Justin Joly Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: NC State

Class: Senior

Position: TE

HT: 6’3

WT: 263 lbs

Background: Justin Joly was a 2-star wide receiver out of Brewster, New Yor. Joly was not even rated by some outlets and was lightly recruited as a prospect. Joly played for Iona Prep, where he played for 3 years. Over his career at Iona, Joly totaled 123 receptions for 1,827 yards and 22 touchdowns. The only real interest for Joly out of high school was from UCONN.

College: In his 2022 freshman season for the Huskies, he had 18 grabs for 250 yards and 2 scores. He began his transition to tight end while at UCONN and had incredible production in 2023. That season, Justin snagged 56 receptions for 578 yards. Ahead of the 2024 season, Joly transferred to NC State. In his first season with the Wolfpack, Joly had 43 receptions for 661 yards. Joly had another terrific year in 2025, posting 49 receptions for 489 yards and 7 touchdowns. These numbers got Joly selected as an All-ACC First Team member.

Strengths: Justin Joly is a fluid mover who uses his quickness and footspeed to knife through the defense. He bursts off the line with incredible quickness to put the middle of the defense in trouble. Joly is an incredible route runner, winning from a variety of alignments. He has the explosiveness to win against defensive backs in the slot but can play with the physicality to win on the line of scrimmage. Joly takes that physicality to the catch point. Where he imposes his will and is aggressive to go up and rip the football out of the air. He has incredibly sticky hands to pluck any ball at any angle.

Weaknesses: Joly has a smaller frame which prevents him from taking advantage of a size advantage that so many tight ends rely on. He is also not a burner with his legs. He will rely more on quick movement in tight spaces. As a blocker, his short arms are a problem. He allows edge rushers to make easy work of him far too quickly.

Conclusion: Joly is an athletic freak of nature who plays bigger than his size as a receiver. His movement skills are rare for a tight end, and will allow him to create separation consistently. His size limitations show up as a blocker. He struggles to contain longer and faster edge rushers.

Best Team Fits: DEN, LAC, KC

Player Comparison: Isaiah Likely

Player Grade: Round 3 (73.3)