Entering the 2026 NFL draft, everyone knew what the New York Jets’ most glaring need was: pass-catching weapons.

After selecting Texas Tech edge David Bailey at No. 2 overall, the team doubled up at pass-catcher, coming away with Oregon tight Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16. The sugar on top was trading back into the first round to land Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30, a wide receiver from Indiana.

Following a record-setting performance at the NFL’s Scouting Combine, Sadiq shot up the draft board, ultimately making him the lone tight end selected in the first round of April’s draft.

What should fans expect out of the Oregon product, though, in his rookie season?

Round 1 tight ends

Here is a look at every tight end who has been selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 2016, excluding Sadiq:

  • Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts (2025)
  • Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (2025)
  • Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
  • Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (2021)
  • T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions (2019)
  • Noah Fant, Denver Broncos (2019)
  • Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens (2018)
  • O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017)
  • Evan Engram, New York Giants (2017)
  • David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (2017)

Overall, it has been a mixed basket.

Warren and Loveland each enjoyed highly successful rookie campaigns last season, each eclipsing 700 receiving yards. The same could be said about Bowers, who has posted a whopping 1,874 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.

Pitts, the highest selected tight end in NFL history, though, at No. 4 overall, hasn’t lived up to his hype, largely due to a combination of lower-body injuries and inconsistent play.

However, he remains productive, logging 928 yards and five touchdowns on 88 receptions last season despite not consistently living up to his “unicorn” label five years into his NFL career.

Hockenson and Fant each had their moments, but at this point in their careers, they are more so TE2s.

Out of this group, Hurst is likely the biggest bust. In seven seasons, he didn’t surpass 575 receiving yards, and he played in only 18 games over the last three seasons before announcing his retirement in March while spending time with five different teams.

Similar to Hockenson and Fant, Howard, Njoku, and Engram each had flashes but have struggled to find sustained success, while Howard last played in 2023.

Projecting Sadiq

The Jets must expect strong results from Sadiq immediately. At the end of the day, he was a top 16 pick and is entering the season as one of the Jets’ top pass-catching options.

The team should be expecting production in the range of what Loveland and Warren each contributed last season.

Here is a look at Loveland’s key numbers and where they ranked among qualified tight ends:

  • 81 targets (11th out of 37)
  • 58 receptions (13th)
  • 713 receiving yards (9th)
  • 6 receiving touchdowns (8th)
  • 12.3 yards per reception (4th)
  • 123.1 passer rating when targeted (6th)
  • 9.5 ADOT (Average Depth of Target) (2nd)
  • 70.0 PFF run-blocking grade (10th among 62 qualifiers)

Now, a glance at Warren:

  • 106 targets (3rd)
  • 76 receptions (6th)
  • 817 receiving yards (5th)
  • 4 receiving touchdowns (17th)
  • 10.8 yards per reception (16th)
  • 98.7 passer rating when targeted (24th)
  • 5.9 ADOT (22nd)
  • 50.7 run blocking grade (50th)

He should finish within the top 10-15 in most major receiving categories while being a machine in the red zone. Last season at Oregon, his eight touchdowns led all FBS tight ends. Sadiq must bring that same production to New York near the goal line.

Usage

The interesting component regarding Sadiq and his usage this season is how he will be used alongside Mason Taylor. That is a unique situation that neither Loveland nor Warren had to deal with last season.

Keep in mind, Taylor is still going to play a big role within the Jets’ pass-catching corps; he wasn’t a top 50 pick last year for no reason.

Also, don’t forget, his rookie season was highly encouraging, especially given the situation he was dealing with at quarterback. His 78.6% contested catch rate ranked second among qualified tight ends, trailing only George Kittle.

Yes, the same George Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler. And yes, the same Mason Taylor, who was 21 and playing with three different quarterbacks, including an undrafted rookie.

Nevertheless, Kenyon Sadiq should produce at a high level this season. If he is able to cut down on his drops, refine his route-running, and continue to hold his own as a blocker in the pros, the Oregon product could ultimately be a steal for the New York Jets at No. 16 by developing into an all-around dynamic weapon.