Popular Draft Analyst Mocks More Than a Pass Catcher to Vikings

Since the Minnesota Vikings have turned the page in their franchise history books to 2026, since beating the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 and finishing their 2025 season at 9-8.

There are plenty of housekeeping items to take place between now and April. First, the Vikings have to figure out whether or not Brian Flores will return as defensive coordinator. Then, head coach Kevin O’Connell has to figure out what to do next at quarterback.

But once all of that is figured out, all eyes will turn to the 2026 NFL Draft. We already know that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings hold the 18th overall pick in the first round.

And this front office cannot afford to miss on another draft class, especially given where the Minnesota Vikings’ current cap situation sits. There are a few different routes Kwesi & Co. could go, come April.

One top draft analyst, however, has the Vikings choosing offense yet again, with their first pick. According to Dane Brugler’s (The Athletic) recently updated mock draft, Minnesota will be selecting a new pass-catcher in a few months, yet another weapon for JJ McCarthy… or whoever plays quarterback.

Dane Brugler: Kenyon Sadiq to MN Vikings at No. 18 overall

But not only would Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq add a talented young weapon to a passing game that needs a shot of adrenalin, but he’d likely represent the Vikings moving on from TJ Hockenson, who enters the offseason as a clear cut candidate.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

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.

Dane Brugler – 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 last season with Oregon, Sadiq turned in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.

Unlike many young tight ends who are exceptional pass catchers coming out of college, this Duck can block too. That’s why Kenyon Sadiq is a top 10 talent in this draft. If they Vikings can get him at 18, it’d be a steal.

Other options for the Vikings in first round of NFL Draft

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.

Related: Insiders Argue Over Potential Schism Between Brian Flores, MN Vikings

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. And if a talent like Kenyon Sadiq is there for them in the middle of the first round, he’ll be difficult to pass up.

By the time April’s draft rolls around, free agency will have long passed and the Vikings shouldn’t be desperate at any single position. That’s why, considering how many holes Minnesota has to fill, they are in a decent spot at No. 18.

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