Why Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq Could Be the Panthers’ Sleeper Pick at No. 19
The Carolina Panthers are heading into the 2026 offseason with a rare feeling-momentum. After snapping a long playoff drought with their first postseason appearance since 2017, the team has a foundation to build on.
But with a first-round exit at the hands of the Rams, there’s still plenty of work to be done. General manager Dan Morgan and his front office now hold the No. 19 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and the direction they take could reveal a lot about how they view the next phase of this rebuild.
Defense or Playmaker? A Draft Dilemma
Let’s start with the obvious: the Panthers need help on the defensive line. The pass rush was inconsistent throughout the 2025 season, and while second-rounder Nic Scourton showed flashes, he didn’t have much help up front. That’s a problem in today’s NFL, where collapsing the pocket is non-negotiable if you want to contend deep into January.
But here’s the catch-by the time Carolina is on the clock at No. 19, the top-tier defensive linemen might already be off the board. That puts Morgan in a tricky spot: reach for a need, or pivot and grab the best player available?
That’s where Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq enters the conversation.
Sadiq’s Skillset: More Than Just a Safety Valve
Sadiq isn’t your typical tight end prospect. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he’s built like a mismatch and plays like one too.
He hauled in 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns this past season, serving as a key cog in Oregon’s high-powered offense. What sets him apart isn’t just the production-it’s how he gets it done.
Sadiq can stretch the field vertically, win in the red zone, and create yards after the catch. He’s the kind of player who forces defenses to adjust their game plan.
Now, tight end isn’t exactly a glaring hole on the Panthers’ roster. But it’s also not a position of strength.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has shown flashes but hasn’t quite broken through. In 29 games over two seasons, Sanders has 62 catches for 532 yards and just two touchdowns.
Solid, but not the kind of production that locks down a starting job long-term.
If Sadiq is available at 19, it might be less about filling a need and more about adding a dynamic weapon to an offense that’s still trying to find its identity.
Building Around Bryce Young
This draft is also about Bryce Young. The former No. 1 overall pick is entering his fourth season, and the Panthers need to figure out if he’s their long-term answer at quarterback. That means giving him every opportunity to succeed-and that starts with surrounding him with talent.
Imagine a pass-catching trio of Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Kenyon Sadiq. That’s a young, versatile group that can attack defenses in a variety of ways.
Add in a healthy run game and improved offensive line play, and suddenly, Young has no excuses. The front office would finally have a clear lens through which to evaluate their quarterback before making a decision on a contract extension.
The Other Option: Go Defense in Free Agency
Of course, Carolina could still address the defensive front. Prospects like Florida’s Caleb Banks or Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be in play at No.
- But considering how well Derrick Brown played last year, the smarter move might be to bring in a veteran EDGE rusher in free agency to pair with Brown and Scourton.
That way, Morgan doesn’t have to force a pick on draft night and can take the best player available-potentially Sadiq.
The Bottom Line
The Panthers are in a better spot than they’ve been in years, but they’re not done building. Whether they lean defense or offense at No. 19 will depend on how the board shakes out, but don’t be surprised if Kenyon Sadiq becomes a serious option. He’s not just a luxury pick-he could be a key piece in unlocking this offense and, more importantly, unlocking Bryce Young’s full potential.
The Panthers have a chance to make a statement in this draft. If Sadiq is still sitting there when they’re on the clock, it might be too good an opportunity to pass up.