NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Indiana TE Riley Nowakowski

Riley Nowakowski brings competitive determination to an offense as an H-back, using technique and a detail-oriented approach to maximize his responsibilities. He wants to finish blocks to the ground, and his effort shows while blocking to the whistle. He's also a reliable pass-catcher and safety valve for the quarterback with smooth moves after the catch.

The former walk-on at Wisconsin transferred to Indiana for his redshirt senior season and set career-marks across the board. He caught 30 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns, while averaging 12.3 yards per reception for the Hoosiers. He starter every game and earned the trust of the coaching staff and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Riley Nowakowski Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Nowakowski is an alignment-versatile prospect. He understands leverage, keeps his elbows inside and drives on blocks, with the intent to finish.

— His timing when executing blocking schemes and running routes shows up time and time again. Paired with excellent awareness, he makes the right decision most of the time to help spring runs and screens.

— The hybrid target is a sound receiver with good hands and moves well in space after the catch. He's a functional safety valve for the offense, who can handle the occasional screen.

— The 6'2", 250-pound H-back brings a great work ethic and special teams upside.

Areas of Improvement

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— Predominantly a blocking presence, Nowakowski needs to be stronger at the point of attack. Improved power will prevent him from being bent backwards, instead driving blocks forward.

— Inconsistent balance when trying to sustain blocks often leads to him pulled forward too easily. By staying sound with his technique and not getting too top-heavy, Nowakowski will sustain more blocks.

— He must work on his route-running nuance to create separation against man coverage and settling against zone to find those soft spots. He can solidify an NFL role as a more well-rounded option.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.3 (Developmental Prospect - Fifth Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: TE Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech (6.0 in 2025), TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State (6.0 in 2024), TE Payne Durham, Purdue (6.0 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 189

POSITION RANK: TE18

PRO COMPARISON: Connor Heyward

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'2"
Weight: 250
Hand Size: 8 ¾"
Arm Length: 31 ½"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: 4.66
10-yard split: 1.7
Vertical: 33"
Broad: 9'11"
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A