Sportsvival continues its early look at premier prospects projected for the 2026 NFL Draft, spotlighting dynamic playmakers who have emerged as offensive cornerstones. Today’s profile centers on Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon’s physical, multi‑role tight end whose contested‑catch prowess, red‑zone instincts, and in‑line toughness have made him one of the most intriguing pass‑catching tight ends in college football.
Kenyon Sadiq Oregon TE 6'3" 245 lbs
Background and Recruit Profile
High school: Skyline High (Idaho Falls, ID); developed from a modest recruiting profile into a high‑impact collegiate contributor.
Recruit rating and trajectory: Lower‑profile recruit who steadily improved technique and role after arriving at Oregon, earning increased snaps each season and becoming a primary target by 2025.
Early impact: Worked his way into the rotation through dependable blocking and reliable hands, then broke out as a go‑to option on intermediate routes and in the red zone.
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height Weight: 6 ft 3 in; 245 lbs.
Frame and athletic traits: Compact, muscular frame that pairs power with suddenness; plays with leverage and finishes blocks.
Movement skills: Adequate straight‑line speed for the position, quickness in short areas, and the body control to win contested throws over the middle and in traffic.
College Career and Production
2023- 14 games- 5 receptions, 24 yards and 1-touchdown
2024- 14 games- 24 receptions, 308 yards and 2-touchdowns
2025- (as of 12-31-2025)
Games Played- 12 starts- full‑time starter and primary TE target.
Receptions: 42
Yards: 509
Touchdowns: 8
Role: Frequent seam target on play‑action, primary red‑zone option, and regular contributor as an in‑line blocker.
Strengths
Red‑zone production: Natural target in traffic with strong hands and body control to win contested throws; consistently productive inside the 20.
Versatility: Comfortable lining up in‑line, in the slot, or split out as a move tight end; effective on seams, play‑action, and as a safety valve.
Blocking chops: Plays with physicality and leverage as a run‑game contributor, willing to engage linebackers and defensive ends.
Competitive toughness: Finishes routes and blocks with effort and aggression, thriving in short‑yardage and high‑leverage situations.
Weaknesses
Length and boundary ceiling: At 6’3”, lacks the elite length some NFL teams prefer for boundary mismatch tight ends and may struggle to consistently win outside against longer defenders.
Route polish against elite defenders: Routes are effective at the college level but can be slowed by NFL linebackers and hybrid safeties; needs refinement in releases and subtle route manipulation.
Concentration under pressure: Generally reliable, but occasional drops or lapses in traffic have appeared when contested or under heavy pressure.
Player Profile and Projection
Draft projection: Late first to early second round candidate depending on combine performance and team needs.
Role projection: Day‑1 rotational starter who can immediately contribute as a red‑zone target and seam threat; projects as a TE1 in offenses that prioritize move tight ends and two‑tight‑end sets.
Ceiling and floor:
Floor: dependable TE2 with blocking value and red‑zone utility.
Ceiling: multi‑year starter and primary scoring target who can anchor an offense’s intermediate passing game.
Pro Comparison
T.J. Hockenson — The comparison centers on usage and skill set rather than identical measurables. Like Hockenson, Sadiq projects as a move/inline tight end who can split out, run seams, and create mismatches in the intermediate and red‑zone passing game. Both players offer contested‑catch reliability and the willingness to block in‑line, though Hockenson brings more length and a longer track record of elite route separation. Sadiq’s path to a similar role will depend on continued refinement of route nuance and consistency in contested situations.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival views Kenyon Sadiq as one of the top tight‑end prospects in the 2026 class, a physical, dependable scoring threat whose 2025 production (42 catches, 509 yards, 8 TDs) demonstrates clear NFL readiness. His blend of red‑zone instincts, blocking willingness, and positional versatility makes him an attractive Day‑1 option for teams that value move tight ends. Continued development in separation techniques and contested‑catch consistency could push his ceiling toward an every‑down starter and a long‑term offensive weapon.
(photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)