The jury is still out on what the Pittsburgh Steelers may do when they get on the clock at pick No. 21 overall. While there certainly are multiple positions that the team could address in the opening rounds of the NFL Draft, it is hard to say what direction new head coach Mike McCarthy and Co. may go in.
However, insider Mark Kaboly recently wrote about a couple of paths that the team may take when they get on the clock in the first round. One of those paths could see them drafting talented tight end prospect Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon.
Kenyon Sadiq to the Pittsburgh Steelers Makes Sense
GettyKenyon Sadiq was voted the Big Ten Tight End of the Year this past season.
Here is what Kaboly wrote about the chances of the Steelers selecting Sadiq with their first-round pick:
“The Steelers aren’t necessarily in the market for a first-round tight end with the likes of Pat Freiermuth and Danell Washington on the roster, but if a potential generational talent slips down into the early 20s and in the range of the Steelers, they would be more than tempted to add the freakish (a record 4.39 40-yard dash at the Combine) Sadiq to their roster…If Sadiq is there at 21, they would take him.”
Even though Sadiq is likely to be taken well before the Steelers are on the clock, the team should be prepared in case he falls. The Idaho native led the Big Ten last season in receptions (51), receiving yards (560), and receiving touchdowns (8) in Eugene. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing just under 250 pounds, he can absolutely fly. Pittsburgh could certainly use another game-changing athlete on offense. Sadiq could very well be the next great NFL tight end.
The Steelers Don’t Necessarily Need Kenyon Sadiq
GettyGM Omar Khan and the Steelers currently hold 12 NFL Draft picks.
The only way the Steelers would likely draft a tight end in the first round would be if it were Sadiq, given his abilities and bright future. Furthermore, the door to add a tight end in the draft was opened when Pittsburgh released veteran Jonnu Smith earlier this offseason. But the tight end position is not the team’s biggest need. They already have a quality duo in field-stretching tight end Pat Freiermuth and big man Darnell Washington. It is the right combination of pass-catching and run-blocking.
Freiermuth had less of a role last season with a crowded tight end room in 2025, but he can be a real weapon in the right offense. Back in 2022, he recorded a career-high 732 receiving yards after starting just eight games during the season. While he only had 41 catches this past season, he and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers built a quality connection.
Washington is in a league of his own in terms of what he can do. He isn’t better or worse than Freiermuth. His role is simply different. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing over 310 pounds, the former Georgia Bulldog is a nightmare in the run-blocking game. Also, when he does get the ball in space, he is extremely tough to bring down.
Steelers Expected to Draft ‘Freakish’ TE in First Round If Available: Report