Three Oregon Ducks Projected to Be Drafted in First Two Rounds

Safety Dillon Thieneman, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon are all expected to be early-round NFL Draft picks.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:24pm

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The 2026 NFL Draft is just three weeks away, and three former Oregon Ducks players are projected to be selected in the first two rounds. Safety Dillon Thieneman is predicted to be taken 18th overall by the Minnesota Vikings, while tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to go 9th overall to the Kansas City Chiefs. Offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon is projected to be picked 39th overall by the Cleveland Browns.

Why it matters

The potential high draft selections of these Oregon players highlight the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. Their landing spots could also reunite them with former Ducks teammates, creating exciting opportunities for the players and their new teams.

The details

Thieneman had a standout performance at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and recording a 41-inch vertical jump. He logged 44 tackles and two interceptions in his lone season with the Ducks, including a game-winning overtime pick against Penn State. Sadiq was a dominant receiving threat for Oregon in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and 8 touchdowns. Pregnon will look to shore up the interior of the Browns' offensive line, which struggled last season.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.
  • Thieneman, Sadiq, and Pregnon all participated in Oregon's Pro Day on March 17, 2026.

The players

Dillon Thieneman

A safety who played one season for the Oregon Ducks after transferring from another program. He impressed at the NFL Combine and is projected to be a first-round pick.

Kenyon Sadiq

A tight end who had a standout 2025 season for Oregon, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and 8 touchdowns. He is expected to be a first-round selection.

Emmanuel Pregnon

An offensive guard who played for Oregon and is projected to be a second-round pick, potentially reuniting with former Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the Cleveland Browns.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, where Thieneman, Sadiq, and Pregnon will find out which teams select them in the first two rounds.

The takeaway

The potential high draft selections of these three Oregon Ducks players demonstrate the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. Their landing spots with teams like the Vikings, Chiefs, and Browns could create exciting opportunities for the players and their new franchises.