The Carolina Panthers seem likely to take this player in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers will be picking 19th in the first round of the NFL Draft next month, and while they have some pretty clear needs, one player seems to stand out above the rest as far as who they could select on Day 1.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
The Panthers could definitely stand to add another weapon for Bryce Young, and while a third wide receiver behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker would be nice (especially with Xavier Legette looking like a bust), Carolina probably won't be nabbing a receiver in Round 1.
A tight end, though, could be the pick.
Why? Because while the Panthers have rifled through young tight end options in recent years, such as Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans, none of them have panned out.
The jury is still largely out on Sanders and Evans, the former of whom saw his 2024 rookie campaign sabotaged by injury and the latter of whom hasn't gotten much of a chance yet, but you kind of get the feeling that Carolina views neither as a long-term starter at the position.
Carolina Panthers tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.That's why Sadiq has been linked so heavily to the Panthers for weeks — even months — now, and he is the consensus top tight end in this year's draft class.
The Oregon product has actually drawn comparisons to Antonio Gates due to his freakish athleticism, and during his final collegiate campaign, he hauled in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
Yes, Carolina has needs at other positions, as well, but Sadiq is beginning to feel like a can't-miss for the squad.
Personally, I loved Sanders coming out of Texas, and during his rookie season, he was showing some serious flashes. But he hasn't looked the same since that neck injury, and in 2025, the Panthers barely even used him.
Perhaps Sadiq could everything many of us thought Sanders would be, and more. Plus, having yet another athletic, big-bodied weapon for Young — who stands just 5-foot-10 himself — would be significant.
Obviously, there is still ample time between now and the NFL Draft next month, but it really is starting to look like Sadiq could the pick for Carolina.
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