Hibner Impresses Saints, Cowboys in Pre-Draft Visits

0:00It's March 24th, from Breaking News to Sunday Matchups. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI. The New Orleans Saints hosted Southern Methodist University tied in Matthew Hibner for dinner on Sunday night. He's lined up to do the same with the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. This 6-4-251-pound blocker and receiver is turning heads as a draft prospect after strong college seasons. Hibner started at the University of Michigan, where he redshirted as a true freshman in 2020 and played back-up tight-and-and-special teams over three years. He won a national championship there in 2023 before transferring to SMU. With extra eligibility from the Redshire and COVID rules, he put up solid numbers, including 24 catches for 368 yards, and four touchdowns as a junior, then 31 receptions for 436 yards and four more scores this past season. At the 2026 NFL Scout & Combine, Hibner clocked a 4.57 in the 40 yard dash, hit a 37-inch

1:03vertical jump, and cranked out 28 bench press reps. His overall score ranked 11th among tight-ends with athleticism 5th and production 18th. Per next-gen stats. The Saints have been digging into this year's tight-end group, and Hibner fits as a potential day 3 pick with his blocking grade above average at 83.0 on past protection snaps. Meanwhile, as teens wrap up pre-draft visits, Hibner's quick rise keeps him on radars for squads needing versatile tight-end depth.