The NFL Combine has a way of accelerating draft buzz, especially when explosive tight ends take the field. This week, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be one of the most closely watched prospects at his position. A former Chargers quarterback may have just hinted at where he believes Sadiq belongs.
Chase Daniel Links Chargers to Combine Standout Kenyon Sadiq
NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently identified Sadiq as the player most built to dominate the combine. Shortly after, former Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel reposted the take with a message naming the Chargers as a fit.
Jeremiah’s endorsement came ahead of the combine. During a pre-combine conference call, he revealed that he mocked Sadiq to Los Angeles with the No. 22 overall pick. Sadiq ranks as Jeremiah’s No. 21 overall player in the class.
“Just a real creative piece you can use,” Jeremiah said, noting how Sadiq could pair with Oronde Gadsden and complement Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris. “You’d have a lot of toys for a very creative new offensive coordinator there.”
Sadiq is coming off a breakout season at Oregon, recording 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He also added three additional scores in red-zone packages, finishing with 11 total touchdowns. He led the Ducks in receptions and touchdowns as they advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds with reported 4.5 speed, Sadiq fits the modern NFL mold. Jeremiah believes his testing numbers will stand out. Jeremiah did note that Sadiq is not as polished as last year’s first-round tight ends in terms of full route-tree refinement. But it’s his explosiveness and versatility that make him intriguing.
The Chargers are in the middle of an offensive reset under head coach Jim Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Los Angeles ranked No. 27 in PFSN’s OFFi Metric last season and averaged two fewer points per game than in 2024. The team scored just 22 total points over its final three games before exiting in the Wild Card round.
McDaniel’s system emphasizes motion, spacing, and defined reads for Justin Herbert. Harbaugh values balance and physicality. A tight end who can detach, stretch the seam, and win after the catch would fit that hybrid approach.
Jeremiah also pointed to general manager Joe Hortiz’s philosophy of taking the best player available, regardless of immediate positional need. With Gadsden and Will Dissly under contract, tight end is not necessarily urgent. But the Chargers are unlikely to pass on a difference-maker if one falls.
Combine week could solidify Sadiq’s first-round trajectory. If he tests the way Jeremiah expects, Los Angeles at No. 22 becomes a very real possibility.
Daniel sees the connection. Jeremiah built the case. Now the Chargers have to decide whether Sadiq is the creative piece that unlocks their offense.
