Hall Of Fame GM Says It Will Be Difficult For Jason Licht To Pass On Kenyon Sadiq
April 14th, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht and his front office team spend more than a year developing their annual draft board.
Teams consider that board to be a work of art, the culmination of many millions of dollars in evaluation.
Will the Bucs stick to theirs if it means drafting an elite tight end prospect at No. 15 overall. That could be the question of Round 1 when the draft kicks off in nine short days.
Kenyon Sadiq is this year’s blue chip draft prospect, a guy Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian thinks Sadiq likely has more upside than Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“[Sadiq] is a much more natural receiver than Kyle Pitts. You can use this guy in a lot of places,” Polian said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, adding the Bucs would be and should be very tempted to draft Sadiq if he’s starting them in the face.
“He’s probably gone [in the draft] by then, but I bring it up because they re-signed Cade Otton. But if you have a tight end [available] of Sadiq’s ability, it’s hard to pass.”
Joe is intrigued. If freakish athlete Sadiq (6-3, 241 pounds) is indeed on the board for the Bucs, Licht would have a hell of a decision to make if Sadiq is the top remaining player on the Bucs’ draft board. Do you scout and scout and scout only to pass on the guy your research says is the best player available?
Polian thinks Sadiq won’t be there for Tampa Bay and they’re very likely to pick an edge rusher.
Joe would agree with that assessment, but back in 2017, very few thought stud tight end prospect O.J. Howard would fall to the Bucs at No. 19 overall.
Sadiq is a significantly better athlete than Howard was.
April 14th, 2026 at 11:53 am
He’ll be gone.
April 14th, 2026 at 11:54 am
Howard was on his way to reaching his potential playing with Brady and then he blew out his Achilles in the Chargers game and was toast afterwards.
Regardless, drafting Sadiq or a walrus will have the same impact on the 2026 Bucs.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
How about let’s see what we got in culp
April 14th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
If Jason drafts: Zion Young, Kendrick Faulk, and Kenyan Sadiq in the first round, he should be fired.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
I’d say him, and Sonny Styles are the two freaks in the first round at their positions. Would rather have Styles, than Sadiq. I think Licht wouldn’t pass on Styles at #15, but might trade back if Sadiq is there, seeking a steep price. More than likely both are gone.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
“Deez Says:
April 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
How about let’s see what we got in culp”
How about they likely already know what they have in Culp, and that’s why he doesn’t see the field? Guy was a day 3 pick for a reason.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Saddiq’s tape does match the raw numbers
April 14th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
I hope he is somehow still available, but not for the Bucs to select, but to get maximum trade down value for.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
*doesnt
April 14th, 2026 at 12:19 pm
folks need to put some respect on Ko Kieft’s name!!!!!!
run game went out the window once Ko went down….
adding another “receiving weapon” would almost guarantee baker leads the NFL in INTs again
I hope Robinson takes a page out of Dave’s book, who’s the only Bucs OC to get baker a playoff WIN…
-Spend all off season improving bakers sloppy footwork and mechanics
-Keep baker on a short leash by committing to the run….that will limit his TO’s and keep him healthy
GO BUCS!!!!
April 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
This would be a stupid pick for the bucs the production does match all this athletic drooling people are doing how is that ras score working for Zion fix the defense.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
The same Bill Polian that said Lamar Jackson should switch to WR?
April 14th, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Yup. And the very same Bill Polian that built three Super Bowl teams and blinds himself when he brings his Super Bowl ring out in the sun — of which Saint Lamar Jackson doesn’t have.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
“Yup. And the very same Bill Polian that built three Super Bowl teams and blinds himself when he brings his Super Bowl ring out in the sun — of which Saint Lamar Jackson doesn’t have.”
The same Bill Polian that couldn’t keep his story straight about not voting Bill Belichek into the HOF? That couldn’t remember how he voted?
The same guy who said he had a first round grade on Tom Brady, after Brady won his 3rd SB?
The same Bill Polian that requested the 5-yard contact rules be enforced harder because his teams kept getting spanked by the Pats in the early 00’s?
Same Polian who got canned for a 2-14 team?
