The Denver Broncos, who surprised many by making the playoffs in 2024 with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, have had a solid offseason. The team reloaded an already top-tier defense while also making key additions on offense, including tight end Evan Engram in free agency and running back RJ Harvey in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Still, given how much the passing game struggled last season, one analyst believes Denver may not have enough firepower to make a Super Bowl run and could target another tight end in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos Predicted To Select Oregon TE Early in the 2026 NFL Draft
Denver’s offense ranked No. 16 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season. Nix threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in a surprising rookie year that helped mask the offense’s weaknesses, especially at running back and tight end.
Tight end production was especially underwhelming. The group combined for just five touchdowns. Nate Adkins led the room with 14 catches and three scores, while Adam Trautman led in receiving yards with 188.
To help fix that, Denver signed Engram to a two-year, $23 million deal. He had a down season in 2024 but had previously revived his career with the Jaguars. Still, PFSN NFL Draft analyst Brentley Weissman believes the Broncos’ issues at tight end aren’t solved just yet, especially with Engram turning 31 years old in September. He has Denver selecting Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Denver is in a great position as they have a young quarterback with an offensive genius as a head coach,” Weissman wrote. “Adding playmakers should be of utmost importance for this team.
“Kenyon Sadiq is poised for a breakout season now that he will be the team’s full-time starter in 2025. Sadiq is a freak athlete with rare movement skills and natural receiving ability. He would give the Broncos a weapon in the passing game.”
Here’s all 7 catches from Kenyon Sadiq’s spring game today. Look for him to double or even triple his numbers next year. pic.twitter.com/Jyo4xeXKRD
— Mark Kinley (@ONLYSPORTSMK) April 27, 2025
Sadiq is a certified freak. He’s long, explosive, and a nightmare to bring down once he gets going. He only played a limited role last season while splitting time with Terrance Ferguson, but he’s expected to be the focal point of Oregon’s offense in 2025.
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At 6’3”, 245 pounds, Sadiq is a smooth, gliding mover with springy yards-after-catch ability and legit separation skills. He has strong hands in the passing game and holds his own as a run blocker, especially for a lighter tight end.
In two seasons backing up at Oregon, Sadiq has totaled 29 receptions for 332 yards and three touchdowns. If he does break out in 2025, there’s a real chance he won’t be on the board when the Broncos pick at No. 20 in the 2026 NFL Draft.