National reactions: Jets have a 'steal' with Kenyon Sadiq pick at 16

The New York Jets selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th-overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It was widely speculated that the Jets would add to their offense with this pick, balancing the second-overall selection of edge rusher David Bailey.

While many saw a wide receiver with this selection, general manager Darren Mougey went in a slightly different direction. The GM added a player who will immediately improve the intermediate passing game and be a matchup problem for defenses.

Sadiq earned second-team All-American and first-round All-Big Ten honors in 2025. The senior led the Ducks with 51 receptions with 560 yards and added eight touchdowns.

New York selected Sadiq with their second first-round draft pick, a selection they acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in the blockbuster trade sending Sauce Gardner to the Colts.

Sadiq trades in his Oregon green for Gang Green. He will be a focal point of the passing game, providing a new element to the passing attack that will take some attention off Garrett Wilson.

Here is a roundup of national reactions to the Sadiq to the Jets:

Reaction: Jets select Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16

The #Jets will select Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16.

Our first TE. Built like an action figure, Sadiq is a dynamic weapon who can stretch the seam and turn short throws into big plays. pic.twitter.com/mqY3Z0KQQx

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 2026

#Jets got the first big steal in Round 1

I had Kenyon Sadiq as my No. 5 overall prospect. Really like what New York has done so far.

Sadiq's report https://t.co/N8Ypjmn0CKpic.twitter.com/pNel8F5jQ4

— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) April 24, 2026

At No. 16, the #Jets take their top-pass catcher on the board -- Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq.

Sadiq was set to be the target of teams trading up. Instead, he goes to the Jets.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026

Wow. The Jets finally picked a TE, the one year no one projected it. Kenyon Sadiq is a freak and will be a fun weapon in this offense. https://t.co/f3T80pWqxr

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 24, 2026

The @nyjets just got a MISMATCH NIGHTMARE IN UNICORN TE Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon. At 6-3 241lbs with a 4.39 40, 43.5” vert & 11’1” broad, he has the size of DK Metcalf, the Speed of OBJ and the jumping ability of Michael Jordan. He is a mismatch outside, in the slot and in the… pic.twitter.com/o0cjB3wtP5

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 24, 2026

Frank Reich better have a creative plan for how to use TE Kenyon Sadiq. I would have taken WR Makai Lemon or WR Denzel Boston over Sadiq at no. 16 instead. #Jets

— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) April 24, 2026

Jets go for a pass-catcher with Kenyon Sadiq. Like him better than Lemon or Cooper. Runs routes like a WR. Can create some matchup problems. Probably one of the safer offensive picks in the Draft

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 24, 2026

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: National reactions: Jets have a 'steal' with Kenyon Sadiq pick at 16