From high school to two collegiate stops, Joe Royer’s entire football journey has transpired in the state of Ohio. That trend will continue as the tight end is officially a member of the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns selected the Cincinnati Bearcats’ starting tight end at 170th overall in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Royer joins teammate Jake Golday (51st overall to the Minnesota Vikings) as the second Bearcat off the board this weekend. The 15th tight end taken in 2026, he joins a fraternity of Cincinnati tight end draft selections headlined by Travis Kelce, Brent Celek, Josh Whyle, and Josiah Deguara.
After starring at Elder High School in Cincinnati, Royer launched his 6-year college career at Ohio State. In four seasons with the Buckeyes, he secured four receptions while learning behind tight ends Luke Farrell, Cade Stover, and Jeremy Ruckert. Royer transferred prior to the 2024 campaign and immediately took off in his new home. In his first seasons donning Bearcat colors, he ranked second on the team in receptions (50) and receiving yards (521), qualifying as the First Team All-Big 12 tight end.
Royer ran it back in 2025 where he produced 29 receptions, 416 receiving yards, and four touchdowns for the first Cincinnati team to generate a winning record since joining the Big 12. Royer added another all-conference selection to his résumé as a Third Team honoree, and he showcased his improved verticality with 14.3 yards per reception.
The 6’5”, 247 pound tight end drew an NFL Combine invite but did not participate in the drills.
Royer heads to a Cleveland Browns organization which may have found their franchise tight end in the 2025 draft. Former Bowling Green All-American Harold Fannin Jr. finished the prior campaign as Cleveland’s leader in receptions (72) and receiving yards (731). The Browns eye further depth at the position, though, after the departure of free agent tight end David Njoku. Incumbent Blake Whiteheart and offseason acquisition Jack Stoll are among the other peers sharing the room with Royer in Cleveland.