Mel Kiper Makes Feelings Clear On NFL Draft Prospect Kenyon Sadiq

After three remarkable seasons with the Oregon Ducks, tight end Kenyon Sadiq is considered a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Where does Sadiq fall in the latest NFL Draft big board, and what impact could he make in his rookie season?

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Several faces from the Oregon Ducks 2025 roster will hear their names called at the 2026 NFL Draft and embark on the next journey of their football careers in April. Out of the former Oregon players that will be drafted, tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be the first Duck taken off the board. 

After a remarkable career with the Oregon Ducks, highlighted by several crowning achievements, including winning the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and being a finalist for the Mackey Award last season, Sadiq has the potential to be an impactful player in the NFL.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hauls in a touchdown catch as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With several teams in the NFL in need of depth at the tight end position, Sadiq will be a valuable addition wherever he is selected in this year's draft.

Where Kenyon Sadiq Falls On 2026 NFL Draft Big Board

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) catches a pass during the first half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

According to ESPN's Mel Kiper’s latest 2026 NFL Draft Big Board rankings, Sadiq is ranked as the No. 14 prospect. Three other offensive stars from the Big Ten rank ahead of Sadiq, including projected top draft pick, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (No. 1), Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate (No. 5), and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon (No. 11). 

The Baltimore Ravens are slated to have the No. 14 pick in the NFL Draft, after falling short of the playoffs this past season. With tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, a reliable option on offense for quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens could be a potential landing spot for Sadiq. 

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Other potential landing spots that would be considered a good fit for Sadiq include the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles. With the NFL combine coming up, Sadiq has the opportunity to improve his draft stock, as he is rated as the No. 1 tight end prospect. 

Sadiq's Remarkable Career With Oregon Ducks

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The talent Sadiq displayed in his three seasons with Oregon will translate well to an NFL roster. In his three seasons with the Ducks, Sadiq recorded 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

This past season for the Ducks was arguably Sadiq’s best in Eugene. The year featured the Ducks finishing with a 13-2 overall record and making a run to the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Peach Bowl, before falling 56-22 to the eventual national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers.

Outside of missing the Ducks' 18-16 road win over the Iowa Hawkeyes, Sadiq played a critical role in the success of Oregon’s offense, collecting 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. His eight touchdowns were the most by a tight end this season in the FBS. 

With the possibility of Sadiq being drafted by a contender in the NFL next season, he could play a major role in a team's Super Bowl run in 2026. Sadiq’s championship experience with the Ducks will be beneficial to the NFL team that selects him.