Insider suggests Jets' Kenyon Sadiq draft pick has Frank Reich written all over it

The New York Jets had one of the more exciting classes of the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks in large part to their three selections in the first round.

New York added two desperately-needed pass rushers in Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the latter of whom may be the most intriguing offensive draft pick the Jets have made in a while.

Sadiq is a physical specimen of a prospect, setting the 40-yard dash record by a tight end running a 4.39 time at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame should help him immensely as he makes his jump to the pros.

But there was reportedly one major force driving the Jets to use the 16th overall pick on the Oregon tight end, and that's new offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Jeremy Fowler says Frank Reich really wanted Jets to draft Kenyon Sadiq

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, no one was pushing harder within the Jets building to draft Sadiq than Reich, and that's evident by his excitement after New York phoned in the selection.

"The Jets' in-house draft footage showed offensive coordinator Frank Reich's emphatic reaction to the Kenyon Sadiq pick at No. 16. "Oh my god. Let's go," Reich said. Then he reminded Sadiq over the phone, "What did I tell you? I told you." "

Jeremy Fowler

Reich loves his tight ends. He has a history of getting the best out of them in some of his best offenses, including Antonio Gates with the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and 2015, and Zack Ertz with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016 and 2017.

Clearly, the Jets' new offensive coordinator has a plan in mind for the Oregon standout, particularly in tandem with 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor.

"The backstory: Reich had a pre-draft video conference with the Oregon tight end who he found very impactful. The two went in-depth about Sadiq's usage on the call, and after that Reich had an affinity for the hopeful target. One Jets source surmised that Reich might have called his shot with Sadiq on the video conference, indicating he wanted the team to pick him."

Jeremy Fowler

The Sadiq draft pick opens some intriguing offensive doors for the Jets. Expect plenty of 12 personnel in 2026 with both Sadiq and Taylor on the field at the same time.

The possibilities are endless in New York after overhauling their array of weaponry for quarterback Geno Smith next season, and Sadiq has the potential to become a special asset for the Jets, as long as Reich has the right plan in place for him.

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