Eagles Target Electric Oregon Tight End in Early 2026 Mock Draft
In the first wave of 2026 NFL mock drafts, the Philadelphia Eagles are projected to address a looming offensive vacancy with their first-round selection. With the No. 23 overall pick, NBC Sports and other analysts predict the Eagles will select Kenyon Sadiq, the dynamic tight end from the Oregon Ducks.
Deep Search: The Case for Kenyon Sadiq
The selection of Sadiq represents a strategic pivot for the Eagles’ offense. Described by scouts as “one of the better athletes you will ever see at the tight end position,” Sadiq offers a skill set that blurs the line between a traditional tight end and a jumbo wide receiver. His scouting profile highlights:
Elite Versatility: Sadiq is lethal on “manufactured touches” and screen plays, utilizing his athleticism to create yards after the catch (YAC) in a way that mimics a basketball player in open space.
Seam Threat: He has demonstrated the speed to challenge defenses vertically down the seam, a critical trait for Nick Sirianni’s offensive scheme which relies on spacing and intermediate threats.
Blocking Improvement: While primarily a receiving threat, his 2025 film showed significant growth in his demeanor as a blocker on the move, making him a viable three-down option.
Background Info: The Tight End Room in Flux
This projection arrives at a critical juncture for the Philadelphia franchise. Longtime starter Dallas Goedert is scheduled to hit free agency in March 2026. While Goedert has been a cornerstone of the offense, the team lacks a clear succession plan.
Contract Uncertainty: If the Eagles choose not to extend Goedert, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, the tight end position becomes an immediate vacancy.
Roster Depth: Behind Goedert, the depth chart—consisting of players like Grant Calcaterra and Albert Okwuegbunam—has not produced a definitive TE1 candidate.
Draft Philosophy: General Manager Howie Roseman has historically drafted replacements a year early (e.g., Cam Jurgens for Jason Kelce, Dallas Goedert for Zach Ertz). Selecting Sadiq would align with this “forward-thinking” roster management style.
Objections: Is Offense the Right Priority?
While Sadiq is an exciting prospect, critics argue that using a first-round pick on a tight end ignores more pressing structural issues on the roster:
Defensive Deficiencies: The Eagles’ pass rush struggled in 2025, with young edge rusher Jalyx Hunt leading the team with only 6.5 sacks. An edge rusher or a cornerback to pair with Quinyon Mitchell might offer higher positional value at pick No. 23.
Offensive Line Future: With Lane Johnson arguably nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, a future right tackle or a versatile guard like Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane could be a safer investment to protect the franchise quarterback.
Positional Value: First-round tight ends have a historically mixed hit rate. Investing premium capital here, rather than in the trenches or at wide receiver (if A.J. Brown’s future becomes a discussion), carries inherent risk.
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