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University of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
With a little bit of luck, the Denver Broncos might be able to get the steal of the 2026 NFL draft.
ESPN’s Field Yates predicts the Broncos will snag University of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 30 overall pick in the first round in his latest mock draft.
Sadiq, 6-foot-3 and 245 pound, left Oregon with one year of eligibility remaining after he was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year in 2025 with 51 receptions for 560 yards and 8 touchdowns.
“Sadiq’s range surely starts sooner than here, as this would be great value for a Broncos team with limited needs,” Yates wrote. “Coach Sean Payton has long valued a player who can be their ‘joker,’ a player who is either a top-end receiving back or mismatch tight end. Previous examples from Payton’s time in New Orleans include Darren Sproles, Alvin Kamara and Jimmy Graham. Sadiq fits that description with an outstanding athleticism that makes him a threat after the catch.”
The Broncos will have a new look on offense in 2026. After going 14-3 and earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs, head coach Sean Payton fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi following a 10-7 home loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb was promoted to offensive coordinator to replace Lombardi.
Sadiq Could Be Difference for Super Bowl Contenders
It’s not hype to say Sadiq could be the difference for the Broncos, who will be one of the Super Bowl favorites in 2026.
The 2025 rookie class saw a pair of high impact tight ends become stars for their teams with Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren and Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland.
“A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq’s route tree will be full of branches,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks … Teams looking to diversify their passing game options with a talented pass-catching tight end could make Sadiq a priority.”
“Kenyon Sadiq is one of the most physical and impactful blockers in the entire class,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote. “Add in his explosive ability down the field and after the catch to maximize any passing attack, and he’s the TE1 in this class.”
Broncos Struck Out With Free Agent TE
The Bronco are only in this situation because they misfired with free agent tight end and 2-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram, bringing him in on a 2-year, $23 million contract.
Pro Football Focus put Engram’s deal on its list of the NFL’s “Worst Free Agent Signings” in 2025.
“Sean Payton clamored about wanting a ‘joker’ for his offense, which seemed to be Engram,” PFF’s Bradley Locker wrote. “However, Engram didn’t offer reliable contributions with a 57.6 PFF receiving grade and a 7.0% drop rate. Now, Denver will presumably go back to the well as it searches for a playmaking tight end.”
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
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