A former Skyline High School football standout has reached the NFL’s highest level after being selected in the first round of this year’s draft.
Kenyon Sadiq, who went on to play at the University of Oregon after his high school career in Idaho Falls, was picked 12th overall by the New York Jets during the NFL Draft. The selection makes the 21-year-old the Jets’ top tight end as the franchise heads into the 2026-27 season.
Fans gathered at Eagle Rock Middle School for a draft watch party to see where the local star would land. The Jets’ decision to select Sadiq in the first round reflects both his college performance with the Ducks and his showing at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year.
Jets Offense Adds Another Weapon
Sadiq joins an offense that already features proven playmakers. Wide receiver Garret Wilson has recorded three seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards during his four-year NFL career. Running back Breece Hall has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of the past three seasons.
Despite having offensive talent, New York has struggled in recent years. The Jets last posted a winning record in 2015 when they finished 10-6. Over the past two seasons combined, the team has won just eight games total.
The franchise has attempted to address its quarterback situation through veteran acquisitions, bringing in Aaron Rodgers three years ago and Justin Fields last year. This offseason, the Jets traded for Geno Smith, who previously revived his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, finishing ninth in MVP voting that season. Smith’s performance declined last year after a trade to the Oakland Raiders.
Rookie Season Expectations
Historical trends suggest Sadiq may face challenges in his first professional season. Throughout Smith’s 12-year NFL career, no tight end catching passes from him has reached 1,000 receiving yards. Last season, tight end Brock Bowers — who recorded 1,194 yards as a rookie All-Pro the year before — finished with just 680 yards while playing with Smith, though that total still represents the most ever by a tight end in Smith’s career.
With playoff contention appearing unlikely in a division that includes the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, Sadiq’s rookie campaign will likely focus on establishing himself as a reliable option in the Jets’ offensive scheme.
A successful first season could include reaching 50 or more receptions for over 500 yards and four touchdowns, while also contributing in specialty offensive packages.
What Comes Next
The Idaho Falls native has secured a rookie contract worth approximately $22 million. Regardless of team success, Sadiq has achieved the goal of reaching professional football’s highest level.
For the Jets, the addition of a first-round tight end provides another building block for an offense that has underperformed despite having talented skill-position players. If the team continues to struggle this season, New York could position itself to select a young quarterback in next year’s draft to grow alongside Sadiq and the franchise’s other offensive weapons.
Sadiq becomes the latest athlete from Bannock County and surrounding areas to reach the NFL, continuing a tradition of Southeast Idaho players competing at football’s highest level.