Should the 49ers pick Kenyon Sadiq in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
George Kittle has solidified himself as a San Francisco 49ers legend. He will go down in the history books for his impact and loyalty to the team. However, he’s now 32 years old and just suffered a torn achilles, which will force him to miss a majority of the 2026 NFL season. Because of this, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz at USA Today had the 49ers selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to be his long-term replacement in a recent mock draft. Although this is an enticing choice, Kyle Shanahan should go elsewhere with this pick.
It’s important to note that Kittle won’t be pushed out of the team because of this addition. He will recover in 2026, then return and be a valuable contributor for the rest of his career. He would be a valuable mentor to Sadiq and would greatly aid his development. Kittle may not be the primary option anymore, but he’s still an important piece on the team.
Although it may not be the number one choice, Sadiq would be an outstanding fit in the 49ers offense. He's a matchup nightmare for defenses who wreak havoc as a receiver and a blocker. He isn’t the biggest player, standing 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, but makes up for it with his physicality and route running.
Sadiq has 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He’s a mismatch for defenses as linebackers and safeties are too small to guard him, and cornerbacks aren’t physical enough. Additionally, he’s a solid route runner and consistently creates separation.
As a blocker, Sadiq pulls his weight. He’s dominant against linebackers and defensive backs, plus he holds his own against defensive linemen. This skill is required in a Kyle Shanahan offense, so Sadiq’s prowess in this area makes him an enticing option.
Despite these amazing qualities, Sadiq still isn’t the biggest target for the 49ers. This is largely due to him likely not being on the board. He’s a projected top-20 selection, while San Francisco picks at number 27. This would cause them to have to trade valuable draft capital to move up in the draft, which may not be worth it.
Another reason they shouldn’t invest in Sadiq is the positional need. The 49ers should select a tight end, but picking one in the first round may not be wise when bigger needs are prevalent. For example, addressing wide receiver, offensive line, or edge rusher would all be amazing investments.
The 49ers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq is intriguing, but it may not be their best move. Make no doubt, Sadiq would supercharge their offense; however, the possibility of trading draft capital and having bigger positional needs should make them stay away.