Justin Joly

The Player

Joly is a highly productive, experienced F-tight end whose game is built on polish, versatility, and reliability rather than elite size or top-end athleticism. After breaking out at UConn and continuing his production at NC State, he proved he can consistently contribute as a pass catcher, finishing with over 1,100 yards and 11 TDs across his final two seasons.

His defining trait is advanced route running—he consistently creates separation through tempo, leverage, and subtle technical nuance rather than raw speed. He pairs that with excellent hands and ball skills, attacking the ball confidently and rarely dropping passes, while also outperforming expectations in contested situations despite his smaller frame.

After the catch, he’s smooth and efficient, quickly transitioning upfield and showing enough creativity to make defenders miss. As a blocker, he’s not suited for traditional in-line duties, but he competes with good effort and effectiveness as a move blocker, even if his technique needs refinement.

The Draft

Joly doesn’t possess the elite traits of first- and second-round prospects Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers, but he’s too gifted and proven as a pass-catching weapon to last until day three. 

The Projection

From the route detail to the QB trust to the sure hands to the yards-after-catch generated, Joly shares a lot of similarities with Jake Ferguson (Cowboys). Joly grades out as a contributing F-TE who is capable of posting a 30- to 40-reception rookie season and developing into a 50-plus receptions-per-year threat in the NFL.