Unparalleled athleticism defines Kenyon Sadiq's draft rise. Witness the former Oregon tight end who redefined combine records, poised to revolutionize NFL offenses.
Former Oregon tight end Kanyon Sadiq boosted his draft stock with an impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine in March.
The New York Jets selected Saqiq with the No. 16 pick in the NFL Draft.
He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash time, the best-ever by a tight end in the combine. In addition to the much-talked-about 40-yard time, Sadiq's vertical jump was 43.5", the second-best ever by a tight end. His 11'1" broad jump was the third-best ever by a tight end.
Sadiq is arguably a top 10 talent in the 2026 class, if not a top 5 talent. However, he wasn't expected to go in the top 10 because tight ends aren't valued as highly as quarterbacks, offensive tackles, pass-rushers, and cornerbacks typically taken that early.
Scouting Report
Lance Zierlein of NFL media thinks Sadiq will become a good starter early in his professional career. He has incredible athleticism but sometimes lacks focus when being asked to make fairly easy receptions.
"A versatile tight end with a shredded physique and alluring potential as a volume target, Sadiq’s route tree will be full of branches," Zierlein wrote. "His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels.
"He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks. He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. "
Zierlein thinks Sadiq is capable of diversifying a passing game pretty immediately. He called the former Oregon tight end "adequate" as a run blocker. That's something Sadiq can improve upon in the league to become a more valuable tight end.
Sadiq could become a star for the Jets early in his career. New York traded for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason. He could connect with the rookie tight end.
Tight end Brock Bowers became an immediate revelation for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Colton Loveland led the Chicago Bears in receiving for the 2025 season.