April 14th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
You should draft a player based on their production
That’s the logic that successful teams use
April 14th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
He will be gone by 15. I still think KC at 9. And if he’s there, I pass. Damn we need DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE and more DEFENSE.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
its ok to admit Bill was wrong lol…Lamar has made players, coaches and media heads look foolish lol….Bill wasnt the first and he wont be the last lol
GO BUCS!!!!
April 14th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Poor Bill is sadly showing signs on early dementia. Nice guy who was one hell of a GM in his day, but those days are long gone. Pitts was a much better receiver and much more productive than Sadiq. Sadiq played in a better offense with a better QB too.
Do I think Sadiq will be a fine TE in the NFL? Yep. Do I think he’s been way overhyped? Yes I do.
The Bucs have some major holes at Edge, LBer, CB and really could use some young depth at guard and DT.
Between Otton, Emeka, Godwin, JMac, Tez, Bucky, Gainwell..I just dont see where a rookie TE is going come in and change this offense this year. He would be a nice piece for sure, but not at the expense of ignoring more glaring holes
I just dont see it happening.
Remember where most off the all time great TEs were drafted. Rounds 2-UDFAs.
April 14th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Newbie Says:
April 14th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
He will be gone by 15. I still think KC at 9.
************************************************************
BINGO!!!
i can see KC get Sadiq or Trigg…
GO BUCS!!!!
April 14th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
Hall Of Fame GM Says It Will Be Difficult For Jason Licht To Pass On Kenyon Sadiq
My Question is this and this was inspired by a response by someone talking about an offensive lineman …. who ran into some trouble draft day because of a video….
Anyway, …..maybe I have to face reality on this that Sadiq will be the pick…. however!!!! Do the Bucs have the assets to move up in the draft and therefore have the ability to draft Jeremiyah Love,…. if they do, I would trade up on draft day to get him!!! If they don’t, then they don’t and then the Bucs pick whom they want at 15!!!!!
April 14th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
I get that this pick wouldn’t fill a position need at TE, but I think it wpuld fill a role need at big-red-zone-target, or something to that effect. If he’s still there, I’d take him.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:26 pm
These so-call draft experts keep talking about freakish TEs
But Georgia TE Oscar Delp, who is an inline TE, can block, catch whatever
Delp RAS score is higher than Brock Bowers, OJ, Howard, Kenyon Sadiq, Kyle Pitts
Oscar Delp has a 9.84 RAS score, 6’5 245 lbs, good blocker, good hands
He was an high school All American in Georgia
But he wasn’t used as a receiving TE at Georgia, even after taking over from Bowers
He big strong, runs a 4 49, very athletic, and a solid blocker
April 14th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
KC got a HOF TE in Kelce in the 3rd round. I just dont see such a great franchise spending a top 10 pick on a TE. Ain’t happening.
Hoping he falls to 15, because I think he’s one of the few players that will give the Bucs the ability to trade down and get more picks that they need.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Hope he is long gone by the 15th. Bucs need to focus on defense in their first 4 picks of the draft.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Hey 813..
Knowing how much you want a guard. Id like to hear your thoughts on Keylan Rutledge? He’s strong as an ox and athletic enough to pull and get out in space in the screen game. I think he’s a steal in the 3rd round. More likely a 2nd round pick.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
@Justvisiting
Sadiq would be the smallest player in that room along with Devin Culp.
Oh and just for poops & giggles
Sadiq in his collegiate career in comparison to Culp
Caught 14 more passes, gained 181 more yards, and 7 more TDs. In 1 less year at school than Culp, 2 if you count a redshirt year.
Yet, the draft projection would make you think these players aren’t even close to one another, when they’re more alike than anything.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
Clearly Bill hasn’t watched the clown show known as the Bucs pass defense.
It would be criminal not to focus the first four pics on defense.
Trade down if you can and grab more picks.
We don’t have the right QB to justify picking a TE in round 1.
Look at the stat line for Otton. One TD all year. Yep TE is the move……
April 14th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
Would be a huge mistake to draft him.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
First Round is beat player available.
Everybody knows that.
April 14th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Warren: Good point. I might say he seems to play bigger on tape, but I’m no great judge.
April 14th, 2026 at 2:01 pm
Yep !
April 14th, 2026 at 2:03 pm
Again, how many slot weapons do you want in this team?! Every WR on the roster is best suited for the slot. So your solution is to spend a first rounder on yet another slot weapon?
We need a true X, someone that can attack outside the numbers. We need to diversify our pass catching room.
