In a perfect world, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves a starting-caliber wide receiver, guard, and center in the 2026 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this year’s draft is weaker than usual, so while it’s important to fill needs, the front office will also look to maximize value where they can.
Most mocks have been giving the Ravens either Penn State’s Vega Ioane, Utah’s Spencer Fano, or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson in the first round. Each of those players would fit the team to perfection. However, not all of those guys are guaranteed to be there at pick 14.
If Baltimore wants a weapon for Lamar Jackson early, a connection that’s been gaining some buzz is the possibility of them drafting Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. He would be the perfect addition to an offense that lost both its backup tight ends and desperately needs a complementary receiving threat to Zay Flowers.
Baltimore Ravens add ideal weapon for Lamar Jackson in Peter Schrager’s mock draft
ESPN’s Peter Schrager recently released his first mock draft of the offseason. He provided a ton of insight into his predictions, using team intel and information from the NFL’s league meeting to play matchmaker for how he thinks April’s draft could unfold. At 14, he gave the Ravens Kenyon Sadiq. Schrager wrote:
“What better way to show Lamar Jackson and Ravens fans that the Baltimore offense isn't going anywhere without offensive coordinator Todd Monken or former TE2 Isaiah Likely than by drafting a supreme talent like Sadiq?...Mark Andrews is back in Baltimore, but he's now in his 30s, and this offense likes having multiple impact players at the position.”
There’s plenty of reason to believe that tight end will remain a centric point of the Ravens’ offense. It’s still Lamar Jackson throwing dots, and he’s always been comfortable throwing the ball his tight ends’ way.
New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is also coming over from the Chicago Bears, where he successfully implemented both Cole Kmet and 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland at the tight end spot last year. Baltimore drafting Sadiq in the first round could give Doyle some deja vu, and there’s no doubt he would be able to craft an excellent game plan to get the most out of Mark Andrews and Sadiq.
Is tight end the biggest need on offense? Certainly not. But it is one of them. Currently, the tight end room consists of Mark Andrews and Durham Smythe, whom Baltimore signed to fill the blocking role.
Sadiq would also be a very noteworthy addition to the passing attack. While he may not be the physical wideout that fans have clamored for since…forever, he’s pretty much just a receiver listed as a tight end. He’s that dangerous through the air.
Sadiq brings an unbelievable blend of size and speed to the table. He effortlessly absorbs contact and immediately becomes a threat after the catch with his 4.39 40-yard dash speed. That quickness also translates into his routes, allowing him to play with a certain kind of tempo that makes him a mismatch.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein lists Sadiq’s pro comparison as Arizona Cardinals’ tight end Trey McBride. Yeah. Being compared to an All-Pro and two-time 1,000-yard receiving tight end isn’t too shabby.
The former Oregon Duck could very well end up being the best pass catcher in the 2026 NFL Draft. If Baltimore can’t get their hands on Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson, selecting Sadiq would be an excellent pivot. Jackson would have a blast throwing him the football.