Chiefs Urged to Draft 11-TD TE as Travis Kelce Replacement

Manzano believes the Chiefs should wait on addressing cornerback and instead use the No. 9 pick on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in what he called a dream scenario for the team.

"The Chiefs have a massive need at corner after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson," Manzano wrote. "But there’s depth at cornerback in this year’s class, and a few intriguing prospects could be available in the later rounds. 

"Kansas City should look ahead and add Sadiq to eventually replace Travis Kelce. He can learn from one of the best ever at the position while offensive mastermind Andy Reid builds a unique set of plays for the athletically gifted Oregon tight end. (Sadiq ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine.)

Kelce is set to turn 37 next season, and while his production remains strong, his future has been a topic of speculation in recent years. He recently signed a three-year extension, though the structure suggests it may function more like a one-year deal.

That uncertainty makes tight end a legitimate long-term priority. With the Chiefs unlikely to pick this high again anytime soon, investing in a potential successor to one of the cornerstones of their offense makes strategic sense.

Sadiq easily stands out as the top tight end in this year’s class, offering an impressive blend of speed, athleticism, and physicality that makes him a matchup nightmare. While he is not yet a strong in-line blocker in the run game, his hands and explosiveness give him significant upside as a dynamic receiving threat.

Over three seasons at Oregon, Sadiq recorded 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. That modest production may raise some concerns for a first-round investment, but with the chance to develop under Kelce and Andy Reid, the long-term payoff could be well worth it.