The Carolina Panthers have been predicted to select Kenyon Sadiq with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 draft.
The Carolina Panthers have the 19th overall pick in the 2026 draft and they have been predicted to select Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon.
Matt Miller of ESPN has the Panthers, who made the playoffs last season, taking Sadiq, a talented TE.
"Tight end and safety were the two positions that came up most when polling league sources about the Panthers," Miller wrote. "This spot is seen as Thieneman's potential floor but also serves as a popular landing spot for the speedy Sadiq.
"Though Carolina keeps its workouts quiet, especially when it comes to Round 1 targets, Sadiq fits what the Panthers lack at tight end. One source within the organization wouldn't rule out wide receiver but noted that the Panthers probably wouldn't reach for Denzel Boston (Washington) or KC Concepcion (Texas A&M)."
For Oregon in 2025, Sadiq had 51 receptions for 560 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He finished his college career with 80 receptions for 892 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 42 games.
The Panthers need more weapons around Bryce Young to take the next step offensively next season. Sadiq is the exact type of playmaking TE Young needs in Dave Canales' offense.
Young is set to make $12.1 million next season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option will be worth a guaranteed $25.9 million once exercised.
Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
The Panthers lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 playoffs' wild-card round at home. Young played well in his playoff debut. The youngster had 264 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Young enters next season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform. He's 14-30-0 as a starter.
Even though the Panthers made the playoffs last season, all signs point toward Young not getting an extension this offseason. He just hasn't been consistent enough to warrant big money.
If Young plays well in 2026, he will probably get an extension next offseason. To ensure that Young doesn't regress next season, drafting Sadiq [should he not be selected before 19] should be a priority for Carolina's front office.
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