Ever since Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq broke out in the 2024 Big Ten title game, catching two touchdown passes and intercepting a defender in one of them, he was viewed as a potential first-round pick when he decided to enter the NFL draft.
After a stellar junior season in which he was a Mackey Award finalist and led all tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns, it’s Sadiq’s time. With quarterback Dante Moore and defensive tackle Amaury Washington returning to Eugene for another season, the Ducks’ former tight end will likely become the first Oregon player to be eliminated in the first round.
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While we’re still a long way from the first night of the draft, with the NFL Combine and Pro Day just around the corner, Sadiq is expected to enter the first half of the first round as the highest-rated tight end on the board.
Teams like the No. 15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and No. 9 Kansas City Chiefs are considered potential landing spots because they have veteran tight ends but could use a young, athletic pass catcher like Sadiq to further bolster their offense.
But in ESPN’s latest mock draft crafted by draft analyst Matt Miller, Sadiq fell short to both the Buccaneers and Chiefs. He even dropped out of his teens to No. 23, and the Philadelphia Eagles were happy to scoop him up — with a veteran tight end on the roster as well.
“The Eagles face a tough decision at tight end, with Dallas Goedert just turning 31 and on an expiring contract,” Miller wrote. “Even if the Eagles decide to restructure Goedert’s deal and keep him through 2026, they’ll be drafting for future needs. Saddiq is a suddenly productive tight end player but lacks 6-foot-3 and 245 lb. Elite size. His run-after-the-catch skills are excellent and he’s a proven red zone threat, but his dropouts (6 in 2025) will be seriously considered. Sadik is the best tight end in the class and would be an ideal playmaker for Jalen Hurts.”
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The Eagles’ offense was a mess last season, with drama at wide receiver AJ Brown and the entire passing game. In Sadiq, they’d bring some fresh blood, young talent and a sure-fire playmaker — something they might miss out on if they decide to part ways with Brown this offseason.
The former Oregon tight end showed himself to be a focused, hard-working player during his three seasons in Eugene, and bringing that ability to Philadelphia was a necessity given the unforgiving fan base.
Of course, this all hinges on whether the Eagles’ previous 22 picks send out a tight end who projects to be a nightmare and a reliable runner at the next level. While there’s still plenty of time, it’s hard to see many teams passing up on Sadiq’s talent.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq falls in ESPN’s latest 2026 mock draft
