Draft's top TE prospect won't fall past Panthers, according to ESPN

TL;DR

The Carolina Panthers are expected to select tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft, with reports indicating he won't fall past their pick at No. 19. Sadiq is noted for his elite athleticism and red-zone capabilities.

Key points

Panthers likely to draft Kenyon Sadiq at No. 19
Sadiq has an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.43
He is recognized as a red-zone threat

Carolina PanthersKenyon SadiqDillon Thieneman

The Panthers could be in a Pacific Northwest state of mind when it comes to their first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft. Specifically, it's two University of Oregon stars who are emerging as the most popular names for the reigning NFC South champions.

Safety Dillon Thieneman seems to be a current favorite for the Panthers at No. 19, as the team looks to further strengthen their defense this offseason. His teammate, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, has also been linked to Carolina quite a bit—and according to the latest draft buzz from ESPN, he won't fall past them come Thursday night:

Sadiq has a tighter range due to the lack of tight end depth for teams picking in the teens. The Ravens are an obvious landing spot at No. 14 after losing Isaiah Likely to the Giants in free agency. Sadiq could fill Likely's role immediately and develop into Mark Andrews' replacement. The Vikings at No. 18 are another obvious fit as this could be T.J. Hockenson's last season with the team, but the Panthers at No. 19 also make sense. They could look to add a more explosive playmaker.

Sadiq's attributes should be pretty familiar to (online) Panthers fans by now. He's small for his position at 6-foot-3, and 245 pounds, but comes with an elite Relative Athletic Score (9.43) and a proven record as a red-zone threat.

The Panthers have done an atrocious job of drafting capable receiving tight ends over the years, so taking the No. 1 prospect at this spot may be the only sure way to fill that long-running roster hole.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: ESPN projects Panthers as floor for TE Kenyon Sadiq

Q&A

What makes Kenyon Sadiq a top tight end prospect for the Panthers?

Kenyon Sadiq is considered a top prospect due to his elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.43 and his proven ability as a red-zone threat.

Which teams might select Kenyon Sadiq before the Panthers?

Potential teams that could select Kenyon Sadiq before the Panthers include the Ravens at No. 14 and the Vikings at No. 18.

What position does Kenyon Sadiq play and what are his physical stats?

Kenyon Sadiq plays tight end and stands at 6-foot-3, weighing 245 pounds.