As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Carolina Panthers face a critical juncture in their ongoing offensive rebuild. Central to the organization’s strategy is the continued development of quarterback Bryce Young.
Entering a pivotal 2026 season where he must definitively prove he can be the franchise’s long-term answer, Young requires a robust supporting cast.
To facilitate his necessary leap, the Panthers’ front office must surround him with reliable, multifaceted playmakers. While the wide receiver room has seen recent investments, the tight end position remains a glaring question mark for Carolina’s offense.
Why the Panthers Could Target Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Panthers have assembled an intriguing, albeit top-heavy, group of perimeter weapons. The addition of standout receiver Tetairoa McMillan has provided a dynamic primary presence, and Jalen Coker has developed into a highly effective role player. However, the receiving rotation remains precariously thin beyond those top options.
More importantly, the tight end position has not produced consistently as the team anticipated. Ja’Tavion Sanders, drafted with high hopes to be a dynamic pass-catcher, has struggled to cement himself as the reliable middle-of-the-field threat that the Panthers’ system demands.
This is where Oregon standout tight end Kenyon Sadiq enters the conversation. A versatile offensive weapon known for his athleticism, route-running, and blocking ability, Sadiq is increasingly being linked to Carolina.
In the most recent episode of PFSN’s Football Debate Club, our NFL Draft expert Ian Cummings highlighted exactly why Sadiq is an ideal fit for the Panthers. When asked which tight-end-needy NFL team should take a chance on the Oregon prospect, Cummings delivered a compelling argument for Carolina.
“It’s a really tough question because how do you value a tight end, right? And especially when you have other needs, but the Carolina Panthers to me stand out as a team that could really benefit,” explained Cummings. “You look at the weapons core, they’ve got Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker is a really nice role player, but the wide receiver rotation is pretty thin beyond that point.
“At tight end, Ja’Tavion Sanders hasn’t quite worked out. I think Kenyon Sadiq can be what they wanted Ja’Tavion Sanders to be. A seam stretcher against zone coverage who can assume easy touches for Bryce Young who’s that distributor. He needs to take a leap this year. I think getting that comfortable two-phase three-level target and Kenyon Sadiq and a really good blocker to boot is the way to go.”
Cummings’ analysis underscores exactly what Carolina’s offense currently lacks: a “two-phase, three-level target” who can stretch the seam against zone coverage while holding his own in the trenches. According to PFSN’s CFB TE Impact metric, Sadiq ranked 11th out of all tight ends for 2025, with a score of 82.2.
Sadiq’s ability to secure easy, high-percentage touches would serve as an essential safety blanket for Young. During his three seasons at Oregon, he had 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. Furthermore, his proficiency as an in-line blocker would bolster the Panthers’ running game, keeping the offense balanced and unpredictable.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Ultimately, drafting a tight end like Kenyon Sadiq would address multiple needs for the Carolina Panthers with a single selection. If Bryce Young is going to make a definitive leap this season, he requires a dependable distributor target who can exploit the middle of the field and keep the chains moving.
Sadiq possesses the exact physical profile and skill set to fulfill that role, making him a highly compelling prospect to watch when the Panthers officially go on the clock.
