The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and apart from Fernando Mendoza being the first overall pick, there’s not much certainty about what’s going to happen. This is an interesting class, which could bring many surprises. Some polarizing players could go in many different places, and Kenyon Sadiq is an interesting case.
Tight End Kenyon Sadiq Touted To Play With Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson
Sadiq had the best season of his career in 2025, and his stock is likely to see his name called on the first night of the draft.
However, with 560 yards and 8 touchdowns, not everyone is fully convinced that he’ll develop into one of the best tight ends in the league once he reaches the NFL. He finished his college career with 11 touchdowns.
His landing spot in the NFL will be key to ensuring he fully develops his potential. On Monday, Albert Breer’s column on Sports Illustrated highlighted a few landing spots where he could become the focal point of the offense. And if Breer is right, Sadiq will be extremely happy with his new quarterback:
“Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq remains the most intriguing player in the draft, in my mind. I think you could argue, too, that if you’ve got a creative offensive coordinator/system, he has the best chance of any of the guys in the class to become the focal point of a team’s passing game. The Chiefs and Ravens would be fun landing spots for him.”
In both teams, Sadiq would be unlikely to be the No. 1 tight end during his rookie season. The Chiefs signed Travis Kelce to a new contract, avoiding retirement from their superstar; the Ravens, on the other hand, signed a multi-year extension with Mark Andrews, with Isaiah Likely moving on as a free agent.
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. He was part of the Oregon team that most recently reached the College Football Playoff semifinals before a lopsided loss to Indiana.
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The untapped potential of the tight end is massive, and he can become a star in the right place. The Chiefs hold the 9th overall pick, with the Ravens going on the clock five spots later.
A recent ESPN article by Jordan Reid highlights another possible landing spot: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold the 15th overall pick. “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.
