TR #87

Tip Reiman

Tight End · Illinois

A former walk-on who became the second-highest drafted tight end in Illinois history on the strength of his blocking.

Tip Reiman built his college career from walk-on status into one of the most respected blocking tight ends in his draft class. He entered the NFL as a complement to Arizona's primary receiving tight end, valued more for what he does in the run game than for his numbers in the box score.

★ Third-round pick, 2024 NFL Draft (No. 82 overall)

★ Second-highest drafted tight end in Illinois history

★ Rose from walk-on to Illinois' top tight end in 2023

Path to the league

Reiman arrived at Illinois with just two scholarship offers, from South Dakota and South Dakota State, before developing into the Illini's top tight end by 2023. The Arizona Cardinals drafted him in the third round (No. 82 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the second-highest tight end ever drafted out of Illinois behind Ken Dilger, who went 48th overall in 1995.

Career highlights

Reiman was viewed as one of the best blocking tight ends in his draft class and projected as an immediate contributor working alongside Arizona's featured tight end, Trey McBride. Through his first two NFL seasons he has recorded 9 receptions for 55 yards across 21 games, with his primary value coming as a blocker rather than a pass-catcher.

2025 season recap

Reiman appeared in four games in 2025, catching three of five targets for 18 yards, before an ankle injury suffered in a loss to Tennessee landed him on injured reserve and ended his season. He was activated off IR in February 2026.