Top NFL Draft Analyst Mocks New Pass Catcher to Vikings

Since the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 and finished their season at 9-8, the page turned to offseason mode. There are plenty of housekeeping items to take place between now and April. However, the NFL Draft is among the biggest events of the offseason.

We already know that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings will have the 18th overall pick. The franchise can’t continue to miss on draft classes, and hitting with their first rounder is a must. There are a few different places they could go, but Kenyon Sadiq’s music is now officially playing.

Kenyon Sadiq makes sense for MN Vikings

Last season NFL Draft talk for the Minnesota Vikings was heavily focused around the addition of a young quarterback. They accomplished that goal in selecting J.J. McCarthy. Although they need to fix the position, it won’t be through the draft this time. Dane Brugler (The Athletic) sees an offensive weapon making sense though.

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.

The Athletic

It’s beyond logical that the MN Vikings cut T.J. Hockenson this offseason. That would leave a massive hole at tight end, even with Josh Oliver still on the roster. Targeting the talented Oregon pass catcher Kenyon Sadiq then becomes a logical option.

Sadiq is entering the draft after three seasons in Eugene. He’s an athletic freak and could immediately put up a rookie season in a similar vein as Brock Bowers (1,194 yards, 5 touchdowns).

AN UNREAL HURDLE FROM OREGON'S KENYON SADIQ TO GIVE THEM THE LEAD ON THE OPENING DRIVE OF THE GAME 😱 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oC5rtFIUmV

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2024

It looked as though Sadiq was on the verge of a breakout last season as a sophomore, and he blew up in a big way this year with Dante Moore. In 14 games Sadiq turned in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. While he is exceptional in the passing game, he’s also impressive as a blocker.

Getting top 10 value at 18, and taking the best tight end in the class, would be a nice comeup for the MN Vikings.

Other options for Minnesota Vikings

If the Minnesota Vikings opted against taking Sadiq, Brugler’s first mock draft also paints a picture of what potential fits could still be available. We recently looked at what Minnesota may target, and the availability of those players will become clearer as April gets closer.

Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, and cornerback Avieon Terrell are both still on the board. Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor can play both guard and tackle at the next level and is there as well. Multiple other defensive tackles, including Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald and Florida’s Caleb Banks, aren’t expect to go until late in round one either.

Considering how many holes Minnesota has to fill, and the desire to do it with young talent, they are in a good spot. No single position has to be the focus this season, and while Sadiq may be a fun answer, a difference maker should be expected regardless.