Oregon Ducks Maintain NFL Draft Pipeline with Top Prospects

Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman ranked in Daniel Jeremiah's top 25 draft prospects

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Despite not setting another record for most players drafted from Oregon in 2026, the Ducks will still have a strong presence at the upcoming NFL Draft. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman were both ranked in the top 25 of respected NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah's overall prospect rankings, with Jeremiah praising their versatility and potential. Oregon's ability to develop NFL talent has been a testament to the program under head coach Dan Lanning.

Why it matters

Oregon's consistent production of NFL-caliber talent is a sign of the program's strength and the coaching staff's ability to develop players. This success helps attract top recruits and solidifies Oregon's reputation as an NFL pipeline, which is crucial for maintaining the program's competitiveness in the Pac-12 and nationally.

The details

Sadiq, a tight end, was ranked 16th overall by Jeremiah, who praised his speed, athleticism, and run-after-catch ability, though noted he needs to improve his consistency as a pass catcher. Thieneman, a versatile safety, was ranked 23rd overall, with Jeremiah highlighting his range, anticipation, and tackling ability in Oregon's defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end for the Oregon Ducks who was ranked 16th overall in Daniel Jeremiah's 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings.

Dillon Thieneman

A safety for the Oregon Ducks who was ranked 23rd overall in Daniel Jeremiah's 2026 NFL Draft prospect rankings.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has continued the program's reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent.

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What they’re saying

“Sadiq is a short, muscled-up tight end with outstanding speed and athleticism. At Oregon, he primarily aligned attached or in the slot, but he also saw some reps out wide and in the backfield.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Analyst (SI.com)

“Thieneman was a versatile chess piece in Oregon's defense. He lined up in the box, in the deep half and over the slot. When he's aligned in the back end, he can anticipate and range over the top to find and play the ball.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Analyst (SI.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April, where Sadiq, Thieneman, and other top Oregon prospects will look to hear their names called and continue the Ducks' pipeline to the professional ranks.

The takeaway

Oregon's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent, whether homegrown or through the transfer portal, has become a hallmark of the program under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks' consistent presence in the NFL Draft is a testament to their coaching staff's ability to maximize player potential and prepare them for the next level.