An analyst suggests the Vikings might target Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, a surprising move that could address multiple team needs.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to select a first round talent with the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Whether or not they find an impact rookie with the pick depends on their drafting philosophy and evaluation.
The term "best player available" has been utilized several times over the past couple of months. It's the notion that teams will draft the most skilled and talented player on the board regardless of positional value or team needs. Whether or not a franchise adheres to or even subscribes to that practice is uncertain, but many franchises strive for that ideal. The Vikings' philosophy will be put to the test at No. 18.
The easy way out is to trade out of the No. 18 pick if the Vikings do not see a player on the board that meets their immediate team needs. But there's also the possibility they find a player who is too good to pass up with the selection even if he does not meet a roster need.
Brevan Bane of Heavy writes that the Vikings could "shock the world" and take Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the pick. Bane explained why the pick could make sense for Minnesota.
"The Vikings will have a need at tight end after the 2026 season. They’ve recently altered the contract of T.J. Hockenson to reduce his price and the length of his contract. Therefore, he will be a free agent in 2027.
Minnesota could look to go against prioritizing a Day 1 contributor in favor of selecting the best player available. That could be Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq. ...
Sadiq would provide the Vikings with a true vertical threat with league-top TE upside. It’s known that Kyler Murray loves throwing to tight ends, as he made Trey McBride one of the best in the league in his final years with the Cardinals."
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesThe return of Hockenson has made several move on from Sadiq as a potential pick for the Vikings. Some think the tight end position is solidified, while other perhaps believe that the team has invested more than enough in the position. Then again, adding a dynamic tight end could serve to fix two weaknesses: The Vikings' lack of a third playmaking pass catcher at wide receiver and the lack of run blocking push in the running game. Sadiq is dynamic enough to fix both.
We'll see where the Vikings go with the pick, but perhaps we should not rule out the Oregon tight end at No. 18.