size for the position (6’5”, 255lbs), but he lacks dynamic athleticism. That said, he’s a good enough mover to split out and run a standard route tree. The concern with Kitselman as a receiver is that he’s a body catcher who doesn’t adjust that well to poor throws. As a blocker, he’s strong enough to compete and should have a future as an attached tight end who can contribute in the passing game, but will leave you wanting more.):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/11/14/2026-nfl-draft-early-te-big-board/87260485007/

Who Tennessee Football’s Captains are in Game at Alabama (For the third time, tight end Miles Kitselman is getting the honor. He will be returning to Tuscaloosa for the first time since transferring in to Tennessee a year ago. He is 1-0 against Alabama as a Vol, though, with UT winning the game last season. So far this year, Kistelman has recorded 19 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns this year.) (10-17-25):  https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/who-tennessee-footballs-captains-are-in-game-at-alabama/

#12/12 Volunteers Hold Off Hogs, 34-31 (An eight-yard toss from Aguilar to tight end Miles Kitselman made it 17-all with 2:52 left on the clock.) (10-1-25):  https://utsports.com/news/2025/10/11/football-12-12-volunteers-hold-off-hogs-34-31

Leaders Build Leaders: How Miles Kitselman’s influence is shaped by those around him (9-17-25):  https://utsports.com/news/2025/9/17/football-leaders-build-leaders-how-tennessee-tight-end-miles-kitselmans-leadership-is-shaped-by-those-around-him

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Tight End Overview (Y TE - Miles Kitselman, Tennessee.  Strengths:  Prototypical NFL tight end size.  Decent straight-line athleticism for his frame.  Strong hands and extended catch radius.  Solid weight profile to anchor in in-line blocking situations.  Weaknesses:  Won’t separate much with horizontal route breaks.  Unlikely to be a major yards-after-catch threat at the next level.  Limited receiving production across three college seasons.  Scouting Summary:  Kitselman looks the part of an NFL tight end. He brings an all-around skill set and has experience aligning in-line, in the slot, and as a wingback. His PFF run-blocking grades have been consistently reliable and impactful over three seasons in the SEC. In 2024, he also demonstrated encouraging growth in the passing game, recording a career-high in receiving volume. While he may not become a top-tier separator or YAC threat, Kitselman projects as a scheme-versatile tight end who fits what every NFL team needs — it’s just a matter of how highly he’s valued on draft day.) (8-30-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-summer-scouting-tight-end-overview-2026-nfl-draft

#24/18 Vols Triumph in Atlanta, Down Syracuse 45-26 (Aguilar hit Miles Kitselman from two yards out to push the margin back to three scores.) (8-30-25):  https://utsports.com/news/2025/8/30/football-24-18-vols-triumph-in-atlanta-down-syracuse-45-26

Josh Heupel updates health of Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman for Syracuse game (8-27-25):  https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-miles-kitselman-injury-update-josh-heupel-syracuse-game/

30 Days 30 Vols: #3 Miles Kitselman (8-27-25):  https://www.wsmv.com/video/2025/08/28/30-days-30-vols-3-miles-kitselman/

Tennessee Tight End Miles Kitselman Taking Advice From Future NFL Hall of Famer Ahead of the 2025 Season (8-22-25):  https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/08/22/tennessee-tight-end-miles-kitselman-taking-advice-from-future-nfl-hall-of-famer-rob-gronkowski-ahead-of-the-2025-season/

The Latest on Tennessee Football Tight End Miles Kitselman’s Injury Rehab (7-31-25):  https://www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/07/31/the-latest-on-tennessee-football-tight-end-miles-kitselmans-injury-rehab/

Previewing Tennessee's returning starters for 2025 football season (Kitselman appeared in all 13 games during his first season at Tennessee in 2024 after transferring from Alabama. He recorded 22 receptions for 301 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound tight end also scored one rushing touchdown.) (7-25-25):  https://volswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/volunteers/football/2025/07/25/2025-tennessee-vols-college-football-returning-starters-preview/85376524007/

