Mile High Report
In the early installments of Future Broncos, we’ve dove into a handful of prospects on the offensive line, defensive line, and at linebacker. Those were my three biggest preliminary draft needs for Denver leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. Outside of those three, one could make a strong argument that finding a high-profile prospect at tight end would be in the franchise’s best interest moving forward.
To date, the early returns on free agent addition Evan Engram have been limited. While I’m still optimistic he can become a big part of the offense in 2025, he certainly isn’t a part of the team’s long-term vision at the age of 31—as he signed only a two-year deal. Denver is expected to get second-year tight end Nate Adkins back for their game against the Cincinatti Bengals. I thought the UDFA from last season performed admirable when called upon, but he doesn’t necessarily translate as a legitimate top target at the position.
Keep in mind, veteran Adam Trautman is an unrestricted free agent at year’s end. Additionally, Lucas Krull will be a restricted free agent. Last year’s seventh-round draft selection Caleb Lohner still has a lot of work to do, and his potential shouldn’t preclude Denver from being interested in finding a significant upgrade next April. So, who are some of the top options for the Broncos could consider early on? Let’s discuss a few.
Kenyon Sadiq — Tight End — Oregon
Four-star high school standout Kenyon Sadiq didn’t have to travel far to find his next home to continue his gridiron joruney. The Idaho native trekked Westward a few hundred miles and landed in Eugene, Oregon to become the next big playmaker for Dan Lanning and the Ducks.
As a freshman in 2023, Sadiq saw time in fourteen games serving primarily as a reserve and special teams’ player. He caught only five passes for 24 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2024, Sadiq made some strides in his sophomore year hauling in 24 receptions for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns. His two-touchdown performance against Penn State in the Big Ten Championship game elevated his status in the eyes of talent evaluators and have drawn him first-round grades entering his junior year at Oregon.
At 6’3 and 245 pounds, he possesses similar size to Engram and reminds me a bit of Isaiah Likely who was a standout pass catcher at Coastal Carolina several years ago. The one big difference between them is Sadiq’s tenacity as a run blocker. He’s very active in that regard and a hard-nosed player who has no problems giving it his all to help establish the Ducks’ formidable rushing attack.
Through four games this season, he has 9 catches for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. That 17.2 yard-per-catch average is one of the best in all of college football. Sadiq plays with great athleticism (4.55 speed), poise, and is a gifted player. There aren’t many holes about his game, but crisping up his routes will bode well for him...
