Jets somehow botched a golden opportunity with puzzling Kenyon Sadiq pick

Everything was falling in perfect fashion for the New York Jets on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. To kick things off, the Jets took the best pass rusher in the draft when they snagged David Bailey at no. 2 overall.

From there, we saw a series of surprises and twists in the coming dozen or so picks. In the end, it was going to work out for the Jets in a manner so many fans hoped it would. Bailey at no. 2 followed by ... Kenyon Sadiq at no. 16?

Wait a minute.

No, that's not right. The Jets were supposed to select wide receiver Makai Lemon out of USC. That was the script.

The New York Jets will need Kenyon Sadiq to be an instant Pro Bowl talent in order to not look foolish

Instead, it ended up being the Oregon product and now a second starting-caliber tight end to pair with Mason Taylor.

Now, don't hear what I'm not saying. Sadiq is a phenomenal prospect and could wind up having a great NFL career. But, Sadiq instead of Lemon? Why?

This was written in the stars. It's something we've written about countless times here at TJP. And Lemon was RIGHT THERE for the taking!

Instead, the Jets spend a premium pick on a tight end when they could have created a dazzling wide receiver duo. Lemon, paired with Garrett Wilson, would have been precisely what their future franchise quarterback needed.

The offense needed more juice. Lemon was a match made in heaven within an offense that really doesn't have a reliable second option in that room, next to Wilson.

Now, at least in the interim, it looks like the Jets are going to be banking on the late-season breakout of Adonai Mitchell a whole lot more than fans would've ever guessed.

The only thing that could make this pick not look seriously questionable (and that's being generous) is if Sadiq immediately turns in a stunning rookie season, but I wouldn't bank on that in an offense led by Geno Smith.

Sure, system, coaching and play calling are big factors, but last year, Smith did a fine job making Brock Bowers look average. It might take a little while for Sadiq to pan out, and that's not even factoring in the idea that he's mainly a traits-based prospect.

Sadiq wasn't even the top target in his own offense. He was a crucial part of it. But, if we're going to call 51 receptions and 560 yards, on an offense that scored darn-near 40 points per game in 2025, a top-16 pick? I'm not so sure.

Look, Sadiq is a tantalizing prospect. And he could wind up being elite.

But, right off the bat, this looks like a mistake.

It should have been Lemon.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow