Full Breakdown
Kenyon Sadiq Drafted by the New York Jets After Prank-Call Concern
4/25/2026, 11:50:09 PM
First-Round Selection and Phone Confirmation
On Thursday night of the NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick. The team called Sadiq to deliver the news; he initially thought the call might be a prank before confirming the selection with Jets general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.
Background: Prior Draft Prank Call and NFL Safeguards
The previous year, quarterback Shedeur Sanders received a fraudulent call from Jax Ulbrich, son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, prompting a $250,000 fine for the Falcons and a $100,000 fine for Jeff Ulbrich. In response, the NFL tightened the draft-related contact-information distribution list for the 2025 draft season.
College Production and Combine Metrics
At Oregon, Sadiq recorded 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games, leading all FBS tight ends in touchdowns. He posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest tight-end time in the past 14 combines, and noted six drops during his final college season.
Official Statements & Player Reaction
General manager Darren Mougey informed Sadiq that the Jets were selecting him in the draft. Head coach Aaron Glenn later confirmed the call was genuine and said Sadiq would become a Jet. Sadiq described the moment as genuine, expressed excitement about joining the team, and highlighted the significance of the selection. The NFL’s fines against the Falcons illustrate its enforcement of draft-communication rules.
Criticism of Draft Communication Practices
Sadiq’s initial suspicion underscores lingering vulnerabilities in draft communication despite the NFL’s tightened contact list. The incident suggests that concerns about misinformation remain even after the league’s recent penalties.
Conflicting Reports on Draft Year
Most sources identify the selection as part of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jet Press article, however, describes the event as occurring in the 2026 NFL Draft, creating a discrepancy without further clarification.
What’s Next for Sadiq and the Jets
Sadiq will report to Jets training camp in August, where he is expected to compete for a starting tight-end role alongside fellow first-round pick wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. His development will be monitored within Geno Smith’s offensive scheme as the team seeks to improve its passing attack.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was thinking this was a prank call for a second.” — Kenyon Sadiq, rookie tight end, New York Jets
- “No, we’re not pranking you, brother. You’re going to be a Jet.” — Aaron Glenn, head coach, New York Jets
- “That’s just like my biggest fear, with Shedeur and all that stuff that happened with him,” — Kenyon Sadiq, rookie tight end, New York Jets
- “Yeah, six drops on the season. No, it's definitely uncharacteristic. If you go watch those drops, they're the easy ones, man. So improving hand-eye coordination has been huge for me. I'm just strengthening my eyes, strengthening my mental.” — Kenyon Sadiq, rookie tight end, New York Jets
- “Yeah, six drops on the season. No, it's definitely uncharacteristic. If you go watch those drops, they're the easy ones, man. So improving hand-eye coordination has been huge for me. I'm just strengthening my eyes, strengthening my mental.” — Kenyon Sadiq, rookie tight end, New York Jets
