Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Josh Cuevas (80) catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
While the Crimson Tide and its draft prospects are preparing for pro day, the combine and eventually, the draft, NFL teams have been taking their time scouting players and focusing on guys like quarterback Ty Simpson, who could shift momentum for a franchise. But many others have been flying under the radar, like tight end Josh Cuevas, who could end up being a steal.
Cuevas hasn’t been talked about much since the season ended, at least not by national media or those outside of Tuscaloosa. Although he may not have been a star for the Tide, the tight end showcased an ability to do it all, whenever it was needed.
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At 6-foot-3, 256 pounds, Cuevas originally began his career at Cal Poly, which was just a short way away from his home in Los Angeles. After four receptions as a freshman, he immediately made an impact as a redshirt freshman for the Mustangs. In 11 appearances, he recorded 58 receptions for 678 yards and six touchdowns, with two 100-yard performances.
After impressing at the FCS level in San Luis Obispo, Cuevas hit the transfer portal and eventually decided to stay on the West Coast and head north to Seattle, joining head coach Kalen DeBoer for his second season at Washington.
His impact on the Huskies season was minimal, but still productive, as he managed to haul in four receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown. And when DeBoer left for Alabama following the season, he brought Cuevas along with him, knowing his potential.
While taking time to develop behind veteran tight ends Robbie Ouzts and CJ Dippre, Cuevas still tallied 16 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. And when he finally earned the starting role as a redshirt senior, he almost doubled his stats.
During the 2025 campaign, in which the Tide made the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, Cuevas caught 37 passes for over 400 yards and four touchdowns, proving to be a reliable pass-catcher or blocker for the Crimson Tide.
With the NFL Draft now on the horizon, Cuevas isn’t getting too much attention, and it’s simple because he was not a superstar. As of now, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Cuevas listed as a fullback, ranked No. 7 at the position among all draft prospects, which would likely mean Cuevas gets drafted on day three, in one of the later rounds, and he’ll be a steal for the team that does pick him.
At his size, Cuevas has shown that he has great hands, which he pairs with some nice acceleration and an ability to get downfield, either by finding open space or by running through defenders. But he can also block well as an extension of the offensive line.
He’s like a Swiss Army knife; he can do whatever the team needs him to, and he’ll do it well. He has reliable hands, making him a quick and easy target for the quarterback, but he’ll also fight for those extra yards. And he’ll do so one play after lining up on the line and providing the quarterback with extra time as a blocker on the edge, proving how flexible he can be.
“Josh is an elite tight end,” offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. “He’s always a viable target, and he’s definitely a guy who has the courage to get in there and block as well. He’s absolutely a spark in our offense in a lot of different ways.”
Cuevas may not be a former five-star who’s recorded multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons and he may not be a tall, lean tight end who almost acts as another receiver, but he’ll be valuable to whichever team takes a chance on him in the draft.
“Josh is a stud,” DeBoer said after the Tide’s loss to Oklahoma in November. “We see him on one play make a guy miss in the flat, toe the sideline and then lower the shoulder at the end of the run. That’s just the competitiveness he has.”