Kenyon Sadiq And The Bucs
February 18th, 2026
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.
The Joe typing here is not one bit against the advice for the Bucs offered up by David Moulton of SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Moulton said when it comes to the Bucs and the draft, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht shouldn’t worry about any position on defense. Just pick the top defensive player on your board with your first four picks.
The Bucs defense is so miserable, Moulton noted, that the Bucs can use an upgrade anywhere and everywhere on defense. “This Joe” doesn’t disagree with that philosophy at all.
However, there are a couple of players, if they are on the board at No. 15 when the Bucs are on the clock, Joe would have a very hard time passing on.
The offense really only has two holes: Running back and tight end. And tight end is likely the biggest. So if Oregon stud tight end Kenyon Sadiq is on the board, Joe will confess to be drooling. This guy is a game-changer. He can stretch the field.
Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis also has the Bucs married with Sadiq.
If Cade Otton isn’t re-signed, this is a glaring area of need 一 though an upgrade would be useful even if Otton returns. Sadiq’s athleticism would bring a new dimension to Tampa’s passing attack.
Production from the tight end position has been barren of late, specifically last year. There may be several factors.
The Bucs admitted Cade Otton was mostly used as a blocker due to all the injuries to the offensive line. And even when the Bucs didn’t throw the ball, Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard telegraphed running plays by using Otton like Joe Gibbs did with Doc Walker, having Otton run in motion and then run behind Otton as a blocker.
As one can see from the Bucs’ rushing stats, that play wasn’t very effective (though it didn’t stop Grizzard from trying).
Joe admits to waffling on Otton. Joe was ready to wave goodbye last year as Otton’s most memorable plays were ghastly turnovers at Detroit and at Los Angeles. Then, Joe saw Otton catch a 19-yard touchdown pass in the final week of the season and thought, “Where has that been all year?”
Then Joe was recently re-watching Baker Mayfield in a win at Seattle. Mayfield had a pretty play where he rolled left and hit Otton down the left seam for 27 yards.
So Joe has gone from wanting to move on from Otton to thinking Otton wasn’t used correctly.
So if the Bucs don’t bring Otton back, and Sadiq is there for the taking… yeah, Joe knows the Bucs need defensive help. But a dangerous tight end could make this Bucs offense truly dangerous.
Kenyon Sadiq 51 REC, 560 YDS, 8 Total TDs 2025 Season Highlights.pic.twitter.com/HZShetmo2p https://t.co/U4KGB9p3Ps
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) February 16, 2026
February 18th, 2026 at 7:14 am
Front seven on defense. Nothing else matters. Draft two DTs, two edge, one ILB, and sign this best FA ILB, DT you can get on the market. Don’t resign David. Trade Winfield. Need to move the money from the backend to the front seven.
February 18th, 2026 at 7:42 am
I would think that u can almost guarantee one of those pics will be at LB. Because we need to replace both David and Dennis after watching almost every swing pass to the RB go for 12 yards. Hoping they sign a LB in FA and also draft one. Love LVD but he’s a liability as a starter at this point. If he comes back we can’t afford to have him playing fulltime.
February 18th, 2026 at 7:42 am
I’d call for Licht to be flogged publicly for drafting a TE with a top 20 pick
February 18th, 2026 at 7:43 am
Pass on Cashius Howell for a TE?!
February 18th, 2026 at 7:43 am
hodad i agree with you buddy, until the front 7 brings pressure or fear it doesn’t matter who is back there they all will get burned with no pressure…its a waste to bring in ball hawks with no pressure up front its working backwards at its finest.
February 18th, 2026 at 7:45 am
Yeah TE is exactly what we need in round 1 to shore up that defense
February 18th, 2026 at 8:17 am
I honestly can’t think of a worse idea, so sure, let’s go.
February 18th, 2026 at 8:19 am
The days that Joe needs to write something, anything, are so obvious. Good grief…
February 18th, 2026 at 8:24 am
I don’t think his actual game tape is that good. Now I only seen two of his games but to me he’s a heigh,t weight, and speed guy at the moment. OJ Howard was a way better prospect and we’ve seen how that turned out. With that said if the young man is the pick I would be his biggest fan, I just hope he’s not the pick.
February 18th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Using a top 15 pick on a TE when you have zero pass rush, no ILbers and needs at DT, CB and guard would be just so Buc like.
McBride 2nd round
Kittel 5th round
Ferguson 4th round
Fannin 3rd round
You dont spend a top 15 pick on a TE, especially a team with tons of holes.
Good lord
February 18th, 2026 at 8:56 am
Otton wasn’t impactful because he didn’t get targeted, that’s all. He’s a better blocker than Sadique or Pitts. If you let Otton go, the run game will go in the toilet unless Ko Kieft is healthy and re-signed. If you want a dynamic receiving TE, then actually throw the ball to Dev Culp (only 1 target last year).
Defense in the first three rounds.
February 18th, 2026 at 8:56 am
Lt. Dan would be in favor of drafting Kenyon Sadiq… IF, and only if, defensive holes are filled at ILB, OLB and DB through free agency.
February 18th, 2026 at 8:57 am
“In Joe’s eyes, the offense really only has two holes: Running back and tight end.“
What about QB2? What about OG depth?
Also, I would argue running back is a bigger hole than TE. Bucky is a question mark and Tucker can’t pass block.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:05 am
D front 7 or bust. Front to back. The game is won in the trenches.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Look up jack Endries….probably a 4th. I would rather trade down than spend a 15 on Sadiq.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Otton can’t catch. He can’t block. He’s a journeyman.
They do need another RB and a TE.
But the biggest need on the team is LB.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:13 am
This guy is a pretty big reach at 15. If you wanna take him, trade back and do it.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:16 am
Otton is abysmal but drafting a TE in the first round with how bad the defense is should be a fireable offense. TE is the least of this teams worries especially since the Bucs dont throw to the TEs no matter who the OC is.
If it’s not an OL then defense in the first 4 rounds.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:19 am
Lack of depth is not a hole. Surely Licht is not going to select a guy at No. 15 to sit the bench just in case someone gets hurt.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Our needs on offense include an OG and backup QB in addition to RB and TE. I think we have a chance to get Atlanta’s TE or RB in free agency, especially if Robinson is a real guru. Backup QB will be a veteran. That leaves RB as a draft need, likely way down in 4th or 5th round.
Defense is the way to go on draft day.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:23 am
I am not a verse to this pic if styles is gone by then. But the only way I would be okay with it would be if we solved at least one edge rusher and one interior linebacker in free agency. Then what I would do is trade up in the second round and ensure I got one of the following pass rushers:
Parker, Moore Jacas
Then take another inside linebacker in the third round like Kyle Lewis or if he falls Jacob Rodriguez.
Then Nadame Tucker round 4.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:36 am
This Joe is an Idiot! Did he watch ANY Buccaneer football last season? Wasn’t our Offense that lost us the games. Not that we couldn’t have played much better but our D was a doormat. Go watch some film then come back and sell me on some more stupid ass waste of a pick!
February 18th, 2026 at 9:40 am
Always draft BPA. Otton is average. No way would I pay him 8 mil plus. We desperately need a big body for intermediate and over the middle routes. You draft down the road not necessarily today. Sadiq is a player.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Listening to the latest podcast and you guys talking about the Oregon field stretching beast tight end. NO. NO. NO. Cade Otten is the whole package, if we ever get on a playoff run maybe he’ll finally get his due. His missed passes and blocks for some reason stood out last year but so did everyone else on this offenses. But I agree with almost everyone else on this thread. Draft the seven best defensive players available – front seven players only, beginning with Jacob Rodriguez. Oline, secondary, and running back depth can be had in free agency and undrafted free agents and guys from the practice squad. A draft like that would be perfect.
February 18th, 2026 at 9:48 am
@JimBobBuc, Durham a better blocker than Kieft. Supplanted him As TE2 the last 3 years even when Ko was healthy. And when Ko is in…it’s a run play. We need to resign Cade for a fair price. He’s a solid TE. Not great, but solid. Our TE room is fine as is. I would also resign Kieft for a one year deal as he needed in some short yardage packages and plays well on special teams. We need all defense in this draft with the exception of an OG. Sign a backup QB and RB in free agency.
