2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: NC State TE Justin Joly

From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on NC State TE Justin Joly.

No. 7 Justin Joly/TE NC State 6034/241 (Fourth-year Senior)

Measurements

– Large hand size that helps with grip strength
– Thick, muscular lower body build
– Good power for his size
– Natural lower center of gravity
– Good initial explosiveness and acceleration
– Great body control and high-point capability
– Attacks the ball at its peak and keeps defenders from playing through his body
– Excellent concentration and highly dependable in contested catch situations
– Able to contort his body mid-air, enhancing his quarterback’s margin for error
– Sophisticated release package that freezes defenders in off-coverage
– Innate feel for finding the soft spot in zone defenses
– Good awareness in scramble drill situations to present himself as a target for the quarterback
– Difficult to bring down on initial contact
– Physical runner after the catch
– Good blocker when placed on the move
– Chippy, aggressive mindset

The Bad

– Slightly undersized for a traditional tight end role
– Drifts or rounds off the top of his routes, leaving an opportunity for the passing lane to be undercut
– Not overly elusive in the open field
– Doesn’t have blazing breakaway speed
– Lacks the strength to function in-line
– Drops his eyes and over-extends when blocking
– Hand placement is erratic
– Unable to sustain blocks for an extended period of time

– 2025 stats: 49 catches, 489 yards, 7 touchdowns, 10 yards per reception, 1 drop
– NC State Career Stats: 92 catches, 1150 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12.