Kenyon Sadiq thought he was getting pranked on draft night. Why? Because it happened to Shedeur Sanders last season.
The New York Jets drafted TE Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Oregon, and for a second, Sadiq thought he was getting pranked.
Why? Because it happened to Shedeur Sanders last season.
"That was just my biggest fear, with Shedeur and all that stuff that happened with him," Sadiq said. "It's such a moment full of so many emotions. It'd be kind of not fun to get a prank call and stuff like that. But no, obviously the call and everything was amazing."
For Oregon in 2025, Sadiq had 51 receptions for 560 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He finished his college career with 80 receptions for 892 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 42 games.
Sadiq was named a second-team All-American and the Big Ten TE of the Year and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the nation's top tight end.
"It's unreal, man. It's special," Sadiq said. "My sister currently lives in New York, so I'm happy to get down there. But great interactions with all the staff, in meetings and everything. So I'm beyond excited, super grateful.
"I think it's versatility, speed and toughness, bro, seriously. I think I can help in the running and passing game on top of that. I'm sure I'm on special teams as well. That's what I did at Oregon, and that's what I'll continue to do. I can create separation, but I can also go hit someone. Obviously, the NFL is different. I'm going to have to clean some things up. But, man, I'm going to go hit somebody. I'm not going to be scared."
The Jets went 3-14 last season. They took Texas Tech's David Bailey with the second overall pick.
It will be up to Bailey and Sadiq to turn the Jets around. The franchise hasn't made the playoffs since 2010 season.
"David Bailey said it already," Sadiq said. "This organization is trending in the right direction. And I'm just a piece that can help and I'm ready to help. Whatever the team needs me to do, I'm going to do it."
It will be fascinating to see how Sadiq performs next season. The Jets probably won't make the playoffs, but at least they got two talented players in the first round of this year's draft.
Sadiq will catch passes from Geno Smith next season. The Jets acquired Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
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