February 18th, 2026 at 10:04 am
Go for it. Do not waste picks at all on the Bowzo Defense.
February 18th, 2026 at 10:38 am
It’s up to the FA market. If we can get quality defensive guys through that then I could justify drafting Sadiq. He is the real, real deal.
Look at Kelsey at KC or Kittle at SF. Sadiq is that type of player
February 18th, 2026 at 10:53 am
c’mon joe…
you want to draft a TE in the 1st round while michael jordan and haggard protect baker lol
how’d that work out in 2025?…
draft OG 1st round…mauch wont be close to 100% to start training camp let alone the season!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
February 18th, 2026 at 10:57 am
Are the Bucs closer to a Super Bowl by having a rookie play linebacker or having a superior (rookie) play tight end which pretty much ensures zero double-coverage for the rest of your receivers?
Bucs have a chance to outscore their defense with an elite offense. And the Bucs are one maybe two players away from an elite offense. The Bucs are maybe four starters away from an average defense.
February 18th, 2026 at 10:58 am
Without Bowles, I’d be ok with an offensive pick if that’s the how the board fell.
With Bowles it’s a waste.
Loading up the offense would only work if Bowles allows them to be the strength and allows them free rein. Aggressive playcalling, going on 4th downs early and often. Trying to win by 20 instead of 3.
Won’t happen.
February 18th, 2026 at 11:19 am
There is no way in hell Licht would be moronic enough to draft TE in 1st round with this inept defense and the holes they gotta fill…
February 18th, 2026 at 11:32 am
“Are the Bucs closer to a Super Bowl by having a rookie play linebacker or having a superior (rookie) play tight end which pretty much ensures zero double-coverage for the rest of your receivers?”
This doesn’t logically justify drafting a TE 15th overall.
“Bucs have a chance to outscore their defense with an elite offense. And the Bucs are one maybe two players away from an elite offense. The Bucs are maybe four starters away from an average defense.”
neither does this.
February 18th, 2026 at 11:42 am
BucfaninOregon says:
“Look at Kelce and Kittle, he’s that type of player”
And Kelce was a 3rd round pick a d Kittle a 5th round pick.
February 18th, 2026 at 11:44 am
TE in the 1st?
No way! After OJ Howard and Austin Sefarian Jenkins,
I hope we never ever waste à prime pick on a TE.
Unless he can block like Gronk!
February 18th, 2026 at 11:51 am
They could get somebody like Justin Joly in like the 3rd or 4th round if they want to draft another TE.
February 18th, 2026 at 11:53 am
“Are the Bucs closer to a Super Bowl by having a rookie play linebacker or having a superior (rookie) play tight end which pretty much ensures zero double-coverage for the rest of your receivers?”
@Joe- walk me thru how having 5 DBs and 4 Recievers( 3 WRs and a TE) and none of them get double covered?
5> 4, for those in the back of the room….
February 18th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
I watched him quite a bit at Oregon. He really stands out and is a physical specimen. Great looking athlete, but something seems to be missing. It’s really hard to tell sometimes on TE’s in college. Most don’t get a lot of usage in the passing game. Last season with Warren, I KNEW. I’m not so sure with Sadiq though. I think #15 is too high. There were just lots of times he seemed to disappear and had a low motor. Again, it’s hard to tell. He was GREAT inside the RedZone, but I’m just not sold on him.
February 18th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
I would feel A LOT more comfortable with him somewhere above the #25 range. A lot will come down to his blocking ability, combine scores, and interview process. He could either move up into the Top-15, or more towards the backend of the 1st-Round. In my opinion. Now, I haven’t looked at the first mock draft, ANY of the prospects grades, or of anything else like that. Just my totally blind opinion based off of what I SAW of him.
February 18th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Go all in on offense. Score 35 ppg and have a chance for 10 wins. The poor defense is not Todd Bowles’ fault.
February 18th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
Personally on a great blocker and amazing receiver atvte would even slightly interest mevatc1 right now ..
Ofcourse best player available is 99% the best thing to do..but is college players hard to project whose really best so I think it’s best at your biggest needs.