April 14th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
À TE who can’t block?
Why?
I hope if he’s still there, some dumb team will trade up to get him.
I want a DT, NT, EDGE, two MLB and two FEISTY corners.
We have
April 14th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
Fanofdabucs Says:
April 14th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
Hey 813..
Knowing how much you want a guard. Id like to hear your thoughts on Keylan Rutledge?
Hey whats @fan
I like him too…ive seen him projected as high as low 2nd round to mid 3rd round pick….i would have no issues with him
i just really want an OG with 1 of our 1st 2 picks….imo, that’ll solve a few offensive problems
good player tho!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 14th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
I don’t think he’s even the best TE in this class let alone a top 15 pick
But ya they’ll probably take the bait – despite millions in evaluations NFL teams are pretty 50/50 when it comes to hitting on prospects- they’re just not that good at it, primarily bc of drafting athletes instead of football players – jmho
April 14th, 2026 at 2:58 pm
Yeah but how are his knees and ankles. Big guy like that needs really strong knees and ankles. Go Bucs!
April 14th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
Help me understand comments that Kenyon Sadiq is not-productive, cannot block, and/or is not a football player, please.
-> Kid was #1 in receptions for Oregon team last season and has the most TD’s of any TE in all of college football.
-> Consensus amongst scouts is that Kenyon Sadiq loves to block and does it relatively well – especially compared to the other TE’s [that catch any balls] in this class. Read: as good as or better than Sam Roush/Oscar Delp; light years ahead of Eli Stowers/Michael Trigg.
Sadiq is a football player that is also an elite athlete with established track record of success over entire football career (spanning HS & college so far). He does NOT fit the stereotype workout warrior who can only lift a lot of weights and run real fast with ideal athletic “traits” that has never produced squat on the gridiron. Quite the opposite.
I get the view that defense needs infusion of talent and am firm believer in building the trenches. What puzzles me is all the dramatic (“JL should be fired if he picks TE!” or “lost me as a lifelong Bucs fan”) quick takes based on preconceived misconceptions.
Who is really going to cheering for the Bucs because in 2026 we picked one clearly talented TE instead of the 4th-8th ranked edge? Whether it works out or not for Sadiq is probably just as likely as [insert your favorite prospect] would have. You threaten to quit because you actually care so deep. I get it, man. and feel your pain. It’s ok. Get it all out. Everything will be alright. Who wants a hug?
April 14th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Stop with the “he’s a freak “ stuff. He’s this year’s media darling with very little production in college. NO WAY he should be a first round pick. As for “ moving him around “ are you saying take Godwin, JMac or Egbuka off the field? I don’t think so. Anyway, we are not drafting an overhyped TE prospect in the first round PERIOD…
April 14th, 2026 at 3:23 pm
2023 he had 5 catches
2024 he had 21 catches
2025 50 plus but if he’s such a freak why so little production in years 23 and 24?
Oh? Right he wasn’t even the best TE on the team
April 14th, 2026 at 3:24 pm
The Bucs passed on Jihad Campbell last season for a WR
And the defense was poor in coverage of the middle of the field
They were poor in coverage of running backs and tight ends
After the season, all you hear is complaints from the fanbase about the defense
If you’re serious about improving the defense, then do it, quit talking about it
Draft some stud defensive players, and quit passing them up
Show us you really want to fix the defense
April 14th, 2026 at 3:29 pm
I want to say something Joe, they backed themselves into this corner, all by themselves. Do we need to come out and hold our signs for the 1st round draft pick we’d like. Let’s Go Bucs, the wheel is spinning, the ship may sink, Defense Defense Defense…
April 14th, 2026 at 3:32 pm
I like the signs idea. As long as beer is being served at the event.
April 14th, 2026 at 3:36 pm
We have the worst defense in the NFC South
And it’s because we don’t invest in the defense as much as the other teams
That need to change, and it needs to change in 10 days
Starting with the draft
April 14th, 2026 at 3:42 pm
I’m going out on a limb a little further than most
I say the first 4 picks should be defensive players, trade down or not
If you’re not on board with this
Then don’t whine and complain about the defense
April 14th, 2026 at 3:48 pm
I’m just hoping one of the teams picking before us buys the hype on this guy so it pushes a better player down to us and prevents us from making a huge mistake
April 14th, 2026 at 3:57 pm
If he’s so great, why was production so mediocre?
