During his time with the Oregon Ducks, Kenyon Sadiq made his case as the most talented tight end in program history. As the starter for the 2025 season, Sadiq caught 51 passes for 560 yards and led all tight ends in the country with eight reception touchdowns and was named a Mackey Award finalist despite battling injuries.
He also put himself in prime position to be the first tight end selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with some mock drafts predicting that he’ll land within the top ten while some have him going later on, such as in the 20’s. Not being one of the more valued positions may hurt where Sadiq is drafted, along with a relatively strong tight end class behind him — yet his talent is undeniable, as he impressed greatly on film in 2025 and put on an absolute show at the combine in Indianapolis.
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All things considered, the former Duck has pieced together one of the top resumes by a tight end in recent years, putting himself alongside other high first-round picks such as Kyle Pitts, Brock Bowers and Tyler Warren.
With the 2026 NFL Draft just weeks away, here’s the five best team fits for Sadiq while taking his projected draft range into consideration.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 9
Analysis: Sadiq’s athleticism and versatility would fit right in with an offense featuring three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes and all-time great head coach and play-caller Andy Reid. Future Hall-of-Fame tight end Travis Kelce is 36 years old and nearing the end of his career, giving the Kansas City Chiefs a potential understudy if they pull the trigger on Sadiq. This would be considered the upper end of the former Oregon standout’s draft stock, but it would certainly help reinvigorate a surprisingly lacking Chiefs passing attack in recent years.
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Los Angeles Rams
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (18) catches a pass against Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 13
Analysis: How about reuniting two former Ducks in Sadiq and Terrance Ferguson? The Los Angeles Rams selected Ferguson in the second round in 2025, using him mostly as an in-line tight end as he finished with 11 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Sadiq would serve a different purpose, likely focused as a large slot receiver and someone who could be used in various motions under creative play-caller and head coach Sean McVay. There’s no immediate need at the tight end position for the Rams, but giving star quarterback Matthew Stafford another offensive weapon has to be a priority as they gear up for what they hope is another Super Bowl run in the twilight of his career.
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Baltimore Ravens
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) reacts with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 14
Analysis: The Baltimore Ravens may be the first team in Sadiq’s draft range with a clear need at tight end. Backup Isaiah Likely, who was often used in the slot due to his versatility, followed former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to the New York Giants, leaving the aging Mark Andrews as the only receiving option. He posted a career-low in yards last season, clearly dropping off in recent seasons. With two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore should be making win-now moves — and adding Sadiq would be exactly that.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to running back Bucky Irving (7) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 15
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Analysis: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers love their former Ducks, as they’ve selected running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Tez Johnson in recent drafts, so why not make it a trio with Sadiq? The Buccaneers have starting tight end Cade Otton under contract, but he’s more of a physical, in-line tight end than Sadiq. Wide receiver Mike Evans departed this offseason, while Chris Godwin has battled injuries as he enters his 30’s. Another weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield may be needed for Tampa Bay to push themselves into the Super Bowl conversation, as they land squarely in Sadiq’s projected draft range.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers with teammates during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 23
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Analysis: Starting tight end Dallas Goedert had a career-high 11 receiving touchdowns last season, but it was telling that the Philadelphia Eagles were reluctant to sign the 31-year-old to a long-term deal, instead settling for a one-year pact. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts loves to throw it to his tight ends, and Sadiq would be an excellent target over the middle and on run-pass-option reads, something he was involved in quite a bit at Oregon. With the AJ Brown saga hanging over the Eagles’ offseason, as he may be traded soon after the draft, Philadelphia could be in the market for an offensive playmaker in Sadiq’s mold especially if he falls this far.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Best NFL team fits for Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
