The Penn State Nittany Lions will look much different in 2026, with several incoming transfers following head coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State. Let’s take a look at one of those aforementioned transfers with an early Benjamin Brahmer 2027 NFL Draft profile. 2025 was a colossal disappointment for Penn State, resulting in longtime head coach James Franklin being fired midseason.
The Nittany Lions look to get back on track with Campbell at the helm and Rocco Becht under center. Brahmer was Becht’s favorite target last season and is a tight end worth following for the 2027 NFL Draft. What are some of Brahmer’s strengths and weaknesses as a prospect, and where does his draft stock sit entering the 2026 season?
Benjamin Brahmer 2027 NFL Draft Early Player Profile
Measurables
Height- 6-foot-7
Weight- 250 pounds
Background
Brahmer was a three-star recruit coming out of Pierce (Nebraska) and was the 117th-ranked wide receiver in the Class of 2023. He committed to Iowa State, where he played tight end for three seasons. Brahmer appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman and immediately showed his potential, catching a 36-yard touchdown in his first collegiate game against Northern Iowa. He finished 2023 with 28 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns. His 2024 season was cut short after suffering an injury against UCF, which sidelined him for the final five games of the regular season. Brahmer had 10 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown in the Cyclones’ first seven games.
He returned in 2025 and emerged as a top target. Brahmer hauled in 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns across 12 games as a junior. He also completed a 45-yard pass on a trick play against Arizona for good measure. Following three seasons in Ames, he entered the transfer portal and followed his coach and quarterback to Penn State.
Nov 22, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) catches a touchdown pass in their game with the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Benjamin Brahmer 2027 NFL Draft Strengths
The first thing that sticks out with Brahmer is his size, measuring 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds. He uses his impressive frame to box out defenders and win on routes up the seam and over the middle of the field. Brahmer is good in contested-catch situations, as he is a physical mismatch against smaller defensive backs. He brings value in the red zone because of his ability to go up and catch jump balls.
Brahmer is a smooth route runner who stems his routes well to manipulate defenders. He is quick out of his breaks and is excellent at creating separation. Brahmer also has reliable hands, having just two drops across the past two seasons. He has a remarkable catch radius, which allows him to grab poorly placed passes and help out his quarterback. Brahmer is alignment-versatile, having experience playing out of the slot and in-line.
Iowa State Cyclones’ tight end Benjamin Brahmer (18) gets tackle by Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) after making a catch for a first down during the second quarter in the Big-12 showdown at jack Trice Stadium on Nov. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
Benjamin Brahmer 2027 NFL Draft Weaknesses
Brahmer’s biggest issue as a prospect is his run blocking, posting a woeful 37.1 PFF grade in that department in 2025. He has the frame to be a good run blocker, but needs to improve at initiating contact. Brahmer also struggles with penalties when run blocking, and his subpar technique can lead to blocks in the back. His speed isn’t elite for the position, and he doesn’t bring much to the table after the catch.
Benjamin Brahmer 2027 NFL Draft Overview
Penn State has put several tight ends in the NFL in recent years, including Tyler Warren, Brenton Strange, and Pat Freiermuth. The Nittany Lions have two more players at the position who should play on Sundays: Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea. Brahmer’s combination of size, hands, and route running makes him a consistent target in the passing game. If he can improve as a run blocker, he can be an all-around quality piece on offense. Brahmer should prove to be a valuable red-zone target and a good complementary option as a pass catcher. He currently projects as a fourth-round pick, but can be selected on day two with a strong showing in 2026.
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