{"id":871560,"date":"2026-04-22T02:23:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T02:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871560\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T02:23:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T02:23:38","slug":"vikings-1st-round-mock-drafts-have-been-flipped-on-their-heads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/871560\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings 1st-Round Mock Drafts Have Been Flipped on Their Heads"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"DucksOregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq lands in the end zone with a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. \u00a9 Ben Lonergan\/The Register-Guard \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

For about six weeks, 90% \u2014 maybe more \u2014 of NFL mock drafts said the same thing for the Minnesota Vikings: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in Round 1. Now, with draft week here<\/a>, the script has flipped, as the who\u2019s who of NFL punditry is connecting Thieneman\u2019s teammate, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, to the Vikings.<\/p>\n

Sadiq, alas, is squarely in the Vikings\u2019 draft spotlight.<\/p>\n

The momentum has indeed shifted from defense to offense, which might just make sense for a team run by an offense-first head coach.<\/p>\n

Sadiq Has Entered the Vikings\u2019 Round 1 Conversation<\/p>\n

Thieneman or Sadiq<\/a>. Who you got?<\/p>\n

\"KenyonOregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) participates in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, on Feb 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, showcasing his athleticism and pass-catching ability as evaluators from across the league observed his movement skills and potential fit at the next level. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Jordan Reid Says Sadiq for the Vikings<\/p>\n

Reid, a Vikings fan as a youngster, said no thanks to the Thieneman angle for the Vikings in his final mock draft, instead connecting him to the Dallas Cowboys at Pick No. 12.<\/p>\n

So, he made Sadiq Minnesota\u2019s first pick and explained<\/a>, \u201cTight end isn\u2019t the Vikings\u2019 biggest need \u2014 those would be safety and defensive tackle \u2014 but Thieneman is off the board as a possible Harrison Smith replacement and there isn\u2019t a defensive tackle worth taking at this point of the draft. Sadiq is a speedy (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) receiving tight end whom Minnesota could use in multiple ways in its offense.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to the Sadiq experience, know that he\u2019s a complete tight end, comparable to Vernon Davis<\/a>, who isn\u2019t afraid to block in the run game.<\/p>\n

The Athletic, Too<\/p>\n

Need more Sadiq ammo? Alec Lewis has it. <\/p>\n

He wrote Monday<\/a>, \u201cDo the Vikings need another offensive weapon? No. Would Sadiq bring a unique skill set to the Vikings? Absolutely. The 21-year-old is a special athlete. He reached 23.24 miles per hour at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Next Gen Stats, the fastest of any tight end in recent years. Vertical speed matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSadiq can reach areas of the field that others couldn\u2019t. It opens up more intermediate and underneath spaces for other pass catchers. Nothing is a guarantee at No. 18. A coveted defensive player could fall, or the Vikings could trade back into the late first round, where there are multiple prospects they hold in high regard. We\u2019re taking the stick-and-pick route throughout this exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two major outlets predicting Sadiq to Minnesota portrays a theme.<\/p>\n

Why Sadiq?<\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s tight end room is currently stocked. T.J. Hockenson<\/a> is under contract through 2026, with a recent restructure potentially extending financial flexibility into 2027. Josh Oliver<\/a> capably fills the TE2 role, providing a dependable blocking presence, in addition to redzone prowess. On the surface, there\u2019s no immediate urgency to add another tight end.<\/p>\n

However, Sadiq remains a wise target. He doesn\u2019t fit the typical \u201cdevelopmental tight end\u201d mold, as he\u2019s already active in the passing game and demonstrates capability as a willing blocker. This versatile combination is crucial for Minnesota\u2019s offense, which prioritizes players who can stay on the field in all situations \u2014 a need Sadiq clearly addresses.<\/p>\n

The approach aligns with Minnesota\u2019s alleged draft philosophy. Rob Brzezinski<\/a> has consistently championed a \u201cbest player available\u201d strategy in recent weeks. If Sadiq\u2019s grade is high enough within their evaluation, the current depth chart won\u2019t impede his selection.<\/p>\n

\"KenyonOregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq speaks with reporters during Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort, on Jul 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, discussing his development and expectations as he prepared for the upcoming season with the Ducks. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The primary challenge is Sadiq\u2019s availability. Several teams may be positioned to select him and have compelling reasons to do so. Minnesota might not get the opportunity if the draft board doesn\u2019t fall their way.<\/p>\n

Should Sadiq be available, his selection would represent a significant long-term play. Hockenson\u2019s current contract already suggests a future transition at the position next offseason. Adding Sadiq would accelerate that timeline, proactively shaping the offense for 2027 and beyond.<\/p>\n

Sadiq can basically be the Vikings\u2019 WR2-W3 per target load for the next half-decade.<\/p>\n

Making Vikings History<\/p>\n

Minnesota has never drafted a tight end in Round 1. Various Vikings general managers have picked Irv Smith Jr. (2019), Kyle Rudolph (2011), Jim Kleinsasser (1999), and Hal Bedsole in Round 2, but never in Round 1.<\/p>\n

If the Vikings pull the trigger on Sadiq, they\u2019ll step outside their comfort zone, which might be ideal, since the team has not won a Super Bowl in 65 years of existence. They have the NFL\u2019s fourth-best regular season win percentage in the Super Bowl era, but no rings.<\/p>\n

\"KenyonOregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium, on Nov 22, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon, reacting with energy during the first half as Oregon built momentum in a key conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Perhaps it\u2019s time to try different things. Sadiq is that.<\/p>\n

If Sadiq is not the selection at No. 18, the mock-draft community believes Minnesota will pick the aforementioned Thieneman (S, Oregon), Peter Woods<\/a> (DT, Clemson), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo), Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee), or Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State).<\/p>\n

Sadiq won\u2019t turn 22 until next March. He has all the time in the world to develop.<\/p>\n

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