Is Arizona State’s Chamon Metayer the Most Versatile Tight End in the 2026 Class?
Why Chamon Metayer is Already on Every NFL Scout's Radar
Arizona State has long been a program capable of producing NFL-caliber talent, but Chamon Metayer might be one of the most unique prospects to come out of Tempe in years. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end has transitioned from a productive transfer to a legitimate NFL Draft prospect following a standout 2025 season. Metayer finished the year with 38 receptions for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning himself a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection and a permanent spot on the radar of professional scouts.
What makes Metayer so appealing to the next level is his blend of size and athleticism. A former standout basketball player, he uses his frame to box out defenders and possesses the "climb-the-ladder" ability to win contested catches in the red zone. In the Sun Devils' 2025 offensive scheme, he was a primary target for quarterback Sam Leavitt, often serving as the safety valve and the mismatch weapon that opened up the field for speedsters like Jordyn Tyson.
Fueling the Sun Devil Resurgence
Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils have seen a massive culture shift, and Metayer was a central figure in that evolution. In 2025, ASU finished with a strong record, building on the 11-3 success of the previous year. One of the highlights of Metayer's season was a clutch performance against Iowa State, where he caught 6 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, stabilizing an offense that was otherwise leaning heavily on the run game.
Beyond the stat sheet, Metayer's impact as a blocker cannot be overstated. His physicality in the run game was a major factor in the Sun Devils' ability to sustain drives and control the clock. This "all-around" tight end capability is exactly what NFL scouts are looking for—a player who doesn't have to be subbed out depending on the play call. Whether he was lining up in the slot or with his hand in the dirt, Metayer was a constant threat.
2026 Draft Projection: A Mismatch in the Making
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Metayer is viewed as a rising talent who could thrive in a modern, tight-end-friendly NFL offense. Current projections place him as a mid-round pick, likely in the Round 4 to Round 5 range, though some analysts believe his physical upside could push him higher. His experience as a multi-year starter across different programs (Cincinnati and ASU) has given him a level of polish that few other tight ends in this class possess.
Scouts have praised his ability to turn short gains into significant yardage after the catch, a trait highlighted by his 18-yard score against Iowa State. With the draft nearly here, the question isn't whether Metayer will be drafted, but how soon a team will pull the trigger on a player with his unique athletic profile. As the Sun Devils look forward to their 2026 campaign, they do so knowing that Metayer has set a new standard for the position in Tempe.
