The Carolina Panthers continue to search for more ways to support Bryce Young heading into an important stage of his development. After showing some solid progress, Young still needs a more dynamic supporting cast around him if Carolina wants to take a meaningful offensive step in 2026.
One position that remains notably underwhelming is tight end, where the Panthers have yet to find a true difference-maker. That is why one new mock draft projection is drawing attention, especially because it links Carolina to one of the most explosive pass-catching tight ends in the class. If the Panthers want to give Young another reliable weapon, this could be a move that makes a lot of sense.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq Could Be the Perfect Offensive Boost for Bryce Young
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst T.J. Randall projected the Panthers to go in a different direction than expected by targeting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Rather than focusing on the defensive front again, Randall suggested Carolina could instead address one of its more stagnant offensive spots.
“We’re going off the beaten path as it pertains to my prior seven-round mock drafts that both featured a defensive tackle here. The presence of Sadiq would both revitalize a rather dull tight end room and supply quarterback Bryce Young with an energetic resource,” Randall wrote.
That projection is backed by how highly Sadiq is viewed in this draft cycle. Sadiq’s draft stock supports that optimism, with him graded as the 37th overall-ranked prospect on PFSN’s Consensus Big Board; he carries a grade of 87.96 and ranks No. 16 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His 2025 production and athletic profile also explain why his stock has climbed so quickly. In Oregon’s offense, Sadiq emerged as one of the most dangerous tight ends in the country and established himself as a legitimate first-round talent.
“In 2025, he realized his potential as the true TE1 of the 2026 NFL Draft class, accruing 51 catches for 560 yards and eight TDs. At 6’3″ and almost 250 pounds, Sadiq has a hyper-dense and muscular frame, which he combines with elite explosive athleticism, fluidity, and seam-splitting speed,” the scouting report on Sadiq noted.
Sadiq’s athletic testing only added to his appeal, as he ran a very strong “blazing” 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest recorded by a tight end since at least 2003.
“Oregon utilized Sadiq’s athleticism often in RAC and seam-beating situations, but he also grew as an independent separator, more than once using his quickness to offset or freeze defenders at stems before surging into space. At the catch point, Sadiq’s body control is a sight to behold, and he has the composure to hold strong in contact situations,” the report added.
Combined with his 51 catches, 560 yards, and 8 touchdowns in 2025, he profiles as the kind of modern mismatch weapon Carolina currently lacks. He has recorded 11 touchdowns during his college football career. Carolina’s overall offensive profile helps explain why adding a player like Sadiq could be so appealing.
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According to PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metrics, the Panthers finished 8-9 and posted a 70.0 OFFi, which ranked 25th in the league. They also received a C- grade, reflecting an offense that still struggled to consistently threaten defenses. Their overall ranking of No. 605 only reinforced how much room there is for improvement around Young.
If the Panthers want to accelerate Young’s growth and make their offense more versatile, Sadiq could be the type of first-round addition that changes how defenses have to play them.
