Two Ducks recognized as top prospects for specific skills in the draft

There are two Oregon Ducks in the 2026 NFL draft class that stand above the rest of the future pros from the program: tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman. Both are widely expected to be first-rounders when the draft begins in just over a week thanks to strong 2025 seasons and performances at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

Because of that, it should come as no surprise that the pair were listed in ESPN's article of the top prospects at 100 different traits and skills.

Sadiq was listed as the most versatile pass catcher, not a surprising superlative for the Oregon standout who was named a finalist for the Mackey Award. With his athletic ability, Sadiq can split out wide and operate as an in-line tight end, giving his future offensive coordinator loads of flexibility of how he can use the former Duck.

"At 6-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq has rare skills at tight end, including 4.39 speed and explosive leaping ability," ESPN's Matt Bowen wrote. "And he would bring real versatility to a pro scheme. Sadiq can run the seam routes and wheels, create after the catch and align as a flexed wide receiver. He's a matchup player in the game plan."

Bowen didn't even mention Sadiq's blocking ability, which is arguably a nudge over average for a tight end, especially with him being slightly undersized. He's never going to be a George Kittle-like blocker, but Sadiq has the right attitude and skills to get the job done as a complimentary blocker. When matched up against a safety or slot corner in the slot, Sadiq has shown the ability to dominate those smaller players.

Meanwhile, Thieneman's stock rose greatly during his lone season in Eugene. The talent was always there, but he refined his game and learned to play around other star players, something he didn't have the opportunity to do at Purdue.

He was listed with the best third-level range by Bowen.

"Thieneman has the range, field vision and ball skills to protect the deep half or post," he wrote. "He had eight interceptions and 11 pass breakups in three college seasons."

That exact skill was showcased with two game-ending interceptions for Thieneman.

The first came in double overtime against the Penn State Nittany Lions, as he read the eyes of quarterback Drew Allar and elevated to pick off a wheel route. Then, he showed his ranginess on the back end of the defense with a fourth-quarter game-sealing interception of Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. With the ball in the air, Thieneman beelined straight to where the receiver was about to be, stepping in front and taking the ball away.

With their talent levels, it's predictable for each of Sadiq and Thieneman to have at least one top skill in this draft class and it shows exactly why they're all but guaranteed to be Day 1 selections.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Sadiq, Thieneman highlighted for impressive specific skills