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Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq
After two poor playoff performances under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Los Angeles Chargers have hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to take his spot.
McDaniel was a hot name in the 2026 coaching cycle, getting head coaching and offensive coordinator interviews before landing with the Bolts.
Now paired with Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ offense is expected to improve with McDaniel calling the plays.
Getting Justin Herbert More Weapons
GettyMike McDaniel can have a fun receiving threat in his first season in LA
Justin Herbert received an MVP vote, with The 33rd Team analyst Sam Monson, who voted for Herbert, mentioned that the quarterback was making miracles happen with one of the worst offensive lines in the league.
Mike McDaniel said that he would like for Herbert not to make as many “heroic” plays to win.
Outside of fixing the offensive line, adding another weapon for the QB can help his productivity next season.
NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his latest mock draft, predicting the Chargers will select Oregon Duck tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
“Sadiq is the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel. With the tight end joining Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and Oronde Gadsden II, the OC would have a lot to work with in his first year with the Chargers,” Jeremiah wrote.
Sadiq had his best collegiate season with the Oregon Ducks, logging 560 receiving yards and 8 touchdown catches, averaging 11 yards per reception.
Jeremiah rated the tight end as the 21st overall prospect for the upcoming draft and the number one overall tight end, respectively.
“Sadiq is a short, muscled-up tight end with outstanding speed and athleticism. At Oregon, he primarily aligned attached or in the slot, but he also saw some reps out wide and in the backfield. He is very explosive in his release and he’s able to separate vertically on seam/wheel routes. He excels on quick screens, where he can display his dynamic run-after-catch skills,” Jeremiah said of the tight end.
“I love his competitiveness and tenacity as a blocker. He latches on, runs his feet and works to finish. Overall, Sadiq lacks height and consistent hands, but he is a versatile, explosive weapon with toughness.”
With changes to the offense all across the board, Sadiq could have a good season if things go well.
Kenyon Sadiq Lower In TE Depth Chart
GettyThe Bolts tight end spot already has a TE1
While drafting Kenyon Sadiq, the Bolts will give Justin Herbert another weapon. However, LA already has a number one tight end.
Oronde Gadsden, who was a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Syracuse, had a good rookie season, registering 664 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions on 49 catches.
Justin Herbert has become familiar with Gadsden over the past season, targeting the tight end a minimum of five times in 9 games.
The TE had his best game in the Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, where he had 164 receiving yards and a touchdown catch on 7 receptions.
While developing more chemistry with Herbert and will now be under Mike McDaniel, Gadsden is set up to have a better sophomore season.
This will likely affect Sadiq’s rookie season, similar to how former Oregon Duck tight end Terrance Ferguson fared with three other options in the position group with the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie year.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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