The New England Patriots arrived ahead of schedule in 2025, and could look to add a weapon capable of helping finish the job in 2026, during the upcoming NFL Draft.
While quarterback Drake Maye played his way into the MVP conversation, finishing as the runner-up to Matthew Stafford, the Patriots’ offense sputtered in a Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That could prompt general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel to prioritize adding an offensive weapon at the end of the first round of next month’s NFL Draft.
NFL Draft: Patriots urged to target Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
NFL Draft
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46)during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Imagesf
If the Patriots are looking to add an immediate difference-maker and impact player to Maye’s supporting cast, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq could be an ideal target to trade up for, or select at No. 31 … if he slides that far.
“The 6-foot-3, 241-pounder posted one of the best combine performances we’ve ever seen,” Phil Perry writes for NBC Sports Boston. “With a 4.39-second 40, a 43.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump.
“He might not be the in-line force that the best tight ends in team history have been — he’s no Rob Gronkowski — but he’s a versatile weapon who isn’t afraid to mix it up as a blocker, and who McDaniels could use all over offensive formations to try to generate mismatches. Sadiq may not make it to the Patriots at No. 31, but if he did, he’d be an enticing option as a dynamic pass-catcher who can grow with quarterback Drake Maye.”
Whether the Patriots stay put or maneuver up the board, securing a physical freak like Sadiq would provide Maye with the ultimate “get out of jail free” card over the middle of the field.
By pairing Maye’s elite vision with Sadiq’s historic athleticism, New England could find the missing link necessary to turn last year’s Super Bowl heartbreak into a championship celebration in the very near future.
NFL, Kenyon Sadiq, NFL Draft
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images