April 14th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
KC will probably take Stowers in rd. 2. Most polished, complete TE. I wouldn’t mind if we took him in the 2nd if we get a trade back with somebody. Assuming Zac is wanting a TE.
April 14th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
“If you’re not on board with this”
I’m on board!
I’d be fine with 0 offensive players taken this draft. We need help at every single position on defense outside of safety and hell we could use more depth there.
April 14th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
Another Sadiq article. Great job Joe. Thought it was gonna be only 100 this week and you’ve already surpassed that and it’s just Tuesday. I think you can break the “ Mike Evans went to the 49rs” article count of 5,222 articles in a month. You go boy!
April 14th, 2026 at 4:18 pm
Tomorrow’s article …. “ Joe predicts drafting Sadiq makes our offense score 55 points per game, sets all time scoring record!”
Thursdays article- “ Bucs sit the TE they just paid $30M to on the bench for the 60% of the time we aren’t in 12 Personnel”
Fridays article – “ EE, JMac and Godwin limited to 1 target per game each as Sadiq gets 32 targets”
Post draft article – “ Mike Evans goes to OTA’s “
April 14th, 2026 at 4:31 pm
Im fine with it either way…im hoping we trade down a few spots and get Baker some protection with Ioane but i know we need TE help too. Its Todd’s last year (probably) anyway so why not hit that O with some juice first! All D after that.
April 14th, 2026 at 4:46 pm
DEFENSE. DEFENSE. DEFENSE.
They are utterly, truly DELUSIONAL to ignore the defense with their first selection. Their second selection. Their third selection. And so on.
I am sick and tired of seeing the sieve that is this Todd Bowles defense. Offense will be fine. We have to stop teams and get off the field. The sad part is it will take more than just one draft and that’s assuming JL hits on everyone. Dude needs serious help drafting pass rushers.
April 14th, 2026 at 4:56 pm
They spent all of that money and premium draft picks on the offense
And they completely STUNK the field after beating San Francisco
April 14th, 2026 at 5:01 pm
I love that Joe comments on comments, some great material, no other Bucs site is even close to this level of interaction
April 14th, 2026 at 5:12 pm
OJ Howard and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Licht’s track record sucks with 1st round TE’s. Draft what you don’t need most and ignore what you do need. Sounds about right.
April 14th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
Isaih likely came in with better credentials and production. This guy is a slightly better version of devin culp in this point in time…3rd rnd pick at best
April 14th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
OJ Howard had a 9.76 RAS score.
Sadiq has a 9.52 RAS score.
OJ was 3 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier, which at the TE position, really is a big difference.
With that said, I never noticed Sadiq’s vertical before. OJ had a 30″ vertical, while Sadiq has a 43″ vertical – that’s an incredible difference. Sadiq’s broad jump was also a full foot further at 11′ 1″.
Interestingly, OJ had the faster 10-yard split at 1.53 vs Sadiq’s 1.54 – that means, in theory, OJ was actually a bit faster off the line, while Sadiq, with his 40 time, obviously has a much faster top speed.
But that vertical is the most telling number here, that’s pretty ridiculous.
However it all makes me question why Sadiq’s production was so low? I don’t watch college ball, but as the QB situation there that incredibly bad that they couldn’t get much on the field out of this guy?
April 14th, 2026 at 5:38 pm
Sam Rouch had a 9.94 RAS score
He’s the best blocking TE in the draft
And he caught 117 passes during the last 3 seasons at Stanford
April 14th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Oregon has had good QBs. Previous to last year Dillion Gabriel was their QB and currently playing for Cleveland Browns. Saddiq is a 2nd or third round player that we don’t need. Typically TE rookies don’t produce much the 1st year anyway so it’s a waste to pick him at any point. He had only 5 and 21 catches before this season because he wasn’t a starter so he’s just a one year wonder.
April 14th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Munch Oregon had arguably the best QB in college football last year. He will be the first QB taken next year.
The lack of production had zero to do with their QB
April 14th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
I don’t see him getting by KC or LAR … smart offensive coaches.
Here’s the thing about Sadiq:
He “could” become the best TE in the NFL.
Not saying he will but he has that kind of potential. How many players in this draft could realistically become the best at their position?
