Kenyon Sadiq’s Impressive Potential as a Tight End
Watching Kenyon Sadiq’s highlight reel is quite a spectacle—it’s almost as if the ground shakes beneath you.
Unless he’s crashing down in the end zone after an incredible catch, like those he made against Rutgers and Minnesota, Sadiq might just find a linebacker from Wisconsin or Washington on top of him. You can also picture him leaping over defensive backs from Penn State or Montana State, their arms flailing as he sails past.
The NFL is home to both explosive pass-catching tight ends and strong-blocking ones. However, Sadiq seems poised to excel in both areas.
“The position is about more than being just a big, slow receiver,” said Oregon State offensive coordinator Drew Mellinger. “He’s becoming the kind of player that every team wants—a combo. His potential is still ahead of him.”
His draft prospects could soar starting this Friday, as he is expected to challenge the long-standing record for the fastest 40-yard dash for a tight end, set by Vernon Davis at 4.40 seconds. Last year’s standout time belonged to his teammate, Terrence Ferguson, who clocked in at 4.63 seconds.
He’s also expected to elevate over 41 inches in the vertical leap, likely landing him among the top five tight ends in that category. It makes sense why Sadiq believes he can become the first skill position player since Ben Watson in 2004 to be a first-round pick with fewer than 1,000 career scrimmage yards.
“Versatility is key for my game,” Sadiq noted. “I bring a mature mindset to this league.”
Mellinger dismissed the notion that Sadiq isn’t committed in practice. He recalled numerous instances where Sadiq worked on his hamstrings and initiated warm-ups before practice, showing his dedication.
“He doesn’t take things for granted,” Mellinger remarked. “Most 20-year-olds aren’t analyzing why another player had a standout season. When I point out areas for improvement, he becomes laser-focused and nails it. We sometimes have to rewind things for him.”
At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq is slightly shorter than a typical NFL tight end, and he did have six dropped passes, suggesting scouts will keep a keen eye on him during practice.
“I know I need to correct some mistakes and lapses in concentration, as that won’t fly at the next level,” Sadiq acknowledged. “Still, I’ve got strengths in my game. I’ve made a lot of contested and diving catches.”
And then there’s the blocking. His well-built physique signifies he’ll be attempting to bench press 225 pounds on Saturday.
“He’s an excellent blocker—strong and sensitive,” Mellinger explained. “He has speed, which helps him score. But can a 6-foot-3 tight end really disrupt bigger players? He’s not intimidating.”
Will the 49ers see Sadiq as a mix of George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk? Might the Eagles consider him as a replacement for Dallas Goedert? Or will head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel look to bring him aboard the Chargers?
Mellinger emphasized Sadiq’s preparation skills. He approaches his play diagramming with the perfectionist mindset that defines his approach.
“I thought it would get intense at some points, which could be a bit irritating,” Sadiq reflected. “Still, some people just want to vibe with the staff to understand their personalities.”
One trend in the NFL is the growing use of “12” personnel (one running back and two tight ends) to combat smaller defenses. Can Sadiq effectively maneuver pre-snap to create mismatches, or will he end up as a glorified slot receiver?
“We talked to teams regarding him, and they often replied, ‘We already have a tight end,’” noted NFL Network draft analyst and former scout Daniel Jeremiah. “But he can still fulfill a complementary role and block. Teams are in search of versatile tight ends, even if they might not be immediate ground forces.”
Now, Sadiq’s opportunity to showcase his current skills is here.
