Joe Royer selected by the Cleveland Browns in the Fifth Round
Royer travels up I-71 North to become a Brown
Per GoBearcats:
Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer was selected by the Cleveland Browns on Saturday with the 170th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Royer is the ninth Bearcats tight end selected all-time and the sixth since 2007, joining standouts such as Josh Whyle (2023), Josiah Deguara (2020), Travis Kelce (2013) and Brent Celek (2007).
He joins Jowon Briggs (2024), Jerome Ford (2022) and James Hudson (2021) as recent Bearcats drafted by the Browns.
Royer broke Kelce’s single-season school record for tight end receptions with 50 in 2024 en route to First Team All-Big 12 honors. The Cincinnati native and Elder High School product totaled 79 receptions for 937 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons at UC, revitalizing his career after battling injuries for three seasons at Ohio State.
“Joe Royer was a consummate pro and one of the most complete tight ends we’ve had here over the past two seasons,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “He’s strong, tough and has great hands. I’m excited for Joe and his family. He continues the legacy of outstanding Bearcats tight ends in the NFL. The Browns are getting a winner who can impact the game in a lot of ways.”
The Bearcats have now had 20 players selected since 2021 and 53 since 2000.
Royer joins Jake Golday as Bearcats drafted in 2026. Golday was selected with the 51st overall pick in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings, where he will team up with fellow former UC linebackers Ivan Pace and Eric Wilson.