Josh Cuevas is a tight end from Los Angeles, California. He attended Campbell Hall High School, where he was a three-sport athlete participating in baseball, basketball, and football. During his high school career, Cuevas played both wide receiver and outside linebacker. Cuevas entered college as an unranked recruit with only a few scholarship offers, ultimately committing to Cal Poly. He redshirted in 2021 before breaking out in 2022 and earning Third-Team All-Big Sky honors. Cuevas transferred to Washington for the 2023 season, where his role and workload declined as the team fell to Michigan in the National Championship Game. In 2024, Cuevas followed his head coach to Alabama, where he posted similar production before breaking out in 2025 and emerging as a legitimate NFL prospect, despite a foot injury that ended his regular season early.
Cuevas possesses an average NFL tight end build at 6 ‘3, 256 pounds. His good speed for the tight end position was highlighted at the combine as he ran a 4.65 40-yard dash. Cuevas’ burst is solid. He accelerates well despite not being overly dynamic. Cuevas plays like an underdog, showing good play strength and motor, and solid play speed. Josh Cuevas is a smart football player who recognizes formations and executes. He processes defenses well, as expected for someone who has played both sides of the ball in the past and has played as much football as he has throughout his college career. The effort and football IQ translate to his blocking. It is clear he understands who and where to block, and when to climb to the next level, but the execution has not been there often enough. His leverage is poor, and his hands, as well as his overall technique, are inconsistent at best. Cuevas has struggled to get off blocks against NFL-level athletes. Cuevas has shown a positive ability to chip defenders and release. Cuevas is a very intelligent football player who possesses an NFL frame and has shown the ability to play through contact, but he must clean up his technique to earn a role in the NFL.
Cuevas’ route tree is mainly limited to vertical routes. He is dangerous down the seams, where he shows off his speed, ability to track the ball, and his ability to make difficult, contested catches. While Cuevas is not overly dynamic or elusive, his speed allows him to pick up yards after the catch by simply outrunning slower defenders. His football IQ is yet again shown in his ability to find open spots in zone defenses and sit in them. As we saw at Alabama, Cuevas’ role will come in the receiving game. He has a strong catch radius and reliable hands, allowing him to make contested catches. When targeting Cuevas, QBs posted a 119.5 QB Rating, highlighting his impressive receiving ability. Cuevas is an interesting prospect who could carve out a long-term role in the NFL.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit:
Cuevas would thrive in a West Coast-style offense. Some of the teams that would be a good fit for Cuevas are Kansas City, San Francisco, and Indianapolis.
NFL Player Comp: Noah Fant
Cuevas’ style of play is very similar to Noah Fant’s. Both possess similar builds: thick lower bodies and possess average NFL tight end size. Both are vertical threats that attack the seams and are mismatches in the receiving game. Cuevas can contribute in the passing game, similar to Fant, while continuing to improve his blocking technique.
Projection: Backup/Role Player
Cuevas projects as a backup tight end in the NFL, primarily used as a second tight end in 12 personnel. His receiving ability will allow him to get some reps on the field, but as we have seen with similar prospects in the past, his blocking technique must improve to find a consistent role and earn more snaps.
Grade and Round Projection: 4.2 Grade | Day 3 Projection
Cuevas earned a 4.2 grade, which I believe is a good grade for him. He projects as a mid- to late-Day 3 pick, and he will need to impress in camp to earn a consistent role. I see him competing and earning his way onto a roster for the 2026-2027 season.
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