Full Breakdown
Jets Draft Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16: A First-Round Call That Felt Like a Prank
4/24/2026, 11:43:20 PM
Background: College Production and Combine Performance
Kenyon Sadiq, 21, finished the 2025 season at Oregon with 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, leading all FBS tight ends in scoring and earning second-team All-American honors. At the NFL Combine he posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash—the fastest for a tight end in 14 years—and a 43.5-inch vertical.
Draft Call: Confirmation of the Selection
During the first round on Thursday night (April 23), Jets GM Darren Mougey called Sadiq, saying, “Kenyon, how you doing? This is Darren Mougey with the New York Jets,” and announced the pick. He then handed the phone to head coach Aaron Glenn, who told Sadiq, “You’re going to be a huge weapon for us.” Sadiq replied, “I was thinking this was a prank call for a second,” after which Glenn reassured, “No, we’re not pranking you, brother. You’re gonna be a Jet.”
Strategy: First-Round Additions and Roster Impact
The Jets used the No. 2 pick for defensive end David Bailey, selected Sadiq at No. 16, and traded back to take Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30. Cooper posted 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in a national-championship season. The new trio joins quarterback Geno Smith, WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Hall, addressing an offense that averaged 17.6 points per game (29th) in 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Mougey described Sadiq as a targeted acquisition with “weapon-grade” talent. Glenn highlighted the tight end’s ability to create mismatches and stretch defenses. Reich said the move would be “the best move” for the offense, and Johnson called the pick a “big win” for New York.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kenyon, how you doing? This is Darren Mougey with the New York Jets,” — Darren Mougey, General Manager, New York Jets
- “You're going to be a huge weapon for us.” — Aaron Glenn, Head Coach, New York Jets
- “I was thinking this was a prank call for a second,” — Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End, New York Jets
- “We're not pranking you, brother. You're gonna be a Jet,” — Aaron Glenn, Head Coach, New York Jets
- “I cant even breathe right now I’m so happy,” — Frank Reich, Offensive Coordinator, New York Jets
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of the draft call. Fox News and the New York Post place the call on Thursday night, April 23, 2026, while the USA Today-affiliated Ducks Wire article references the event on April 24, 2026. No other major factual inconsistencies were identified.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The call’s video spread on X, with analysts labeling it the “Shedeur effect” after a similar prank call to quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Fans posted memes and debated the Jets’ prospects, turning the moment into a cultural talking point.
What’s Next for Sadiq and the Jets
Sadiq reports to rookie minicamp in May to learn the Jets’ offense under Reich. His speed is expected to complement Cooper’s deep threat and Wilson’s route tree, potentially boosting the 2026 passing game. The Jets also anticipate a top pick in the 2027 draft.
