NFL Mock Draft Shakes Up Landing Spots for Potential Oregon Ducks First-Rounders

The Oregon Ducks have been known to put many players into the NFL, following the careers of some of their top players. The Ducks have had many top selections over the years, including former Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota, former Ducks offensive lineman Penei Sewell, former Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez and many more.

The Ducks are expected to have multiple players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two players who very well may hear their name in the first round. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman have been projected to land in the first round as of late, and both have the chance to be high-impact players. In a recent mock draft by NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, both of the Ducks' stars hear their name called in the first round, but by unique and new teams in terms of projections.

Oregon Ducks dan lanning dillon thieneman kenyon sadiq nfl draft nfl 2026 tampa bay buccaneers chicago bears cade otton. — Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning talks to the media during the post game press conference following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Tight End Kenyon Sadiq - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick 15)

"Inside linebacker and edge are needs for Tampa, but those are also deep positions in this draft. Sadiq is one-of-one in this class in terms of a pass-catching tight end who opens up more 12 personnel groupings for OC Zac Robinson," Zierlein said.

Sadiq has great vertical ability when it comes to being at the tight end position, and is very gifted when it comes to his speed and route running. Sadiq is anticipated to be the only tight end selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2026, unless something drastic changes in the final weeks leading up to the draft.

He was originally linked to the Carolina Panthers at No. 19, but in this draft, they traded up to select Akheem Mesidor. This leaves Sadiq on the board for Tampa, who could use a tight end. Their current tight end is Cade Otton, who is still solid. Both Otton and Sadiq could dominate as a duo in both the passing game and with their blocking ability. This would be one of the more dangerous tight end rooms in the league.

Safety Dillon Thieneman - Chicago Bears (Pick 25)

"Thieneman offers Dennis Allen's defense an instinctive safety with explosive athleticism and the versatility to help disguise coverages and change the picture post-snap for the quarterback," Zierlein said.

Thieneman has a lengthy set of legs and arms, which translates well to the NFL. He has been compared to some NFL stars, including Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who is already viewed as one of the top names at the position in the NFL.

Thieneman is usually predicted to be selected by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 in most mock drafts, as that is another team that needs a lot of help. The Vikings ended up selecting defensive back Jermod McCoy, who ultimately fell in this draft. Thieneman would be a great fit for the Bears, who just lost arguably their best defensive back, Kevin Byard, to the New England Patriots. This would allow Thieneman to likely start in his first year with the program.

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