John Michael Gyllenborg, a tight end from the University of Wyoming, is probably the most intriguing prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6’6” and 249 pounds, he’s a raw but athletic player who has steadily improved over his college career. Gyllenborg’s path to football wasn’t conventional. Growing up in Leawood, Kansas, he focused primarily on baseball and basketball, earning all-district honors in basketball as a junior and as a pitcher in his senior year. It wasn’t until his final year at Rockhurst High School that he tried football, playing wide receiver and tight end. In just three games, he recorded 10 catches for 212 yards and two touchdowns before a torn LCL ended his season. Despite limited experience, his athleticism earned him a three-star rating, and Wyoming extended his only FBS offer. When Gyllenborg arrived in Laramie, he was extremely raw. He spent his first two seasons on the scout team learning the fundamentals of football, essentially starting from scratch. By 2024, he had developed into a productive player, earning Second Team All-Mountain West honors, and capped his college career with an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Off the field, Gyllenborg excelled academically, earning Academic All-MWC recognition and completing both his undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Athletically, Gyllenborg has a large upper frame and a slightly wiry lower body. He moves fluidly and has good speed for a tight end, though he still needs to add strength to compete consistently at the next level. Mentally, he is a developing player, capable of recognizing zones and adjusting routes, though his experience is limited compared to other prospects. In the blocking game, he has potential but remains inconsistent, with footwork and lower-body strength holding him back against defensive linemen. He does, however, show the ability to locate defenders and climb to the second level. As a route runner, Gyllenborg uses head fakes and his speed to create separation, can sit in zones effectively, and can produce yards after the catch, though stiff knees and lack of lower-body strength can limit his consistency. He has excellent hands with a 76-inch wingspan, tracks the ball well, and has shown the ability to make contested catches, though he must improve consistency on routine plays.
Gyllenborg’s best fit in an NFL offense is as a big-slot or vertical-threat tight end, particularly in systems that use 12 personnel or multiple-tight-end sets. He draws comparisons to Luke Schoonmaker, another athletic tight end who needed development in blocking but provided a passing threat. While Gyllenborg may start as a special teams contributor in his rookie season, he has the potential to develop into a low-end starter by Year 3 if he continues to improve his blocking, adds strength, and maintains his athleticism. I can see the Chiefs, Packers, and Eagles being teams that can add him as a piece. His size, athleticism, and versatility make him an interesting Day 3 prospect, with a projected curved grade of 3.59. Though raw, he brings upside that could translate to a productive NFL career with the right coaching and development.
Gyllenborg is a raw, emerging TE who has the ability to make big plays in the passing game. With only 6 years of football under him, the upside, even with his age, won’t affect him. Continued development as a football player and a more complete TE will be important.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit: Big Slot / Vertical Threat
Big slot WR who can win vertically on crossers or down the seam. The rise of 12 personnel and TEs who can be a threat in the passing game is rising, and he can have a major impact.
NFL Player Comp: Luke Schoonmaker
Schoonmaker had limited production at Michigan, like Gyllenborg, a similarly sized and tested athletic TE who needed improvement in blocking.
Projection: Special Teamer Y1 / Low-End Starter Y3
Has ST experience and, with more time to adjust to NFL offenses, can be a solid piece of an offense.
Grade and Round Projection: Day 3 / 3.59 curved grade
Age, lack of experience, and limitations as a player will knock him down to a day 3 upside pick.
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