The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit 15th overall in this year's NFL Draft. Given Jason Licht's draft history, they may not sit at 15 once the draft starts.
Tampa must address a few positions as draft season approaches. Free agency hasn't provided the team with many answers, so the draft must. Licht has seven picks to work with and needs to make the most of them, especially if he stands pat and doesn't move back.
One of those needs, however, could be filled on day one at 15. Mel Kiper's latest mock draft takes a stab at doing just that. Kiper has tight end Kenyon Sadiq heading to the bay.
Blazing fast Kenyon Sadiq is Mel Kiper's latest choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There is no denying Sadiq is fast. One of the fastest at this year's NFL Combine. Hailed as the best overall tight end in this year's class, Sadiq posted a 4.39 40 and a 43. 5 vertical jump. His metrics jump off the paper.
Like most draft prospects, there are concerns, however. In our most recent mock draft, we considered Sadiq at 15, but instead opted for edge-rushing linebacker Kendric Faulk. The more we dug into Sadiq, the less thrilled we were with what we found. At least as a pick at 15.
Draft value is often criticized from the moment a selection is made. Every draft expert puts a grade on a player, and if a team overdrafts them, even by a few picks, they are often criticized, whereas taking them a few picks after their slotting is hailed as a potential steal.
With Sadiq, the tools are there for a solid NFL career. The problem is that while he is a good blocking tight and a good pass-catcher, he isn't great at either one. That does, however, leave room for development.
The question Tampa Bay has to ask, if they are looking Sadiq's way, is how much time do they need to get him moving toward the next level of his development?
Sadiq is hard to overlook, though. With the ball in his hands, he can make defenders miss and uses his frame well to take on hits. This is where he will excel. His route running is good, and his cuts are nearly elite, but he has to be more focused on eye-level tracking of the pass.
If the Buccaneers go this route, it is hardly a bad move, and Baker Mayfield will love having another weapon that can split defensive seams quickly. Sadiq has a great build that can be misleading; it's a good thing. Drafting Sadiq will help the Bucs' offense, but it may be a good two years before his full capabilities kick in.