NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper envisions a dynamic pass-catching threat at tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, potentially giving Baker Mayfield a potent new target.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering an interesting offseason as they look to get back on track after a disappointing 8-9 finish to the season. That includes getting the offense rolling again, an offense that will be led by a new offensive coordinator after the firing of Josh Grizzard.
Who Baker Mayfield is throwing to next season remains a question. New weapons could still be added, and that’s the direction the Buccaneers go in with their pick in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft for ESPN.
With the 15th pick, the Buccaneers will select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Here’s what Kiper had to say about the pick:
“The Buccaneers landed Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 last April, but don't be surprised if they go back to the pass-catching well in 2026. After a hot start to the season, Baker Mayfield slowed down in the second half, and his offense could lose wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Cade Otton. They are both free agents, and Evans is 32. Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson should be able to carry the WR room, but the tight end group would take a big hit.
“What Tampa Bay needs is exactly what Sadiq would provide. He's a big, 6-foot-3 target with explosive traits, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Mayfield could get him the ball in space to let him use his after-the-catch ability to move the sticks or fire jump balls to him in the back of the end zone. I really like this match.”
It’s unlikely, the Buccaneers would love for one of the top defensive end to fall to them at No. 15, players such as Miami Hurricanes edge Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech edge David Bailey and Auburn edge Keldric Faulk.
All are off the board in Kiper's mock. All would be great fits for the Buccaneers as they really could use a high-impact edge-defender and pass-rusher.
As far as Sadiq, the Buccaneers do have Cade Otton set to become a free agent and Sadiq is a playmaker, much more so than Otton. Sadiq led the Ducks with eight touchdown catches and was second to receiver Malik Benson in receiving yards with 560.
Sadiq would bring another big target to the middle of the field for the Buccaneers. Tampa can always re-sign Otton, who is no slouch at 6-foot-5, but Sadiq, who is listed at 6-foot-3, has the playmaking ability that Otton doesn’t. He’s a target that Mayfield would seemingly love to throw to.
Sadiq could quickly become a red-zone favorite for Mayfield, similar to the Los Angeles Rams this season with another former Duck, Terrence Ferguson.
Tight end may not be the first position that comes to mind when talking about the first round for the Buccaneers, but Sadiq is talented enough that he’ll at least be in the conversation, regardless of position.
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