Answer: 4
Love, Mendoza, Styles, and Sadiq … that’s it. You don’t pass any of these players up.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
He had a guy starting in front of him when he was younger. Sadiq’s RAS score is a perfect 10. He got marked down for height and weight but his athleticism is completely off-the-chain INSANE. A 43.5 inch vertical at 240 pounds? He is intensely explosive and strong and fit. A lot like if Styles were a Tight End. Does this mean he’s heading for a hall of fame career? I have no idea but a lot of that will depend on work ethic, talent, and avoiding injuries. The athleticism is *certainly* there.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Ridiculous! all Licht has to do is remember OJ Howard–yeah how’d that work out for the Bucs? Sadiq likely aa top prospect for a team that has a clue what to do with him, since Bucs have a new OC-no one knows what is likely to happen. Hard pass.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
SkyPirate is 100% correct. Part of drafting is projecting how someone’s career will go. Tight ends often have long careers and this guy could do an incredible amount of damage for our offense should he meet his positively enormous potential.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
OJ was a wasted pick. We didn’t need a tight end and he was a total bust who is out of the league now.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Drafting a 1st round TE is what bad teams do to make sure they stay bad for the duration of that players rookie contract.
I dont care how good any of these recent 1st round TEs look on a fantasy football spread sheet. They dont help you win games. Period.
Polian is a clown.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:35 pm
So you’re saying draft the next Evan Engram? Say less.
April 14th, 2026 at 6:40 pm
Evan Engram vs Kenyon Sadiq — Measurables
Evan Engram
* 6’3”, 240 lbs
* 4.42 forty
* 36.0” vertical
* 10’5” broad (125”)
* 19 bench reps
* 6.92 3-cone
* 4.23 shuttle
* 10.0” hands
* 33.5” arms
Vs
Kenyon Sadiq
* 6’3”, 241 lbs
* 4.39 forty
* 43.5” vertical
* 11’1” broad (133”)
* 26 bench reps
* 3-cone: N/A
* shuttle: N/A
* 10.0” hands
* 31.5” arms
April 14th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
The Bucs are dumb enough to spend a 1st RD pick on a TE
And the first article from this site, after the Bucs first game
Will be about …….The Bucs Putrid Pass Defense
They clip a bird wings, then say he can’t fly
April 14th, 2026 at 6:44 pm
Production
Evan Engram (Ole Miss, 2013–2016 | 45 GP)
* Career: 162 rec | 2,320 yds | 15 TDs
* 2013 (Fr): ~14 | ~240 | 2 (early flash, ankle injury)
* 2014 (So): 38 | 662 | — (led SEC TEs, 17.4 YPC)
* 2015 (Jr): 38 | 464 | 2 (2nd Team All-SEC)
* 2016 (Sr): 65 | 926 | — (nation-leading TE production, Ozzie Newsome Award)
* Honors: 4× All-SEC (first in school history)
Vs
Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon, 2023–2025 | 3 seasons)
* Career: 80 rec | 892 yds | 11 TDs
* 2023 (Fr): Limited role (0 TDs)
* 2024 (So): ~17 | ~180 | 2 (red zone flashes; Big Ten title game impact)
* 2025 (Jr): 51 | 560 | 8 (school TE record; led FBS TEs in TDs)
April 14th, 2026 at 6:45 pm
Lakeland
lol
April 14th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Lakeland
Your thoughts on the following TE Prospects?
* Oscar Delp — 6’5”, 245 | ?
* Dae’Quan Wright – 6’4″ | 250 | 4.55
* RJ Maryland – 6’4″ | 238 | 4.58
* Justin Joly – 6’3⅝” | 251 | 4.68
* Sam Roush – 6’5⅝” | 259 lbs | 4.74 forty | 38.5″ vert | 10’6″ broad | 9.99 RAS
April 14th, 2026 at 7:21 pm
I like Oscar Delp and Sam Rouch
April 14th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
Oscar Delp ran a 4 49 at Georgia pro day
April 14th, 2026 at 7:23 pm
Kenyon Sadiq would be the last in the line of Brock Bowers, Tyler Warren, Trey McBride, maybe Dalton Kincaid and maybe even Kyle Pitts if they were all in this draft class. I get that he runs fast, so does Devin Culp. I’m not sold on a guy that runs fast as an elite tight end.
