Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq's jaw-dropping combine performance and elite measurables land him a top-tier NFL draft projection. He's poised to be the first tight end off the board.
The Oregon Ducks will have quarterback Dante Moore returning in 2026, but the team might have lost its best offensive player from last year's season to the upcoming NFL draft.
Tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to land in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and there is a slight possibility he could go in the top 10.
Sadiq was impressive during his three seasons in college, and he wowed onlookers during the NFL scouting combine earlier this month when he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash.
Sadiq’s talents will be in high demand for an NFL landscape that is using more 12 and 13 personnel packages that feature multiple tight ends.
Still, tight ends can be overlooked in the first round because of the value teams look for at left tackle, pass-rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, and quarterback.
In his most recent big board, ESPN's Mel Kiper ranked Sadiq as the No. 12 player in the 2026 class. He thinks Sadiq will be the first tight end taken in the draft.
"Sadiq is loaded with physical traits," Kiper wrote. "He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field, and he posted 43½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-1 in the broad jump. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball was in his hands (260 yards).
"He flew in the 40-yard dash at the combine; his 4.39 easily led the tight ends. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent last season, and he should be the first tight end off the board."
The six-foot-three, 241-pound tight end is a big body that can absolutely rocket down the middle of the field. In addition to his receiving skills, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning bragged about his ability to block in the running game.
Sadiq had an impressive final season with Oregon, recording 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
Based on Sadiq's projection as the No. 12 athlete, the Los Angeles Rams would be a sensible place for the tight end to land if head coach Sean McVay wanted to give quarterback Matthew Stafford a sure target in 2026.