Denver Broncos predicted to use 2026 first-round pick on top tight end in class originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos are building an effective offense, one that has come a long way from the days when the team was lucky to score 20 points. But one thing the team still needs is an impactful tight end.
It was thought that the problem was solved in resounding fashion this offseason when the team signed Evan Engram in free agency, but for whatever reason, it has not been a good fit, at least to this point. Through nine games, he has just 26 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown.
Engram’s least-productive season, at least in terms of catches, came in 2019 when he caught 44 passes with the New York Giants. However, he only played in eight games that year. There is still plenty of time for things to turn around for him in Denver, but the team may want to keep its eye on the future at that position, and that is what the Scouting Department over at Bleacher Report is doing.
In a fresh 2026 mock draft, the Broncos, selecting at the No. 28 spot in the first round, grab Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with their first-round pick.
“Veteran tight end Evan Engram hasn’t been much of a factor in the Denver Broncos offense. Sean Payton’s squad needs a more dynamic presence at the position.
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq provides plus-athleticism, hellacious blocking and a previous connection with quarterback Bo Nix.
“Nix just loves throwing the ball to ex-teammates, as his connection with Troy Franklin indicates. “Let’s try that approach again.
“Sadiq played with Nix as a true freshman. He has since blossomed into one of the most impactful and effective blockers in the entire class. Engram may have a few more years on his contract, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton wants to have a blocking tight end he can trust.
“Sadiq happens to also be an incredible athlete with top-tier upside as a pass-catcher, who Payton can mold into a frightening weapon. This pairing seems like a match made in heaven”, said Daniel Harms of Bleacher Report.
Sadiq is 6-foot-3 and has top-end athletic traits. A four-star recruit coming out of high school, he chose the Ducks over offers from Michigan, Iowa State and Washington. He would be perfect for Sean Payton’s offense, and the type of athlete that the head coach would fall in love with. For those who felt that Engram was the perfect player for Payton’s “joker” role, Sadiq would be even better, and much younger.
However, tight ends who have the ability to take over a game are players that teams are beginning to covet. Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren each went in the top 15 of last year’s draft, and Sadiq has traits that are comparable or in some cases even better than those two players, so he may not last until the last few picks of the first round.
Depending on how the rest of the season goes for the Broncos, particularly as it relates to the play of Engram, Sadiq will likely be towards the top of Payton’s big board for next year’s draft.
More Broncos Content
Denver Broncos might have been able to trade for Jaylen Waddle had they acted sooner
Denver Broncos will again be without key offensive and special teams player on ‘TNF’ vs. Raiders
Denver Broncos move on from new special teamer after just one game
Denver Broncos made right decision to pass on Jaylen Waddle in light of reported asking price
3 Denver Broncos players who could be moved ahead of NFL trade deadline