Top 25 Returning College Football Tight Ends: Eli Stowers, Jack Endries Highlight the Elite Talent (15. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee - 2024 PFSN College TE+ Grade: 79.54 (C+).  Miles Kitselman proved to be one of the SEC’s most efficient tight ends in 2024, recording 301 yards and four touchdowns on 22 receptions while averaging 13.7 yards per catch.  Furthermore, an impressive 81.8% of his receptions resulted in first downs or touchdowns. The impactful tight end also added a further touchdown on the ground, and his five touchdowns from scrimmage were the third-most among tight ends in the SEC.  Entering his final season of eligibility in 2025, Kitselman is expected to be one of the top players at his position in the conference once more.) (7-24-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/top-25-returning-college-football-tight-ends/

Injury updates on key Vols Jermod McCoy, Miles Kitselman and Arion Carter from SEC Media Days (Kitselman, a 13-game starter last season after transferring in from Alabama, suffered a pectoral injury during spring ball and underwent surgery, but expects to be ready for the start of the season.  “It’s going good,” Kitselman said. “Ahead of schedule right now. Just trying to focus on day by day. Yeah, I mean, everything’s going ahead of schedule. The doc says that he can’t tell the difference, so just feeling strong now, getting back out there on the field with everybody and yeah, we should be good to go.” Kitselman said later he recently returned to being a full participant in Tennessee’s offseason activities.  “Right now I am able to do everything that the team’s doing, so that’s awesome,” he said. “I don’t have to sit on the sidelines during OTAs. I’m able to do that. We’re ahead of schedule right now as far as the pec goes.”) (7-15-25):  https://247sports.com/college/tennessee/article/tennessee-vols-injury-updates-jermod-mccoy-miles-kitselman-arion-carter-sec-media-days-251774323/



Tennessee’s Miles Kitselman tabbed as a tight end to know for next year’s NFL Draft (5-19-25):  https://247sports.com/college/tennessee/article/miles-kitselman-tennessee-vols-tight-end-to-know-2026-nfl-draft-pro-football-focus-250085363/



10 tight ends to know for the 2026 NFL Draft (Miles Kitselman, Tennessee:  Following a year at the JUCO level and two seasons at Alabama as a backup, Kitselman had a breakout senior year after transferring to Tennessee. He finished 2024 as the seventh-most-valuable tight end in the nation, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric, and ranks fourth among returning tight ends. Kitselman was also one of four tight ends in the country with top-25 PFF grades as a receiver and a run blocker. He hasn’t dropped a pass in his career and is capable of displacing defenders in the run game at 256 pounds.) (5-7-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-tight-ends-to-know-2026-nfl-draft

Miles Kitselman suffers injury, requiring Tennessee tight ends to develop quickly (Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman suffered a pectoral injury in spring practice and underwent surgery, a source with knowledge of the situation told Knox News.  The source requested anonymity because UT and Kitselman have not commented on specifics of his injury. He is expected to return for the 2025 season, but that timeline will depend on the rate of his rehabilitation, the source added.  Kitselman was one of the SEC’s best tight ends last season. He had 22 receptions for 301 yards and four TDs, which tied for third-most among the league's tight ends. And he served a key role in blocking for the SEC's No. 1 rushing offense.  Kitsleman is only returning to Tennessee for the 2025 season rather than vying for an NFL opportunity because an NCAA rule change that added a year to his eligibility. The Diego Pavia lawsuit forced the NCAA to grant blanket waivers to former junior college transfers.  Kitselman, a 6-foot-5, 255-pounder, spent the 2021 season at Hutchinson Community College. He transferred to Alabama, where he played two seasons before coming to Tennessee prior to the 2024 season.  The Vols need Kitselman’s production and leadership, so his quick return is essential. But his injury highlights a need for young tight ends to develop quickly.) (3-29-25):  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/03/29/miles-kitselman-injury-update-tennessee-football-tight-end/82697844007/

College Football: Top 10 returning tight ends entering the 2025 season (7. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee - Following a year at the JUCO level and two seasons at Alabama as a backup, Kitselman broke out in his senior year after transferring to Tennessee. He finished 2024 as the seventh-most valuable tight end in the nation, according to PFF’s wins above average metric, and ranks fourth among returners at the position. Kitselman was also one of four tight ends in college football with top-25 PFF grades as a receiver and a run blocker. He hasn’t dropped a pass in his college career and is capable of displacing defenders in the run game at 256 pounds.) (2-20-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-tight-ends-2025






Posted by LionsFan at 11:20 AM

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