Jets' Kenyon Sadiq has a chance to join NFL rookie TE history if he beats ESPN projection

The New York Jets took three players in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft: David Bailey at No. 2 overall, Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, and Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30.

There's been plenty of attention on Bailey as the second pick, and Cooper as a player the Jets traded into Round 1 for from the National Champions, but Sadiq is someone who should not go underrated. He has a really strong chance at joining history in 2026.

ESPN's Mike Clay highlighted Sadiq as one of the top five receiving threats from the rookie class and gave him a solid year-one projection: "Kenyon Sadiq, New York Jets: 691 yards, 4 TDs." 

Even though the Jets offense might not be the most high-powered one in the NFL during the 2026 season, Sadiq should have a goal of surpassing this projection for one reason: a chance at joining 12 other rookie tight ends in NFL history.

Jets' Kenyon Sadiq should beat ESPN projection for NFL history

"Only 12 tight ends in NFL history have produced more than 700 receiving yards as a rookie, but half of them have come since 2021, including three last season," Clay writes. "...This new trend of early-career tight end usage suggests Sadiq has a shot at a strong rookie campaign."

Clay's projection of 691 yards and four touchdowns would not be a bad rookie year for Sadiq at all. But if he could put up 10 more yards, which might just be one extra catch, he could join some exclusive history.

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More rookie tight ends than ever are producing strong seasons, as the league saw in 2025 from Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr.

Sadiq has the chance to join them, as his 4.39 speed and path to involvement in the passing game are clear. Garrett Wilson is the No. 1 target, but after him, Sadiq has a good chance to be Geno Smith's second-favorite option.

Sadiq's rookie year may be a great one, and if he can eclipse 700 yards, which is very doable, he could become the 13th TE in NFL history to record 700-plus yards as a rookie.

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