Broncos Eye Bo Nix’s Former Oregon TE Before Draft

The Denver Broncos view Bo Nix as their quarterback of the future and are already factoring him heavily into their roster planning. In line with that, the Broncos are exploring opportunities to bring in one of Nix’s former teammates from Oregon who could address a vital position need.

This prospective target, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, presents an appealing option to strengthen the Broncos’ offense. The team’s draft approach, led by head coach Sean Payton, has often involved creative maneuvers, something that remains relevant as they weigh this prospect.

Broncos Conduct Formal Interview With Former Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Entering his third season, Bo Nix has established himself as Denver’s franchise quarterback, a role that often influences team decisions to support him with reliable pass-catching options. One player drawing attention is Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who once backed up Nix during their college years.

Per source, #Broncos held formal Combine interview with Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq,

9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on February 26.

Considered No. 1 TE prospect in draft, Sadiq was backup freshman during Bo Nix’s senior year at Oregon.

Sadiq described his interview with the Broncos as positive and expressed eagerness to reunite with Nix, indicating a strong existing chemistry between them. According to The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, Sadiq sees Nix as a mentor who elevates his teammates and knows well how the quarterback thinks on the field.

Bo Nix
Image of: Bo Nix

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compared Sadiq to Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, highlighting his versatility and athleticism. Zierlein noted,

A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq’s route tree will be full of branches. His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks,

and added,

He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. He’s adequate as a blocker, giving good effort in-line and locating and landing on linebackers as a move blocker. Teams looking to diversify their passing game options with a talented pass-catching tight end could make Sadiq a priority.

Kenyon Sadiq Ranked as Leading Tight End Prospect

While Sadiq’s involvement was limited during Bo Nix’s senior year at Oregon, the foundational connection remains meaningful. This contrasts with the tighter bond Nix shares with Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin Jr., which started translating to on-field success last season.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper rated Sadiq as the top tight end in the draft and the 14th-best overall prospect in his class. Kiper praised Sadiq’s physical skills and impact after the catch, noting,

Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field,

and further observed,

Has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball was in his hands (260 yards). And he’s nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent last season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.

Potential Transformation of Broncos’ Tight End Position

The Broncos approach the 2026 offseason with only two tight ends from their 2025 lineup under contract: the injury-prone two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram and Caleb Lohner, a former college basketball player selected in the seventh round last year.

With Engram considered a possible cut candidate, the tight end position appears poised for significant change. This situation aligns with Sean Payton’s history of emphasizing tight ends in his offensive schemes and could open the door for a fresh addition through the draft.

Although Kenyon Sadiq is under serious consideration, odds suggest the Broncos may choose other options during the draft. Still, adding a skilled tight end familiar with Bo Nix’s play style remains an enticing prospect as Denver looks to boost its offense and support its franchise quarterback.

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