In just over three months, the Minnesota Vikings will once again select the newest members of the organization. Donovan Jackson, last year’s top pick, was a solid contributor in his rookie season, while the jury is still out on 2024 draftees Dallas Turner and J.J. McCarthy. In his latest mock draft for The Athletic, Dane Brugler connected the Vikings to Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
The Draft analyst published his latest mock draft and he sent the Oregon playmaker to the Twin Cities.
He wrote, “If T.J. Hockenson is a cap casualty this offseason, tight end would move up the Vikings’ needs list. Sadiq is a big, freaky athlete with the adjustment skills to make difficult catches look routine and the mentality to be an asset as a blocker. NFL teams believe he has the talent to be a top-10 pick.”
Hockenson’s future is a fascinating topic, as his cap hits will balloon in 2026 and 2027, while his production has dipped considerably over the last two seasons. If the Vikings decide to cut him, they would save nearly $9 million against the salary cap as well as his entire $23,355,000 hit in 2027.
The starter caught 92 passes for 893 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 and 2025. Injuries limited him to 25 games, though he certainly appeared to be more explosive in his second year removed from his torn ACL suffered in 2023, but subpar QB play and extensive blocking assignments deflated his statistical output.
From a financial standpoint, releasing Hockenson makes sense, though it would open a massive hole at tight end, a position that undoubtedly matters in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
A replacement has to be found and Brugler thinks that person should arrive in the draft.
Sadiq played at Oregon for three seasons. As a freshman, he only caught five passes, but he has increased his volume each season. In 2024, he logged 24 receptions, followed by 51 in the past campaign. In 2025, Sadiq caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Sadiq shines as an exceptional athlete.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed him as the ninth-best prospect in this year’s class. He commented, “Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he’s nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.”
His hurdles have turned some heads this season.
The Vikings have never drafted a tight end in the first round. Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith were both selected in the second rounds of their respective drafts.
Young first-round tight ends have made plays this season. Tyler Warren was a key piece of the offense in Indianapolis, while Bears rookie Colston Loveland has just delivered a playoff game for the ages.
An intriguing aspect of Sadiq is that he won’t turn 21 until March, and despite the skills he has already put on display in college, there should still be room to grow. It remains to be seen whether the Vikings would actually spend a first-rounder on the tight end position, given there are other holes on the roster.
The first round of the draft will take place on April 23.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
#Mock #Draft #Puts #Athletic #Playmaker #Vikings #Radar
