Who Should I Start? Payne Durham or Joe Royer


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.8 0.0 0.0 0.3 3.4 0.0

Payne Durham News

Payne Durham Could See Increased Role

Friday, August 29, 8:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham could potentially see a larger role in the offense to begin the regular season. The Bucs are uncertain if starting tight end Cade Otton (leg) is going to be ready to play during the season opener. The team will likely wait and see how Otton progresses throughout next week before making a final decision. If he misses time, Payne Durham and Devin Culp figure to split up time as the starting tight end. Durham didn't see a ton of action last season, but played well when Otton missed time late in the season. When Otton was out, Durham hauled in nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns as the starter. There's not a lot of value here, but maybe Durham is a dart throw if Otton is unable to go in Week 1.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.4 0.0 0.0 0.6 5.8 0.0

Joe Royer News

Browns Select Joe Royer With 170th Overall Pick

Saturday, April 25, 11:28 AM

The Cleveland Browns have selected Cincinnati tight end prospect Joe Royer with the 170th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Royer started his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 season. Across two years with the Bearcats, he caught 79 passes for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. He projects best as a rotational depth tight end who can pick up the tough, physical yards needed to move the chains. Royer, Jack Stoll, and Blake Whiteheart will compete for playing time behind incumbent starting tight end Harold Fannin Jr.


Payne Durham vs. Joe Royer

Still trying to decide between Durham and Royer? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Payne Durham is projected to score 0.8 points this week while Joe Royer is projected to score 1.4 points.