April 14th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Yeah, I a big fan of both
Oscar Delp — Georgia 6’5″ | 245 lbs | 4.49 forty | 38″ vert | 10’9″ broad | 23 bench | 9.82 RAS Best measurables in this tier top to bottom. One flag nobody leads with: he played his entire senior year on a hairline foot fracture that didn’t show up until combine medicals. Pro day numbers only as a result. Consensus Round 2–3, but that foot situation is real — if he slides to Day 3, that’s where value lives.
Sam Roush — Stanford 6’5⅝” | 259 lbs | 4.74 forty | 38.5″ vert | 10’6″ broad | 9.99 RAS Everyone saw a solid blocker from a run-first system. Then the combine happened. A 9.99 RAS at 259 lbs is not a tight end number — that’s a freak number at any position. Led all ACC tight ends in receiving yards in 2025 with 49 catches and 545 yards. Seven drops is the real concern and it’s documented. The Stanford system never asked him to do everything he’s capable of. Hall of Fame football runs in the family — great-uncle Merlin Olsen. Early-to-mid Day 3, but this is a guy whose ceiling a coaching staff has to decide to unlock.
April 14th, 2026 at 7:32 pm
But don’t sleep on the others
Dae’Quan Wright — Ole Miss
6’4″ | 246 lbs | 4.55 forty
VT → Ole Miss. Role moved between TE and WR depending on game plan — not a locked-in Y. The production reads modest on the surface but Kiffin’s system is one of the worst environments in college football for a TE to build a stat sheet. Watch the tape, not the box score. Real concerns though: run blocking was bottom of the class in 2025, and a 9.6% career drop rate is a number that follows you into draft rooms. Receiving upside is the bet. Late Day 3, but scheme-dependent ceiling.
RJ Maryland — SMU
6’4″ | 236–240 lbs | 4.58–4.60 forty
His father was the first player taken in the 1991 draft. He’s not that, but he doesn’t need to be. Versatile enough to line up backfield, slot, or inline without looking lost. 2025 was quiet — 27 rec, 322 yds, 2 TDs — and a knee injury wiped out most of 2024. Nothing elite jumps off the page, but he’s a functional moveable piece with enough positional flexibility to make a 53. Round 5–6.
Justin Joly — NC State
6’3⅝” | 241–251 lbs | 10½” hands | 4.68 forty
Two-star WR recruit who walked into UConn at 190 lbs and rebuilt himself into a TE. One drop all of 2025. Senior Bowl MVP. 49 catches, 7 TDs, tied the program record — and did it as a target underneath, not a deep shot artist. He’s not winning run blocking battles, that’s not the profile. The profile is a chess piece who wins in space and finds the end zone. Isaiah Likely territory. Round 3 floor.
April 14th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
I really like Roush – he’s the only guy in this draft that has a chance to become the next Gronk (not saying he will, just that he’s the only guy who even has a chance). Watching his film, he profiles like a guy who will be a great NFL blocker, and he has some highlight catches, man handled defenders with the ball in his hands. Also he’d be a good pairing with Otton, who already is our receiving TE.
Roush would take longer to develop, as he’s a traditional TE – the receiving TE’s (aka WRs) will likely have some good stats right off the bat as they’re not asked to do much blocking, and people will say someone like Roush, who is likely to get of a slow start is a bust – but I like what I see, and I like the value.
If we’re just looking for an Evans replacement, then Sadiq might be a good fit – although he is 2 1/2 inches shorter and only 10lbs heavier than Evans coming out of college.
April 14th, 2026 at 8:02 pm
Lakeland Says:
April 14th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
The Bucs are dumb enough to spend a 1st RD pick on a TE
———-
Again though, you win by scoring more points than the other team.
So if you’re trying to win now, where are you getting more points? From a potential huge weapon mismatch on offense, or getting a EDGE player who might take a couple of years to develop?
I’m not saying I would take Sadiq, but there’s a legit argument – just like last year there was a very legit argument to take e2, and that worked out great (the team probably wins 4-5 games if the Bucs skipped on him).
April 14th, 2026 at 8:06 pm
Finally, for the people bagging on OJ Howard…
In his 2nd year he was on pace for over 1000-yards and 10 TDs before he got hurt. He also had an insane 16.6 yard per catch average. He was shaping up to be a big time weapon.
