Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq is considered one of the top offensive playmakers in the nation.
Although he didn’t land the John Mackey Award of the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the nation, the talent Sadiq presents when he is on the football field is off the charts. The scary part about the 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end is he still has room to grow.
As a prime target for Dante Moore and Ducks’ offense, Sadiq hauled in 42 passes for 509 yards and 8 touchdowns. Not only does he present a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses due to his size and athleticism, but he is physical and tough to take down once he has the ball in his hands. If he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, he is a projected first round pick who will be a big, competitive target for any team who drafts him.
In fact, NFL teams took notice of the versatility of Sadiq in the lead up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kenyon Sadiq is an “big bodied” tight end who is tough to cover
In his 2026 Big Board, ESPN’s Matt Miller has Sadiq as a top 20 prospect and noted that buzz around Sadiq as NFL scouts started watching former teammate and 2025 NFL Draft pick Terrance Ferguson. Miller expects Sadiq to have a higher ceiling than Ferguson given his overall skillset and attributes he will bring to any NFL offense.
Miller writes:
“Sadiq is more of an elite route runner, with quickness and shifty moves, than a big-bodied tight end. Sadiq is best at creating separation with quickness and extending his frame on jump balls in the red zone, as shown by his eight touchdowns on 40 receptions this season.”
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When it comes to his combination of size and physical attributes, long time NFL fans will see a lot of Vernon Davis in Sadiq which makes him the ideal first-round target for any NFL team in need of a tight end.
Here are 3 NFL fits for the big tight end based on where he is expected to land in the draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land Kenyon Sadiq
Kansas City Chiefs
After missing out on the playoffs in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs will be aiming on a roster reset in the offseason. With Patrick Mahomes recovering from a season-ending ACL tear and the potential retirement of Travis Kelce, one of the goals for the Chiefs is to bring in offensive playmakers. In Sadiq, they would get that playmaker who would thrive catching the ball from Mahomes (when he returns) and fill some of the void left by Kelce (if he retires). Although those are tough shoes to fill, Sadiq does bring more speed from the tight end position and doesn’t mind mixing things up as a blocker. A great top 15 pick for the Chiefs.
Other first round options for the Chiefs: David Bailey (EDGE), Jeremiyah Love (RB), Keldric Faulk (DE)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Cade Otton hitting free agency, the Buccaneers could have tight end as a top need once the 2026 NFL Draft hits. They will target defense with their top pick, but if Sadiq is still on the board mid-to-late draft, the Buccaneers will be fascinated to add a pass-catching, physical tight end like Sadiq to the mix. Imagine a healthy offense surrounding Baker Mayfield of Chris Godwin, a potential return of Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Tex Johnson, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving at RB and Sadiq presenting as a big target down the seams. Could be a lethal group to defend for NFL defenses.
Other first round options for the Buccaneers: Avieon Terrell (CB), CJ Allen (LB), Cashius Howell (EDGE)
Denver Broncos:
The AFC West champions have playmakers on both sides of the ball, but what will make the Broncos’ offense more potent in 2026 is a pass-catching tight end target like Sadiq. With Even Engram on the other side of 30 and Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins hitting free agency, the Broncos should look to target a tight end in this draft. If Sadiq falls all the way to the late first-round, it’s a no-brainer for the Broncos to give Bo Nix another former Ducks playmaker!
Other first round options for the Broncos: CJ Allen (LB), Anthony Hill Jr. (LB), Eli Stowers (TE)