Jan. 23, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ET
An updated 2026 NFL mock draft was published by SB Nation, with the first half of the projection authored by Mark Schofield following the conclusion of the college football season. The mock reflects recent postseason results, evolving draft order, and early evaluations of draft-eligible prospects, offering a snapshot of how the first round could currently unfold.
In the projection, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are slotted at No. 15 overall, where they are projected to select Kenyon Sadiq, a tight end from Oregon.
Sadiq enters the mock as one of the more productive tight ends in the 2026 draft class based on his receiving profile. According to Pro Football Focus, Sadiq posted receiving grades of 71.4 in 2023, 92.6 in 2024, and 76.1 in 2025 during his career at Oregon. Across those three seasons, he totaled 891 receiving yards, averaging between 11.0 and 12.3 yards per reception in his two most productive years, while consistently grading well as a pass catcher within the Ducks’ offense.
His PFF data also reflects steady usage as a receiving option, with improvements in route involvement and overall efficiency as his role expanded. The mock draft projection places Sadiq among the earlier tight ends selected, highlighting his receiving résumé and continued development at the collegiate level.
This projection represents one early look at how Tampa Bay could approach the 2026 NFL Draft, with draft order and player evaluations expected to evolve as the pre-draft process continues.
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