Kansas City Chiefs predicted to add Travis Kelce's replacement in 2026 NFL draft

The Kansas City Chiefs need to start planning for the future when it comes to the tight end position.

Superstar tight end Travis Kelce just turned 36 and the 2025 campaign could be his last in the NFL.

The team has Noah Gray under contract through 2027, but he's hardly an adequate replacement for what the Chiefs will be losing in the passing attack if Kelce ultimately decides to call it quits.

As a result, ESPN's Matt Miller predicts the Chiefs will add Kelce's replacement in 2026 by drafting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 15 overall pick.

The decline of Kansas City's offense can be blamed on a few things, but the lack of an explosive run game and tight end Travis Kelce's decreased role are two prime factors. Unless Love somehow falls to this spot, I don't see the Chiefs going running back in Round 1 -- especially after whiffing on Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round in 2020 -- but they could target Kelce's replacement here. Sadiq's ability to shake coverage and pick up yards after the catch would allow him to thrive in Kelce's role. The 6-3, 245-pound junior has only 30 catches this season but has scored six touchdowns.

Sadiq is having his best collegiate season for the Ducks, with the young tight end tallying 407 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

According to The Draft Network, Sadiq has elite athleticism and speed that enables him to be a menace as a pass-catcher, especially after the catch. Sadiq's a Swiss-Army knife with his experience lining up in multiple spots and run-blocking prowess.

The knocks on Sadiq are his route-running ability, which can be fixed, and his propensity for drops.

While filling Kelce's shoes will be almost impossible, Sadiq does have the tools to make a significant impact at the tight end position at the next level.

His skill set could be intriguing enough for the Chiefs to take him in the first round, although that will obviously depend on what happens with Kelce.

If he stays on for another season, this pick becomes far less likely.

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