After taking David Bailey as the first defensive player off the board with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets addressed their offense with their next pick, selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 16 pick.

And while he played for Oregon and is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, Sadiq is more than happy to head to New York, where he already has family.

“Obviously, it’s unreal. And for it to be the Jets, it’s special,” Sadiq said. “I have some family down there. My sister currently lives in New York, so I’m happy to get down there. Great interactions with the staff in meetings and everything. I’m beyond excited and super grateful.”

The top tight end in this draft class, Sadiq may be a tad undersized at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, but he’s an athletic freak, having run a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

He caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns with the Ducks during his breakout 2025 season, and as he told members of the media after he was drafted, he can line up and make plays from just about anywhere on the field, noting that he “took a snap at every single position besides O-line” this season for the Ducks.

“Versatility, speed, and toughness,” he responded when asked about what he brings to the Jets. “I think I can help in the run and pass game. On top of that, I’m going to contribute on special teams as well. That’s what I did at Oregon and that’s what I’m going to 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, one thing I’m not going to be scared to do is go hit somebody.”

It’s obviously unfair to put too much pressure on the shoulders of the newest Jets in Bailey and Sadiq, but the Jets clearly set out to upgrade both sides of the ball, and the two first-round draft picks should be key pieces for years to come.

“David Bailey said ‘Hey man, this organization is trending in the right direction,’ and I’m just a piece who can help, and I’m ready to help,” Sadiq said. “Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m willing.”

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