Latest Jets rumors link them to move that would change their entire NFL Draft plan

The New York Jets' roster is so devoid of star power that Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey could theoretically go in multiple different directions with the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, most fans seemingly want him to focus on adding talent at wide receiver.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the Jets might go outside of the box if none of Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or Makai Lemon are available at No. 16 overall. Per Cimini, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq could be in play, as he has "heard some rumblings" about him and the Jets.

As odd as it may seem for the Jets to use a top-50 pick on a tight end in consecutive seasons, Sadiq is such a special talent at the position that a team that needs some serious pass-catching help would be foolish not to at least consider this move.

Jets linked to Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq in 2026 NFL Draft

Fans will try to shake a stick at this move due to the questions about how this team can best maximize Sadiq and Mason Taylor together. While completely justified, there are three primary reasons why a Sadiq selection would be both likely and worthwhile if he is still available at No. 16 overall.

While Taylor showed some flashes of brilliance last year despite horrible quarterback play, he hasn't shown enough to convince the Jets that he will be a future Pro Bowler. The tight end jigsaw puzzle may not be put together, but Sadiq could be the piece that makes everything else around him work.

Second, the Jets likely wouldn't make this selection unless they had the utmost confidence in offensive coordinator Frank Reich and his plan for getting the most out of both of them. Sadiq's wide receiver-like testing numbers and pass-catching skills contrast well with an in-line tight end like Taylor.

Finally, Sadiq may end up being an Azareye'h Thomas situation, wherein the value is too great to gripe over positional need. With a 4.39 40-yard dash, solid blocking skills, and some amazing alleged interviews, Sadiq has everything a team could ask for in a receiving tight end prospect.

Pairing Sadiq with Taylor, Garrett Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell (not to mention Breece Hall in the backfield) would give Geno Smith a quality menagerie of weapons he can use in his attempt to show he still has some gas left in the tank.