Marlin Klein
Houston TexansOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
Michigan · Big Ten
| Season | G | Tgt | Rec | Yds | TD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 108 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 11 | 42 | 24 | 248 | 1 | 134 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
Michigan · 2026 draft class
Marlin Klein is a German-born tight end from Michigan whose rare combination of a 6-6 frame and exceptional athleticism for his size makes him one of the more intriguing developmental prospects at the position. Ranked 35th on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List entering the 2025 season Klein is expected to be a combine testing standout who sits atop leaderboards despite relatively low name recognition. He spent his first two seasons largely invisible in the passing game recording just a single reception while playing behind Colston Loveland from 2022 to 2024. Klein carved out a role as a dependable inline blocker in Michigan's run-heavy system under Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore earning high PFF pass-blocking grades through good technique and grip strength. His 2025 breakout produced 24 receptions for 248 yards and a touchdown with an impressive 5.5 yards after catch per reception showing flashes of receiving ability. He gets downfield quickly with instant acceleration off the line and his long stride length covers ground deceptively fast creating separation on seam routes. However his receiving production remains extremely limited with only 38 career receptions for 364 yards and 1 touchdown across 34 games. His route running lacks polish as he is primarily a vertical runner at this stage. At 245 pounds on his 6-6 frame he is lean and struggles to sustain blocks in the run game when defenders get physical. ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks him TE5 while Bleacher Report graded him at 6.5 as the 14th tight end. He projects as a Day 3 pick whose combine performance could significantly elevate his stock.
Strengths
- Elite-level athleticism for his size ranked 35th on Bruce Feldman Freaks List
- Instant acceleration off the line getting downfield quickly on vertical routes
- Long stride length covering ground deceptively fast creating seam separation
- Strong yards after catch at 5.5 YAC per reception in 2025
- High PFF pass-blocking grades with good technique and grip strength
- High effort high motor player who never takes plays off
- Extensive inline alignment experience from Michigan run-heavy system
- Good foot quickness for route breaks snapping in and out effectively
Concerns
- Very limited receiving production with only 38 career catches for 364 yards
- Route running lacks polish primarily a vertical runner needing significant development
- Needs to add mass at 245 on a 6-6 frame lean for traditional Y tight end role
- Lower PFF run-blocking grades getting moved at point of attack by physical defenders
- Not a physical over-the-middle receiver more comfortable on routes outside numbers
- Small sample size creating projection risk based on athleticism over production
- Struggles to sustain blocks through the whistle due to frame limitations
Honors
Bruce Feldman Freaks List No. 35. Mel Kiper TE5. NFL Combine invitee (2026)