Jets may have the chance to crush Patriots fans' dreams at pick No. 16

There are plenty of teams heading into the 2026 NFL Draft eyeing up the class for their potential pass-catching prospects, including the New York Jets.

There's plenty of wide receiver talent projected to go in the first round. Everyone's familiar with Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon, but Omar Cooper Jr. has been shooting up draft boards as well.

Some teams may not get the chance to nab one of those guys and are looking at alternative options. The most popular name among them is Oregon tight end, Kenyon Sadiq.

Sadiq isn't a wide receiver, of course, but is a weapon in the passing game nonetheless. Musket Fire's Sara Marshall believes the 6-foot-3 tight end would be the perfect addition for the New England Patriots, and the Jets have the opportunity to steal him before they get a chance to make the pick.

Jets could snag Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq out from under the Patriots

On a list of the Patriots' top five prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, Marshall listed Sadiq as their fourth-best option with their first-round pick, No. 31.

Unfortunately for New England, Sadiq is also one of the Jets' best options, and they could theoretically take Sadiq much earlier than that, at No. 16 overall.

The Jet Press' Justin Fried believes Sadiq could form a dangerous duo with second-year tight end Mason Taylor, and he may even end up as one of the team's top receiving options given their lack of wide receivers.

"If the top wide receiver prospects are off the board at 16, don't be surprised if the Jets turn to Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq as they look to add another pass catcher. Sadiq put together one of the best NFL Combine performances by a tight end in event history and could be a dangerous matchup nightmare for opposing defenses in the NFL."

Justin Fried

There's a real possibility that Tate, Tyson, Lemon, and even Cooper Jr. are gone before the Jets are back on the clock at No. 16. At that point, if they're truly set on still adding a pass catcher, Sadiq is the easy choice.

Sadiq was Pro Football Focus's 23rd-highest graded tight end in 2025 out of 199 qualified players. He hauled in 42 receptions for 509 yards and eight touchdowns, most among his position.

The Patriots are probably crossing their fingers, hoping Sadiq slides all the way down to No. 31. He would be the perfect long-term replacement behind Hunter Henry.

But the Jets can ensure that the talented youngster doesn't land with their AFC East rival.

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