Kenyon Sadiq falls to back of 1st round in ESPN’s latest mock draft

Ever since he broke out within the 2024 Large Ten title sport, catching two landing passes and hurdling a defender on one in every of them, Oregon Geese tight finish Kenyon Sadiq was seen as a possible first-round decide when he determined to declare for the NFL draft.

After a standout junior season by which he was named a Mackey Award finalist and led all tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns, the time has come for Sadiq. With quarterback Dante Moore and defensive deal with A’Mauri Washington returning to Eugene for yet one more season, the Geese’ former tight finish is more likely to be the primary Oregon participant off the board within the first spherical.

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Whereas there’s nonetheless a protracted methods to go till night time one of many draft, with the NFL Mix and professional days developing quickly, Sadiq had been anticipated to go within the higher half of the primary spherical because the top-rated tight finish on the board.

Groups just like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 15 and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at No. 9 had been floated as potential touchdown spots, as they’ve veteran tight ends however may use a younger, athletic pass-catcher within the mildew of Sadiq to spice up their offense even additional.

However in ESPN’s newest mock draft, crafted by draft analyst Matt Miller, Sadiq falls previous each the Buccaneers and Chiefs. He even falls out of the teenagers and all the way in which to No. 23, the place the Philadelphia Eagles fortunately scoop him up — additionally with a veteran tight finish on the roster.

“The Eagles have a tricky name at tight finish, with Dallas Goedert just lately turning 31 and about to hit the void years of his contract,” Miller wrote. “Even when the Eagles determine to restructure Goedert’s deal and hold him for 2026, they’re identified for drafting for future want. Sadiq is a sudden and productive F-tight finish prospect however lacks elite measurement at 6-foot-3 and 245 kilos. His run-after-catch expertise are elite, and he is a confirmed pink zone menace, however his drop points (six in 2025) can be closely thought-about. Sadiq is one of the best tight finish within the class and could be a really perfect middle-of-the-field playmaker for Jalen Hurts.”

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The Eagles’ offense was a large number final season, with drama surrounding huge receiver AJ Brown and the cross sport as a complete. In Sadiq, they’d herald some contemporary blood, younger expertise and an absolute playmaker — one thing they might miss in the event that they determine to half methods with Brown this offseason.

The previous Oregon tight finish showcased himself as a participant who places his head and works throughout his three seasons in Eugene, and carrying that over to Philadelphia could be wanted contemplating the cruel fan base.

In fact, this all hinges on if the 22 groups previous to the Eagles passing on a decent finish who is anticipated to be a difference-maker on the subsequent stage as a matchup nightmare and a strong run blocker. Nonetheless numerous time, but it surely’s onerous to see that many groups passing up on Sadiq’s expertise.

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This text initially appeared on Geese Wire: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq falls in ESPN’s newest 2026 mock draft