Jets Land Standout TE Kenyon Sadiq With the 16th Pick

By Jody Smith | Updated on Fri, Apr 24 2026 2:41 AM UTC

The New York Jets selected Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sadiq’s production profile is not as impressive as recent first-round TEs like Brock Bowers, Tyler Warren, or Colston Loveland. He caught just five balls as a freshman and was out-produced by TE Terrance Ferguson as a sophomore in 2024. Sadiq set career highs across the board this past season, leading Oregon with 51 catches and 8 TDs and finishing second to WR Malik Benson with 560 yards. But his 1.62 yards per route ranked just 10th among 27 of the top TEs in this year’s class. For perspective, Bowers, Warren and Loveland all topped 2.6 yards per route in their final college seasons. On the plus side, Sadiq just turned 21 in March and lit up the Combine. He clocked a 4.39-second 40 time with a 43.5-inch vertical to earn a 9.52 Relative Athletic Score. Sadiq is a bit undersized at 6’3, 241 pounds but holds up well as a blocker. He should be able to stay on the field for all three downs. And he’s a three-level threat as a receiver, possessing plus route running and after-catch skills. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler calls Sadiq a “Vernon Davis-like weapon.”

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “Sadiq pairs 4.39 speed with prototypical size, making him a weapon against LBs. He runs a dynamic, NFL-ready route tree. Teams will also value his violent blocking and physicality within routes. Sadiq dropped six passes in 2025. Most were routine catches he failed to secure. Those concentration drops raise concern but do not erase his upside.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Sadiq brings elite speed for a TE, but landing in New York likely keeps him outside TE1 range in redraft leagues. Mason Taylor led the Jets in targets last season but managed just 44 catches for 369 yards and one TD, finishing as the TE35 in PPR points per game.

Sadiq’s top-end speed adds a vertical element this offense lacks and will help take pressure off Garrett Wilson as Geno Smith’s No. 2 option. Volume may be inconsistent, but he projects as a TE2 with streaming appeal.

Dynasty Impact

Sadiq’s dynasty appeal comes from his rare speed and ability to create mismatches down the seam, giving him a solid ceiling. His role may be inconsistent early, but that athletic profile makes him a worthwhile long-term stash with breakout potential.

He fits best as a developmental TE2 in dynasty formats with upside to grow into more.

Sadiq still belongs in the top 10 of dynasty rookie drafts and remains inside the top 5 in TE-premium formats.

Learn more about Kenyon Sadiq’s Dynasty Value.

Other Winners & Losers

Mason Taylor led the Jets with 65 targets last season, but now will play an ancillary role to Sadiq. Taylor could be utilized more as an in-line TE, but his dynasty value takes a big hit.

Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.