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Chiefs Mock Draft Has Team Replacing Travis Kelce

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 2:33 PM ET

It’s unclear whether Travis Kelce will retire after this season. If he does, the Kansas City Chiefs will need to find a solid replacement. In a recent Chiefs mock draft put together by USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly, the team lands Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq:

“Kansas City Chiefs: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Chiefs’ offense lacks a dynamic passing-game weapon. If they’re not going to invest in the running game, Sadiq is the best gift we could give the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes at this point in the first round. He’s an impressive vertical threat and just 20 years old with plenty of room to develop into a top tight end in the league.”

Many Chiefs mock drafts have the team selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round. While he’d be a fantastic pickup, it wouldn’t hurt Kansas City to draft Kenyon Sadiq instead.

Chiefs Mock Draft Has the Team Taking Kenyon Sadiq to Replace Travis Kelce

His Career Thus Far

Kenyon Sadiq attended Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. During his junior year, he helped lead the school to an IHSAA 4A state championship. The following year, he caught 79 passes for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Sadiq was rated as the top recruit in Idaho. He then received college offers from schools like Michigan, Washington, and Iowa State. He ultimately chose to play for the Oregon Ducks.

Sadiq played in all 14 games for the Ducks as a freshman. He caught five passes for 24 yards and a touchdown that year. He found the end zone for the first time in his career during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

As a sophomore in 2024, Sadiq recorded 24 receptions, 308 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 24 yards.

The 2025 season has been a breakout year for Kenyon Sadiq. He has caught 40 passes for 490 yards, and eight touchdowns (all career-highs). Those numbers made him a finalist for the Mackey Award (top tight end in the nation). However, he wound up finishing second to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers.

Should the Chiefs Draft Sadiq?

Again, Travis Kelce could choose to retire following the season. Surely, Chiefs fans don’t want that to happen. Kelce is obviously a Chiefs legend.

Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce has spent his entire career in Kansas City. The 11-time Pro Bowler is undoubtedly one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Kelce has teamed with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes to lead the Chiefs to five Super Bowl appearances, winning three.

No one expects Kenyon Sadiq to become the next Travis Kelce. But he has the potential to be a star.

Sadiq is considered the best tight end prospect in the draft. He can run, block well, and possesses great hands. Plus, his eight receiving touchdowns was the most of any tight end in college football. He serves as a big-time red zone threat, which would provide Mahomes with another offensive weapon. So yes, the Chiefs should draft Sadiq if they get the opportunity.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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