Kenyon Sadiq reacts to New York Jets selecting him in first round

Sometimes, you know when someone gets it just by talking to them for a few minutes.

Kenyon Sadiq gets it.

The former Oregon Ducks tight end was interviewed after the New York Jets drafted him with the 16th pick of the 2026 NFL draft.

"Man, it's unreal. For it to be the Jets, it's special," Sadiq told the media after the selection was made official. "I have some family in New York. I'm beyond excited and super grateful. I'm ready to help this team. Whatever they need me to do."

For a Jets fan, that is exactly what they would want to hear. New York is one of those teams that just seem to be snakebitten, and many potential picks wouldn't want to deal with everything that comes with playing in the Big Apple. And with the Jets' history, playing in the Meadowlands wouldn't be the first choice for many of those coming into the league.

The Jets and their fans are about to find out that Sadiq is different.

New York had a big first night of the draft as the franchise had three first-round picks. The Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey at No. 2, and to end the first round, they selected Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper, Jr. at No. 30.

Sadiq is only the fourth Oregon player to be drafted by the Jets and the first in 20 years, since quarterback Kellen Clemens was drafted in the second round in 2006. Other Ducks to become Jets through the draft were defensive back Reggie Grant in the ninth round of the 1978 draft and tight end Blake Spence in the fifth round of the 1998 draft.