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Vikings 1st-Round Mock Drafts Have Been Flipped on Their Heads
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- Vikings 1st-Round Mock Drafts Have Been Flipped on Their Heads
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For about six weeks, 90% — maybe more — of NFL mock drafts said the same thing for the Minnesota Vikings : Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in Round 1. Now, with draft week here , the script has flipped, as the who's who of NFL punditry is connecting Thieneman's teammate, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, to the Vikings .
Sadiq, alas, is squarely in the Vikings' draft spotlight.
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The momentum has indeed shifted from defense to offense, which might just make sense for a team run by an offense-first head coach.
Sadiq Has Entered the Vikings' Round 1 Conversation
Thieneman or Sadiq . Who you got?
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) participates in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, on Feb 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, showcasing his athleticism and pass-catching ability as evaluators from across the league observed his movement skills and potential fit at the next level. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ESPN's Jordan Reid Says Sadiq for the Vikings
Reid, a Vikings fan as a youngster, said no thanks to the Thieneman angle for the Vikings in his final mock draft, instead connecting him to the Dallas Cowboys at Pick No. 12.
So, he made Sadiq Minnesota's first pick and explained , "Tight end isn't the Vikings' biggest need — those would be safety and defensive tackle — but Thieneman is off the board as a possible Harrison Smith replacement and there isn't a defensive tackle worth taking at this point of the draft. Sadiq is a speedy (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) receiving tight end whom Minnesota could use in multiple ways in its offense."
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If you're new to the Sadiq experience, know that he's a complete tight end, comparable to Vernon Davis , who isn't afraid to block in the run game.
The Athletic, Too
Need more Sadiq ammo? Alec Lewis has it.
He wrote Monday , "Do the Vikings need another offensive weapon? No. Would Sadiq bring a unique skill set to the Vikings? Absolutely. The 21-year-old is a special athlete. He reached 23.24 miles per hour at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Next Gen Stats, the fastest of any tight end in recent years. Vertical speed matters."
"Sadiq can reach areas of the field that others couldn't. It opens up more intermediate and underneath spaces for other pass catchers. Nothing is a guarantee at No. 18. A coveted defensive player could fall, or the Vikings could trade back into the late first round, where there are multiple prospects they hold in high regard. We're taking the stick-and-pick route throughout this exercise."
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Two major outlets predicting Sadiq to Minnesota portray a theme.
Why Sadiq?
Minnesota's tight end room is currently stocked. T.J. Hockenson is under contract through 2026, with a recent restructure potentially extending financial flexibility into 2027. Josh Oliver capably fills the TE2 role, providing a dependable blocking presence, in addition to redzone prowess. On the surface, there's no immediate urgency to add another tight end.
However, Sadiq remains a wise target. He doesn't fit the typical "developmental tight end" mold, as he's already active in the passing game and demonstrates capability as a willing blocker. This versatile combination is crucial for Minnesota's offense, which prioritizes players who can stay on the field in all situations — a need Sadiq clearly addresses.
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The approach aligns with Minnesota's alleged draft philosophy. Rob Brzezinski has consistently championed a "best player available" strategy in recent weeks. If Sadiq's grade is high enough within their evaluation, the current depth chart won't impede his selection.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq speaks with reporters during Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort, on Jul 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, discussing his development and expectations as he prepared for the upcoming season with the Ducks. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The primary challenge is Sadiq's availability. Several teams may be positioned to select him and have compelling reasons to do so. Minnesota might not get the opportunity if the draft board doesn't fall their way.
Should Sadiq be available, his selection would represent a significant long-term play. Hockenson's current contract already suggests a future transition at the position next offseason. Adding Sadiq would accelerate that timeline, proactively shaping the offense for 2027 and beyond.
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Sadiq can basically be the Vikings' WR2-W3 per target load for the next half-decade.
Making Vikings History
Minnesota has never drafted a tight end in Round 1. Various Vikings general managers have picked Irv Smith Jr. (2019), Kyle Rudolph (2011), Jim Klenisasser (1999), and Hal Bedsole in Round 2, but never in Round 1.
If the Vikings pull the trigger on Sadiq, they'll step outside their comfort zone, which might be ideal, since the team has not won a Super Bowl in 65 years of existence. They have the NFL's fourth-best regular season win percentage in the Super Bowl era, but no rings.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium, on Nov 22, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon, reacting with energy during the first half as Oregon built momentum in a key conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Perhaps it's time to try different things. Sadiq is that.
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If Sadiq is not the selection at No. 18, the mock-draft community believes Minnesota will pick the aforementioned Thieneman (S, Oregon), Peter Woods (DT, Clemson), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), Jermod McCoy ( Tennessee ), or Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State).
Sadiq won't turn 22 until next March. He has all the time in the world to develop.
