Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JOE ROYER:
Cincinnati | Hometown: Cincinnati, OH | HT: 6050 | WT: 250 | 40 time: 4.75 | Hand: 1058 | Arm: 3178 | Wing: 7814
Two year starter. First-team All-Big 12 in 2024-25. Played at Ohio State from 2021-2023 where he saw little playing time. Transferred home to Cincinnati in 2024. Has a long upper body with less than ideal length. Has played both attached and in the slot. Played in a limited offense as far as tight end routes but was solid in his role. Has a talented skill set as a pass catcher based on quickness and footwork. Has a good football IQ in recognizing the holes in zone coverage. Often worked the underneath zones with short and intermediate routes and often faced heavy contact on the catch. Battled press coverage and normally gets open with quick moves to shake defenders. Came down with contested in-air jumpballs at a high rate. Is a grinder after the reception getting yards after contact. Shows some upside as a blocker with a solid base and good footwork and balance. Keeps his feet running and can get some movement. Has been effective as a lead blocker in space from a move position. His competitive nature is sometimes a detriment, fighting for more yardage has left him open to fumbles. He's not a threat on vertical routes. Coordinating hand placement with feet and pad level is inconsistent. Syncing pad level, hands and footwork will improve ability to sustain inside run blocks. More strength in his overall game will help his end result. Will need to keep progressing in that area. Does a lot of things well and has some upside as a potential mid round selection. He will battle for a backup role.
2025 Stats: 29-416, 14.3 ypr, 4 TD. Draft projection: 4th/5th round