With a roster built to win now, the Los Angeles Rams have the flexibility to select the best player available in the 2026 NFL Draft. Who will they take? USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly predicts they’ll draft Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq 13th overall:
“13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Rams wanted to trade up for Brock Bowers in 2024 but couldn’t get a deal done. They stay put at 13th overall and get the top tight end in the class this time around. Sadiq isn’t on Bowers’ level as a tight end but he’s one of the younger prospects in the class and would be a vertical threat from the position immediately. The 13 personnel groups Los Angeles rolled out in 2025 would suddenly become much more dynamic in 2026 with Sadiq.”
The Rams aren’t in desperate need of a tight end right now. But it wouldn’t hurt to add a great pass-catcher like Sadiq to the roster.
Rams Land Oregon Tight End Kenyon Sadiq in Recent Mock Draft
His Career Thus Far
Kenyon Sadiq attended Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. During his junior year, he helped lead the school to an IHSAA 4A state championship. The following year, he caught 79 passes for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Sadiq was rated as the top recruit in Idaho. He then received college offers from schools like Michigan, Washington, and Iowa State. He ultimately chose to play for the Oregon Ducks.
Sadiq played in all 14 games for the Ducks as a freshman. He caught five passes for 24 yards and a touchdown that year. He found the end zone for the first time in his career during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
As a sophomore in 2024, Sadiq recorded 24 receptions, 308 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 24 yards.
The 2025 season was a breakout year for Sadiq. He caught 40 passes for 490 yards, and eight touchdowns (all career-highs). Those numbers made him a finalist for the Mackey Award (top tight end in the nation). However, he wound up finishing second to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers.
Should the Rams Draft Him?
Last season, the Rams used four tight ends: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen. That entire group will return in 2026. However, each of those players, except for Ferguson, are entering the final year of their respective contracts. With that said, drafting Sadiq makes sense for Los Angeles.
Sadiq would give MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford another mismatch weapon in the passing game. He could join receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to provide the Rams’ offense with a top-notch pass-catching group.
The 6’3, 241 pound Sadiq is extremely athletic and explosive. He impressively ran a 4.39-second 40-yard at the the NFL Combine. It was the fastest 40-yard dash ever recorded by a tight end, topping Vernon Davis’ 4.40 back in 2006. In addition, Sadiq possesses speed and the ability to create after the catch.
The Rams need a wide receiver or offensive tackle more than a tight end. Yet, taking a quality playmaker like Sadiq still makes sense for the team.
