Trey McBride Falls Short of #1 TE Ranking Despite Stellar 2025 Season

2025 Production Sets New Standard

Trey McBride capped the 2025 campaign with 126 receptions, placing him second in the NFL in that category. He also amassed 1,239 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, numbers that rank among the elite for a tight end. Such a haul has solidified his reputation as one of the premier pass catchers at his position.

ESPN Survey Puts McBride Behind Brock Bowers

In a recent ESPN poll of 70 executives, coaches and scouts, McBride finished second, edged out by Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. He was fourth just a year earlier, showing a rapid rise in the eyes of those who evaluate talent. McBride captured first‑place votes on 30 % of the ballots, though some evaluators placed him as low as fifth.

Survey respondents highlighted his 72.9 receiving yards per game—a figure nearly 16 yards ahead of any other tight end. They also praised his 566 yards after the catch, 90 more than any teammate at the position, and his 11 receiving touchdowns, which tied for second league‑wide. A coordinator’s comment underscored his versatility: “Ball skills, ball in hand, physical ability—an extremely impressive player across the board…not bad in the run game.”

McBride’s 71.5 receiving expected points added topped the tight‑end group and ranked fourth among all pass catchers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Recognition Validates Elite Play

His on‑field impact has been rewarded with back‑to‑back Pro Bowl selections and a first‑team All‑Pro honor from the previous season. Those accolades reinforce the view that McBride is operating at a level that merits top‑tier consideration.

Why the Top‑TE Debate Will Likely Continue

Brock Bowers missed much of his second season with injuries, yet his rookie campaign was so dominant that many still view him as the premier tight end. If Bowers can return to that form while McBride sustains his current production, the conversation over who wears the No. 1 mantle will remain alive for years to come.

Looking Ahead

McBride entered 2026 having established a new benchmark for tight‑end receiving efficiency, and Bowers will seek to prove that his early promise was no fluke. Fans and analysts alike will be watching whether the current parity translates into a compelling battle for the best player at the position.