Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, five teams have two picks within the first round. These five teams are the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and the New York Jets. Jets general manager Darren Mougey has a tremendous opportunity to add major talent over the next two drafts, with eight total picks within the first two rounds of 2026 & 2027. Starting at second overall, the team can seemingly narrow its pick to two impact defenders. Consensus mock drafts have them choosing either Ohio State linebacker turned edge Arvell Reese or edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech. However, it’s the 16th overall picks that have fans wondering what lies ahead.
Thus far, multiple mock drafts feature New York taking USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. A surgical route runner, head coach Aaron Glenn would love to have someone similar to standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whom he saw develop into a star with the Lions. However, new reports are emerging that have New York interested in a different type of offensive weapon. While he’s not a traditional wide receiver, there’s no denying this prospect is a dynamic pass catcher. So, could the Jets pursue Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq if he’s still on the board?
New Draft Target Emerging for the Jets in the First Round
After last season, it’s no secret the Jets need to work on their passing game. After ranking last in passing yards per game, changes were necessary. Thus far, so far so good. The team replaced Justin Fields with Geno Smith to get more stability under center. After moving on from first-year coordinator Tanner Engstrand, the expectation is that new offensive coordinator Frank Reich can establish a more effective passing game. In addition, a full season of a healthy Garrett Wilson will certainly help matters. However, New York can still use another weapon to join him, Adonai Mitchell, and tight end Mason Taylor.
However, just because they used a second-round pick on Taylor last year doesn’t mean New York is done adding. Before getting hurt & missing the last four games of the season, Taylor showed a lot of potential. Despite erratic play from the quarterback duo of Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, the tight end finished with 369 yards on 44 catches on 65 targets. The former LSU Tiger caught his first career touchdown in the Jets comeback win vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. However, they will have to monitor his drop rate in the future, after having 10.4% this year. In addition to the limitations of Jeremy Ruckert, the tight end could remain a possible pickup. So, why not get the best tight end in college football?
The Jets are interested in Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq
While the Jets hope to add a second wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, recent moves around the league have complicated matters. Primarily, after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, the Dolphins are likely picking one of the top three receivers on the board. With wide receiver-needy teams like the Chiefs, Browns, and potentially the Los Angeles Rams, the Jets could miss out on one. If players like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, and Carnell Tate are all off the board, can New York afford to reach on Omar Cooper Jr? While the Indiana wide receiver played a massive role in the Hoosiers national championship, he’s not flawless. Cooper struggled with contested catches and could improve as a run blocker.
JUICY!
ESPN’s Rich Cimini told @JakeAsman & @BrandonTierney that he has ‘heard some rumblings in the scouting community about the #Jets & Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.’ 👀
‘If the wide receivers are gone (Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, & Makai Lemon) & you’re sitting there at [pick]… pic.twitter.com/DucNl5n3Mq
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 25, 2026
In need of size from receiving targets, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq makes sense. While not a traditional wide receiver, Sadiq has outstanding production in the slot. At 6’3″ and 241 lbs, Sadiq operates more like a large wide receiver. In 14 games, Sadiq finished last season with 560 yards on 51 catches and eight touchdowns. He thrives in man coverage, where his 6’6″ wingspan comes in handy on 50/50 balls. With an adept route tree as well, Sadiq can succeed early with the right team. ESPN’s Rich Cimini has mentioned a popular rumor among the community of scouts liking the fit of Kenyon Sadiq to New York if the top three wide receivers are off the board.
Does Kenyon Sadiq fit with the Jets?
Ideally, the Jets would benefit from using their first two picks on a duo of Arvell Reese and Makai Lemon. However, if Lemon is taken before 16, Kenyon Sadiq is a great consolation prize. After having a top-ten running game last season, New York can easily integrate Sadiq into the offense. Imagine Reich running 12 personnel with Sadiq & Taylor at tight end and running back Breece Hall? That combination gives the Jets three talented pass catchers Geno Smith can target when Garrett Wilson is on the sideline. Plus, with the combination of two talented offensive tackles in Olu Fashanu & Armand Membou, Sadiq’s blocking will be elevated when lined up next to either one. Plus, picking Sadiq in the first still allows the Jets to get a wide receiver in the second round.
Kenyon Sadiq is a matchup nightmare at TE 👀 @oregonfootball
2026 NFL Draft – April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/19cBYn9g4j— NFL (@NFL) March 20, 2026
In addition, few are better suited to help develop a tight end like Frank Reich. During his tenure as offensive coordinator, Reich worked hand in hand with guys like Antonio Gates and Zach Ertz during his time with the Chargers and Eagles. While head coach of the Colts, Reich turned Detroit Lions first-round pick Eric Ebron into a 13 touchdown pro bowler in 2018. While a wide receiver would be useful, Kenyon Sadiq instantly makes the Jets offense better. With a quintet of Wilson, Mitchell, Sadiq, Taylor, and Hall, Frank Reich has five above-average pass catchers to work with. It’s not perfect. But it certainly is a step in the right direction.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images
