49ers 2026 Mock Draft: San Francisco Predicted to Select Star Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq to Pair with George Kittle

49ers Look to Add Dynamic Playmaker with First-Round Pick

The San Francisco 49ers are entering a crucial offseason with high expectations for the 2026 NFL season. With the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager John Lynch is faced with the decision of how to best improve a roster that is already strong but still has areas that could use further development. Although the 49ers have a few pressing needs, including bolstering their defensive depth and shoring up the offensive line, Lynch is predicted to use their top selection to strengthen an already potent position group: tight end.

According to NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, the 49ers are expected to use the 27th pick on Kenyon Sadiq, a star tight end out of the University of Oregon. Sadiq, who has garnered attention as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, could add a new dimension to the 49ers’ offense, pairing with veteran George Kittle to create an incredibly formidable duo at the tight end position.

Kenyon Sadiq: The Ultimate Weapon for Kyle Shanahan’s Offense

Jeremiah’s prediction hinges on the versatility and unique skill set that Sadiq brings to the table. Despite being considered undersized for a typical NFL tight end, Sadiq’s speed and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for the 49ers. Jeremiah notes that Sadiq has “outstanding speed” and is a “competitive blocker,” qualities that would make him a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

“Sadiq could go much higher than 27th overall,” Jeremiah wrote. “He’s undersized, but he has outstanding speed and is a competitive blocker. He would be the ultimate chess piece for Kyle Shanahan, giving the coach a hybrid of George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk.”

The comparison to Kittle, one of the NFL’s premier tight ends, is particularly telling. Like Kittle, Sadiq has the potential to be a dynamic weapon in the passing game while also contributing as a reliable blocker in the running game. Adding someone with Sadiq’s versatility would give Shanahan even more flexibility in his offensive schemes, allowing him to deploy multiple tight end sets or utilize Sadiq as a motion player in a variety of ways, similar to how Juszczyk is used.

Sadiq’s Impressive 2025 Season at Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq had a standout 2025 season at Oregon, where he emerged as one of the top tight ends in college football. In his final season, Sadiq posted 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, showing off his ability to both move the chains and make plays in the red zone. His combination of speed, route-running ability, and hands makes him a dangerous threat in the passing game, and he would immediately add another layer to a 49ers offense already loaded with playmakers like Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey.

While tight end may not be considered a major need for the 49ers heading into the draft, the potential for Sadiq to elevate the offense is hard to ignore. With George Kittle expected to miss the start of the 2026 season as he recovers from an Achilles injury, adding a player like Sadiq could help maintain the tight end position’s effectiveness during Kittle’s absence and set the stage for an even more potent duo once Kittle returns.

Adding Sadiq to Shanahan’s Playbook: A Game-Changing Move

While selecting a tight end in the first round might seem like a luxury pick given the other needs on the roster, the fit with Shanahan’s system makes it a compelling option. The 49ers have been successful at making use of tight ends in a variety of ways over the years, and adding a player with Sadiq’s skill set could make their offense even more dynamic.

Sadiq’s ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and block effectively in both the run and pass game would be a perfect complement to Kittle, who excels in a similar role. With Sadiq and Kittle on the field together, Shanahan would have the ability to create mismatches all over the field, giving the 49ers one of the most versatile and dangerous tight end duos in the NFL.

Risk and Reward: Should the 49ers Take a Tight End in Round 1?

There’s no question that adding a player like Sadiq would strengthen the 49ers’ offense, but it comes with some risk. The 49ers do have other needs on the roster, and using a first-round pick on a tight end could raise some eyebrows, especially with other potential upgrades available on the defensive side of the ball or in the offensive line. However, Sadiq’s unique talents and the fit with Shanahan’s system make him a worthwhile consideration if he’s available at No. 27 overall.

The 49ers have already built a strong foundation in recent years, and the addition of Sadiq could push them even closer to Super Bowl contention. While there may be more pressing needs on the roster, the opportunity to add a game-changing weapon at tight end could be too good for Lynch and Shanahan to pass up.

A Dynamic Future: The 49ers’ Offense with Sadiq and Kittle

If the 49ers do indeed select Kenyon Sadiq in the 2026 NFL Draft, they would be adding one of the most dynamic and versatile players available. With a healthy Kittle, Samuel, McCaffrey, and now Sadiq, the 49ers’ offense would have the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the league.

The 49ers are already one of the best teams in the NFC, and with another weapon like Sadiq, they could become even more formidable. Pairing Sadiq with Kittle would give the team a lethal one-two punch at tight end, while allowing Shanahan to continue his innovative playcalling and keep opposing defenses on their heels.

Final Thoughts: Sadiq Could Be the Missing Piece for the 49ers

While there are certainly other areas the 49ers could address in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Kenyon Sadiq would be a bold but potentially game-changing move. The addition of a versatile, playmaking tight end to pair with George Kittle could elevate the 49ers’ offense to new heights and make them a more dangerous team in the NFC. If Sadiq is available when the 49ers are on the clock at No. 27, they may find it hard to pass up the opportunity to add this dynamic talent to their roster.