Later, after all multiple major injuries, when he clearly lost a step (or two) he turned himself into a pretty good blocking TE.
April 14th, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Under NO circumstances in the 1st round
April 14th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
I imagine if the ravens don’t trade back, they’ll be eyeing Sadiq pretty hard
April 14th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Completely fine with it. Plenty of edge rusher in this draft, can get one in rd2. If you guys want a curveball, id trade our 3rd for Kayvon Thibodeaux. He’s got upside and we can have a wild rotation opposite YaYa
April 14th, 2026 at 9:12 pm
I hope Sadiq is there so Licht has some leverage to trade down. This draft is pretty solid in buccaneers needs on day 2 (DT, ILB) and likely a stud DT on day one if you don’t go back too far. This will be an interesting draft regardless. No matter who’s picked someone will be complaining
April 14th, 2026 at 9:18 pm
I rather not..I prefer trench players
April 14th, 2026 at 9:25 pm
I don’t think he’ll be gone. I think he’ll definitely be there for the Bucs, but I also think they will take a pass and draft an edge rusher. My gut tells me Carolina at pick #19 will be the team that ends up with Sadiq.
April 14th, 2026 at 9:28 pm
If that’s their best available take him.If not trade back and get more picks.
April 14th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
What I really hope happens is that the Bucs don’t pick at #15 at all. My hope is that the Bucs do something like a pick swap with the Texans or the Dolphins, swapping each teams’ first and second round picks. That might give the Bucs the best chance of getting a decent enough edge rusher or defensive tackle in the first round and the linebacker of choice, Jacob Rodriguez, with the second pick.
Short of that, I honestly do not thing J-Rod is going to be available by the time the Bucs 2nd pick rolls around (the Ravens will grab him one pick ahead of the Bucs).
April 14th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
Considering the Bucs kept Lovie Smith Jr and hired Lovie Smith III, there are too many genuses who somehow believe that players (especially rookies) can overcome horrible coaching, horrible practice regimen, terrible defensive concepts, whiffed tackles and blocks, and so forth. Give it up. Until the dumpster fire is launched into outer space, pretending some draft pick is going to make any difference at all is like pretending if you put $a million on roulette green double zero you’re going to win.
🥃🍺
April 14th, 2026 at 9:37 pm
Deez said- “How about let’s see what we got in culp”
I’ve been thinking the same thing. The extremely limited time we have seen him, he has shown up with some big plays. They must be seeing something totally different in practice.
Even if the dude sucks at blocking, Robinson runs 12 personnel a lot so either Otton can stay in or Durham (giving Otton a rest once in a while might be a good idea) to make room for Culp.
April 14th, 2026 at 9:46 pm
3.28.Evans – totally ridiculous take. Yeah, dude, the Bucs have never had any rookies make a difference their first season. There are so many examples of players that kicked ass their first season to list.
Go pretend you are a fan of some other team. You clearly are clueless about the Bucs, their history and even their current roster. They’ve had at least 5 high impact rookies in their last two seasons, alone.
April 14th, 2026 at 10:00 pm
Tampa2ATl said – “What puzzles me is all the dramatic (“JL should be fired if he picks TE!” or “lost me as a lifelong Bucs fan”) quick takes based on preconceived misconceptions.”
Brace yourself, my friend. This is just the smoke before the fire. Wait until you see the vitriol spewed here after the draft takes place. No matter who the Bucs draft, you can bet every dollar you have, your house, wife and kids that more people will have negative opinions about the Bucs draft than positive ones here.
You’ve entered the portal where armchair GMs know FAR more than anyone who actually is being paid to do the job for the Bucs.
My favorite is the claim of being a “lifelong Bucs fan” who is going to abandon the team if such and such happens. They are either 5 years old or senile, having forgotten what a truly bad Bucs team actually looks like (they have many years prior to 2020 to choose from).
April 14th, 2026 at 10:14 pm
this smells like an attempt by the bucs to reach out to their media connections and create a smokescreen for a trade back
April 15th, 2026 at 7:23 am
A nightmare draft would be the Saints getting Love and then the Bucs passing on Sadiq and then he goes to Carolina.
April 15th, 2026 at 10:48 am
All I know we better get J Rodríguez or CJ Allen. Mesidor in first