Making the Case: Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq could be a game changer for the Los Angeles Rams, but there are some concerns
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq has been a frequent mock draft link for the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft. Is he a fit for the team?
The Los Angeles Rams 2026 NFL Draft process has been an interesting one to monitor. Evidently, nobody seems to know what the Rams will do with the No. 13 pick, which is exactly what the Rams want.
However, the consensus does appear to be an offensive weapon after the trade for Trent McDuffie. One of those players is Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq has appeared in plenty of mock drafts for the Rams. Does Sadiq make sense for the Rams?
I’m kickstarting a series of “Making the Case” articles for all of the top prospects connected to the Rams. I will link each article to each other as this series develops.
The case for Kenyon Sadiq with the Los Angeles Rams
Kenyon Sadiq is a talented tight end prospect. His elite athleticism that shattered numerous NFL Scouting Combine records shows up on film, and he’s one of the best “receiving” tight end prospects in recent years.
He has his fair share of warts, mainly as a route runner, but his unique combination of size, speed, change of direction, and explosiveness makes him an instant mismatch weapon for any offense. Sadiq’s physical mindset and competitive toughness is evidenced in his tremendous work in contested situation and adjusting to inaccurate throws. I love his ability to threaten the seams, work after the catch, and I think his red-zone ability is top-notch. He has almost 500 career special teams snaps to his resume as well.
There’s nothing in Sadiq’s resume to say he can’t be a game-changing weapon by year 2 of his career. Get him the ball as much as possible, and your offense instantly gets an explosive boost. His ability to play in the slot, in-line, and even some actual “X” reps or even big slot makes him a strong chess piece.
The case against Kenyon Sadiq with the Los Angeles Rams
Very little of my criticisms about Sadiq come from him as a player. If there is one, however, it would be his blocking ability in-line. He’s physical and will compete, but off of size alone, he’s not a player I would play on the line of scrimmage. I think he’s a better blocker than he’s given credit for, but it’s much more akin to where I thought Colston Loveland was as a prospect. You can work with that, but asking him to dig out a defensive end in the NFL in-line is going to be a tough ask early on.
For the Rams, I think their biggest need in the tight end room is a more well-rounded target. They need to improve their blocking in-line, as Tyler Higbee is getting older and Colby Parkinson is entering the last year of his deal. If the goal is to detach Ferguson off the line of scrimmage, you need players to play on the line of scrimmage. Sadiq certainly can do that, but in my opinion, it’s not where he would be best at.
Ultimately, that’s the biggest question for the Rams when it comes to Sadiq. For the No.13 pick, you need immediate results. To get that, they have to be playing them in their best spot. How comfortable are you with Sadiq and Ferguson competing for that role? Either of them maintaining an in-line position well without becoming a liability is entirely projection.
Verdict
I am of two minds here. On one hand, I think Sadiq would be a perfect weapon to deliver explosives for the Rams. Sean McVay has the acumen to make it work and maximize his ability. Paired with Matthew Stafford, Sadiq could be one of the top tight ends in the league. The Rams have been searching for a player like that with recent attempted tradeups for Brock Bowers and Dalton Kincaid.
On the other, I do wonder about the value here. That would give the Rams five tight ends on the roster who will all factor into the equation for 2026. Granted, the long-term outlook should be considered here, but that’s still a bit of a log-jammed room. I think there is some overlap with Sadiq and Ferguson’s skill set as well, and Ferguson’s involvement in the offense is only expected to grow heading into his second year.
Is the juice worth the squeeze with the No. 13 pick?
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