Mock draft season has entered its apex with just under two weeks before this year's NFL Draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have often been linked to one standout offensive weapon at 15, but according to a new report, that weapon may be long gone.
Rich Cimini covers the New York Jets for ESPN. The Jets have been linked to Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, provided, of course, that he falls beyond Tampa. Cimini reported that Sadiq may not make it past the 9th overall pick.
Sorry to burst your bubble #Jets fans, but @RichCimini said ‘based on the intel’ he is getting, Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is NOT going to be on the board at No. 16 overall:
— Jets Collective (@NYJetsHMA) April 12, 2026
‘The window opens for him right there [at pick No. 9 overall w/ the #Chiefs]. I’d be very surprised if he got… pic.twitter.com/y5TspdO34P
Tampa Bay Buccaneers better have a backup plan if latest Kenyon Sadiq rumors are true
Sadiq is this year's best tight end prospect, but Buccaneer fans shouldn't be all-in on him. At least not to the point they believe the team should trade up to take him. Despite his Pro Day and NFL Combine workouts, it's the tape that needs attention.
The tight end is a good blocker and a good WR, but as you can see, we used the word "good" because he isn't great at either one. There is a ceiling that he can be coached to, but he isn't going to reach Sam LaPorta or Brock Bowers' status in his first year. It may take a couple to start getting close.
Cimini believes that the Chiefs at nine are a possibility. With Travis Kelce nearing the end of his NFL career before riding out on a "white horse" with Taylor Swift, K.C. may draft his replacement to give him a chance to learn behind one of the best TEs in the league.
The good news for Tampa is that if the Chiefs take Sadiq, or any other team before them, another potential top-10 prospect could fall to them at 15, or it could open the door for another team further down the trough in round one to perhaps attempt to move up.
Sadiq has been the popular mock draft choice to Tampa this year, but there are bigger needs on the roster if they want to win immediately. Throwing the first of only seven picks on a guy that will take a backseat to Cade Otton doesn't make a lot of sense.
This year's draft class has solid prospects in the middle of the draft. On day three, Tampa should be able to land a quality player at the position they can mold.