The Minnesota Vikings officially wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a 9-8 finish after a Week 18 win over the Packers, and now the focus shifts to what promises to be a pivotal offseason. With the 18th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his front office have a golden opportunity - and frankly, a necessity - to hit on a first-round selection that can contribute immediately. One name that’s starting to generate real buzz in league circles: Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Why Kenyon Sadiq Makes Sense for Minnesota
Let’s start with the obvious: if the Vikings move on from T.J. Hockenson this offseason - a real possibility given cap considerations - tight end instantly becomes a position of need.
Even with Josh Oliver still under contract, the drop-off in offensive versatility would be significant. That’s where Sadiq enters the conversation, and he brings a lot more than just a safety net for a young quarterback.
Sadiq is a rare athlete at the tight end position - a blend of size, speed, and catch radius that makes him a mismatch nightmare. He’s the type of player who can stretch the field vertically, win contested catches, and still hold his own in the run game as a blocker. That’s not just a luxury in today’s NFL - it’s a weapon.
Scouts have raved about Sadiq’s natural ball skills and his ability to adjust mid-route, which makes him a favorite target in tight windows. And when you add in his physicality as a blocker, you start to see why some evaluators believe he has top-10 potential. If he’s still on the board at 18, the Vikings could find themselves staring at one of the best value picks in the draft.
Production That Backs Up the Hype
Sadiq’s breakout junior season at Oregon cemented his status as one of the top tight ends in this class. In 14 games, he hauled in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns - strong numbers in a system that spread the ball around.
But it wasn’t just the box score that turned heads. His ability to make highlight-reel plays, like his hurdle over a defender on a scoring drive against Washington, showcased the kind of athleticism that translates to the next level.
And it wasn’t just flash. Sadiq consistently showed up in high-leverage moments, especially working with quarterback Dante Moore. His chemistry with Moore helped elevate Oregon’s offense, and his ability to operate both in-line and flexed out wide gave the Ducks the flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways.
It’s not a stretch to imagine Sadiq making an immediate impact in the NFL - think Brock Bowers-type production in Year 1. That’s the kind of upside Minnesota could be getting if they pull the trigger.
Other First-Round Options Still in Play
Of course, tight end isn’t the only area Minnesota could address with their first-round pick. Dane Brugler’s early mock draft outlines several intriguing alternatives if the Vikings decide to go in another direction.
Clemson’s Peter Woods and Avieon Terrell - a defensive tackle and cornerback, respectively - are both still on the board in that range and would help bolster a defense that needs reinforcements at every level. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor is another name to watch. He’s a versatile offensive lineman who can play both guard and tackle, offering flexibility and depth to a unit that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
If Minnesota wants to beef up the trenches, other defensive tackles like Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald and Florida’s Caleb Banks are projected to go later in the first round, giving the Vikings options depending on how the board falls.
A Draft That Can Shape the Future
The good news for the Vikings is that they’re not boxed into one position. With multiple needs across the roster - from the defensive line to the secondary to the offensive skill positions - they’re in a spot where they can take the best player available without forcing the pick. That’s a good place to be.
But if Hockenson is indeed on the way out, and Sadiq is still on the board, the stars could align for Minnesota to land a dynamic playmaker at a position of growing importance. Getting top-10 talent at No. 18 doesn’t happen often. If it does here, it could be a game-changer for a franchise looking to take the next step in its rebuild.