Te can and should be cure in free agency..Otton is there he should be a team friendly deal or move on.
I’ve heard mentions of Pitt and njuko being on the market and I’m sure various other option.
I truly believe with Mike coming back in mind we have the offense any tightend should be able to eat if he can out smart and physical linebackers because Mike demands 2..that Essentially leaves them Godwin to what man up? Not to mention are 2 young guys that look promising.
So… if we don’t see a God linebacker God Def end God Ed read safety God dion sanders God Emmitt Smith God Warren Sapp to pair with via – can we rely on cancey- do we pay some old guy at de to take his shot at it?
Honestly If we don’t see the next Mike Vick next Jackson next Brady next manning..
We draft Mike’s future we need to get a big strong wr that can step in for Mike and learn from him now. We didn’t get the guy David can teach unless we draft him now and David comes back to school him..
I haven’t looked at the draft or watch college football in 3 years I’m not at all knowledgeable about the new talent or whose the best value..what I’m think is probably what some would think is dumb but I’m truly looking at a team that can’t stay healthy in the season at wr …every receiver got injured last yr including the rookie..
Chris – has bad luck on the field I’m hoping he’s back to some kind of form this year.
Mike – fav player – everytime he catches the ball act injured and calls out the game.
Eubuka – 2 leg injuries abd hit rookie wall and wasn’t ready for the #1 spot but he got a taste of what it means to have a team’s best guy on him and that’s good for natural development abd understanding what’s the next level feels like.
Mc – he’s really looking like a beast I feel better when he’s on the field I see his heart is in the gane..hes adrenaline pumped wants the win wants the ball – freak injury from a dumb pass I’m hoping he comes back bigger stronger faster and meaner this year.
Shep- idk if he makes the team unless baker begs for him – he’s not a horrible 5th wr but here’s my thing a lot 5th 6th wr play special teams both sides he’s not the guy for tgat..I feel like he’s a practice squad guy you call up when injuries happen he will have fresh legs..
Therfore it leads me back to wr if big stron and fast is there get him..if the best receiver Megatron Ocho to Evans Fitz these big frames strong fast talented wr get him…
This will solidify the offense… free agent te or 6rd blocking te let fast homie we got at te get in more..
Pick up LG free agency..
We need a strong punch it in back alstot minded for 3rd n short yard.
Baker has enough toys but depth is strongly needed just like a great back up qb that is a dog with no home is needed someone who will push baker.
Baker must feel someone on his toe abd inspire him on the boring days of training and studying someone who is smarter and open his eyes more to the play scheme.
Defense is heavy need of linebackers 3..some will be free agents maybe David I hope abd draft pick depending on what they couldn’t cure or rig with free agency..
They should heavy focus on finding a great dt and de.. I typically hold off on draft want and needs till I see what we target in free agency …
I know we will look to mix some things up on defense bowles is fighting for hid job he just fired his whole staff I’ve never saw anything like that before but maybe new staff and bowles fighting for his job will energize the coaching staff to get into the players heads to get them all focused and on the same page on defense …
I will say I don’t see why we should act like this will take years to fix the 2 teams in the superbowl were trash teams not to long ago abd turned it around .. we need some fresh blood that offer Immediate impact and we need some seasoned vets who can use the fresh blood like missiles..
Defense shouldn’t be hard to fix if bowles is a defensive guru
February 18th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Bucs have a chance to outscore their defense with an elite offense. And the Bucs are one maybe two players away from an elite offense.
***********************************************************
BUCS have no chance to outscore anyone IF the oline is in shambles or lacks quality depth….
i agree that we’re 2 players away from being an elite offense but neither 1 of those players are a TE LOL…we’re a OG & RB away from being elite on offense…
Cody Mauch most likely will start the season on the the PUP list…similar the CG14…
DRAFT OG 1ST ROUND!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
February 18th, 2026 at 2:29 pm
If the Bucs found themselves in this situation I would hope for an opportunity to trade back a few picks to acquire extra draft capital. Draft Edge Cashious Howell first then trade back into the first with our future first and the extra draft capital plus to land CJ Allen with our second pick of the first round.
Then with my remaining picks I draft DT, TE, LB, or OG.
