Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq Earns Mega Comparison Before 2026 NFL Draft

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq didn't have much to prove going into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. 

Sadiq is expected to be taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. There's a possibility he'll be taken in the top 10. 

Sadiq was a standout during his three seasons in Eugene, and should fit in well in a league that is putting more and more emphasis on using multiple tight ends.

With that being said, Sadiq might have bumped his stock via his performance at the combine.

Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Sadiq is earning a comparison to Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who was taken No. 13 in the 2024 draft.

"Scouts expected Sadiq to be a star in Indy, and he absolutely delivered," Breer wrote. "His 4.39 40-yard dash was the second-fastest ever by a tight end. He posted jumps of 43.5" in the vertical and 11’ 2" in the broad. 

"He had 26 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. He has a Shannon Sharpe-type build at 6’ 3" and 239 pounds. But he’s a willing blocker and will project nicely into a Brock Bowers-type role for someone."

Bowers has made a huge impact since joining the league. He made Pro Bowl appearances in both seasons. He earned first-team All-Pro honors for his rookie campaign.

While Sadiq didn't have much to gain (and had something to lose) by competing at the combine, the tight end showed his competitive nature by showing off his skillset.

"The versatility I think I bring, explosive pass game. I'm going to go run a great 40 and all those things tomorrow," Sadiq said. "Just showing how explosive I am in the pass game but in the run game as well so I can help a team all around...

"I want to make a statement and have a dominant Combine performance. One of the best to do it."

Sadiq was one of the best to ever do it. 

It'll be interesting to see where the Oregon tight end winds up on draft night. He should make an immediate impact for any offense in the league.