The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a golden opportunity to improve the roster in the 2026 NFL Draft. After four years of winning the division, the Buccaneers will pick inside the top 15 due to a disappointing 8-9 record in 2025, which could give them better options for a playmaker.
Buccaneers Projected To Improve TE Group With Kenyon Sadiq in 2026 Draft
Tampa Bay lost seven of its last nine games to finish the season, which caused the Buccaneers to miss the playoffs even after a 6-2 start. The roster has many good pieces, and the return of a healthy Baker Mayfield will be key in taking the NFC South throne back.
However, the team has lost key players in recent months. After more than a decade, Mike Evans left the franchise and signed with the San Francisco 49ers, and on defense, Lavonte David retired. Even if the situation is good, the Buccaneers still need playmakers to fight for bigger things.
In a recent pre-draft article for ESPN, Jordan Reid pointed out the possibilities for the Buccaneers in the first round. He noted that Tampa Bay could look to address the EDGE position, but improving the tight end group is also possible, with Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon named as an option:
“Defensive end and tight end are two positions that the Bucs have keyed in on as Round 1 options, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) being a real possibility at No. 15,” Reid wrote.
The Buccaneers made an important move at tight end during the offseason, signing Cade Otton to a three-year, $30 million extension. But he failed to improve his numbers in 2025, even after playing in two more games. The position is a clear need for them.
Sadiq is considered the clear No. 1 tight end prospect in this class, and the only player at the position expected to be taken in the first round. During his career at Oregon, he had 11 touchdowns, helping the Ducks reach the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2025.
Sadiq currently has an average draft position of 22.9 on PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator, and he might be available for the Buccaneers to draft in the first round.
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Adding Sadiq would go a long way in helping offset the loss of Mike Evans. The superstar wide receiver, a constant top 20 receiver over the years in our PFSN WR Impact Metric, decided to go to the 49ers in free agency, ending a 12-year stint in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers won’t suffer as much in their wide receiver group, with Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka on the roster for the upcoming season.
Taking a linebacker to offset David’s retirement is unlikely, with Sonny Styles, the No. 1 linebacker in the class, projected to be selected in the top 5. Still, Sadiq would be another great pick for Jason Licht as he rebuilds his team after a difficult season.