February 18th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
For those getting giggly about impressive combine numbers ( Sadiq potential)
Zach Kuntz
Highest RAS ( Raw Athletic Score) from TEs at the combine from 1987 -2023. 1st out of 1104 TEs that have been at the Combine.
4.5 forty, 40” vertical, 6’7”, scored in the top of vertical, broad jump, 40, 10 and 20 yard splits, shuttle and 3 cone drill
Jets practice squad for 3 years, then cut, then signed with New XFL, now maybe back to Jets practice squad.
The combine…..ain’t football…
February 18th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
This just reeks of the OJ Howard pick – take best defensive player available there will be a few sitting there at 15 we could use on defense – GO BUCS!
February 18th, 2026 at 5:14 pm
For QB depth, I think drafting Garrett Nussmeier in the second round makes sense. He was one of the top QBs in early draft projections last year, before he decided to return to college. It looked like a bad decision as he got injured. He was healthy in the Senior Bowl and was the only QB who shined.
I have a feeling he’ll start climbing in the draft projections this March.
February 18th, 2026 at 6:19 pm
Passing thru says:
Not a good idea. His dad is on staff with the Saints. I think they are hoping to recruit him, to the Saints. Not hoping he gets drafted here, would hate to have a Narc, since our team seems to have issues even beating the Saints.
February 18th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Trade up or trade back to get Edge or LB
February 18th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
If Licht walks away from Howell for a TE he is a fool. JL has drafted 2 TE in early rounds, both fails
February 18th, 2026 at 6:57 pm
Highlights show Kenyon Sadiq catching a seam route in the end zone on a play nearly identical to Emeka Egbuka drop in end zone in NO game. The MunchBunch of course blamed Baker for a pass that EE dropped when he had 2 hands on the ball. Fits the Muncher agenda so he of course blamed Baker. Said at the time and will say it again, if a NFL receiver gets 2 hands on a ball, he is supposed to catch it. Have watched many receivers using the grabby gloves making one handed catches all season.
February 18th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
Gipper. I think Emeka has been spending too much time practicing the one handed catches. And to be fair Gipper, that Saints pass wasn’t one of Mayfield’s better throws. Emeka is a great player. Baker is too. Physical mistakes didn’t lose us a game last year. Mental mistakes were the killer. That being said, Emeka would like to have that one back and so would Mayfield.
February 18th, 2026 at 7:56 pm
Kenton,
Mayfield’s throw was slightly behind EE. Agree not a perfect throw , but that throw should have been caught under 2 hand rule. Have watched other NFL receivers who make difficult catches seem routine. Greatest Bucs catch all year was Tez bomb in end zone where he caught the back half of the football.
February 18th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
Don’t need to chase after Kenyon Sadiq at #15 with Devin Culp on the roster…Culp has same measurables & athleticism…Just needs opportunity & to be better utilized in the passing game.
Plus, I am skittish of Licht falling in love at the Sr. Bowl & drafting a 1st rd TE….That has went so poorly in the past, I’d just as soon take swings at Edge, DT, CB or WR with the #15 or trade down for more Day 2 picks.
February 18th, 2026 at 10:25 pm
Really expected more from our developmental TEs Durham and Culp. Especially Culp being a bust this past year and likely again this year if ME moves on which “3rd & 28” suggests he has to be tempted to do.
Why waste your last season in the NFL with such a one dimensional Bucs team, with yet another OC and offense, especially when his next stop should be Canton. I’d be looking for a ring not another XL sack of cash.
February 18th, 2026 at 10:34 pm
They better not draft a TE in the first round! Seattle just won a super bowl with AJ Barner, a 4th round pick. Not sure how may tight ends have put teams over the top to win a championship (Gronk, Kelce – neither a first round pick). Defense needs to be the focus in early rounds
February 18th, 2026 at 10:44 pm
@ItsBrutal ⬆️, watch Durhams progression from Canales to Coen. Then under Griz. Watch Culps first year under Coen, then last year under Griz. Neither progressed because Griz didn’t have a clue how to use that position. Same with Cade. Way underutilized all year.
February 19th, 2026 at 11:34 am
TE usage is one of the reasons Grizzard launched.