The New York Jets selected tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Oregon Duck could wind up becoming a superstar in New York. But then again, he could also be a major disappointment.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame listed Sadiq as one of the most likely draft busts in the AFC:
“4. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets
Sadiq is part of what I believe to be the best draft class in the league. However, there are legitimate questions about whether the team that drafted him will utilize his talents correctly. For starters, New York is in the midst of an offensive overhaul, as evidenced by the trade of Justin Fields and the acquisition of Geno Smith at quarterback. Smith is likely a one-year stopgap before the Jets useone of their three first-round picks in 2027 on an upgrade to that position. Sadiq is more projection than product. The talent is there, but can the Jets turn him into the star they envision?”
Sadiq obviously hasn’t played an NFL game yet. With that said, it remains to be seen whether he’ll become a star, a decent pro, or a huge first-round flop.
Analyst Predicts Jets’ Kenyon Sadiq to Be a Bust
His Career Thus Far
Kenyon Sadiq attended Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. During his junior year, he helped lead the school to an IHSAA 4A state championship. The following year, he caught 79 passes for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Sadiq was rated as the top recruit in Idaho. He then received college offers from schools like Michigan, Washington, and Iowa State. He ultimately chose to play for the Oregon Ducks.
Sadiq played in all 14 games for the Ducks as a freshman. He caught five passes for 24 yards and a touchdown that year. He found the end zone for the first time in his career during the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
As a sophomore in 2024, Sadiq recorded 24 receptions, 308 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 24 yards.
The 2025 season was a breakout year for Sadiq. He caught 40 passes for 490 yards, and eight touchdowns (all career-highs). Those numbers made him afinalist for the Mackey Award (top tight end in the nation). However, he wound up finishing second to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers.
Will Kenyon Sadiq Be a Bust?
The Jets traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith this offseason. Smith, who’s now in his second stint with the Jets, is expected to be the team’s starter in 2026. Leading the NFL with 17 interceptions last season, Smith isn’t considered an elite quarterback nowadays.
However, to become an NFL star, a tight end doesn’t necessarily have to be paired with a larger-than-life QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. For example, tight end Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders) set NFL rookie records two seasons ago despite catching passes from Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Sorry, but neither of those guys are a starter-level quarterback.
That means Sadiq certainly has a chance to be an impact player immediately even catching passes from Smith in 2026. As Verderame mentioned, Smith is likely just a one-year stopgap. Then perhaps the Jets will finally land a franchise quarterback in the 2027 draft.
Sadiq has a ton of potential. He’s difficult to catch once he gets behind the defense and possesses top-end speed, evidenced by his record-setting 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He also has a knack for plucking passes out of the air and making big time plays in traffic. Plus, he’s known asan effective lead blocker.
Don’t look for Sadiq to be a bust. He’s just too good.
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