Jan. 25, 2026, 9:35 a.m. ET
Fantasy Life’s Matthew Freedman has been the world’s most accurate mock drafter since 2020. And through his first two projections of the 2026 NFL Draft, he’s doubled down with one particular prospect for the Carolina Panthers.
Freedman released his second one-round mock nearly a week ago, following Indiana’s win in the national championship over Miami. As he did in his initial offering, he links the Panthers and the 19th overall pick to Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
While Carolina may be inclined to lean towards defense, with glaring needs at inside and outside linebacker, the offense is still lacking some firepower. The unit hasn’t been getting much production from their tight ends, as they haven’t had a single player from that position amass at least 400 receiving yards since 2019.
The last tight end to hit that mark in Carolina was Greg Olsen. Over that six-year span, Olsen has played for another team, retired and became a multi-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster.
If Freeman’s early prediction comes true, perhaps Sadiq is the guy to end that drought. The 2025 Big Ten Tight End of the Year is fresh off amassing 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
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