by Kenyon Sadiq 40 yard dash instantly became the talk of Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night, as the Oregon tight end turned the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine into his personal highlight reel and delivered the fastest recorded time by a tight end in the modern era—leaving GMs scrambling to rethink their draft boards.
Breaking the Sound Barrier: A New Record is Born
History was made the moment the official numbers flashed on the scoreboard. Kenyon Sadiq clocked a blistering 4.39-second 40 yard dash, narrowly edging out the legendary 4.40-second mark set by Vernon Davis in 2006. While his unofficial time initially suggested a tie, the official correction solidified Sadiq as the fastest tight end to ever lace up cleats at the Combine since electronic timing became the standard in 2003. This wasn’t just a win for Oregon; it was a loud message to every defensive coordinator in the league.
The “Unicorn” Build: Speed Meets Size
What makes the Kenyon Sadiq 40 yard dash even more terrifying is the frame carrying that speed. Measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq possesses the “shredded physique” scouts dream of. Unlike smaller “move” tight ends who sacrifice bulk for agility, Sadiq showed that he could maintain elite velocity without losing the power needed for the NFL’s physical trenches. His 1.54-second 10-yard split proves he has the immediate “get-off” to leave linebackers in the dust on seam routes.
Leaping Into the First Round
If the sprint wasn’t enough, Sadiq decided to defy gravity as well. Complementing the historic Kenyon Sadiq 40 yard dash was a massive 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. These metrics are usually reserved for elite wide receivers or cornerbacks, not players responsible for blocking 270-pound defensive ends. While Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers technically edged him out in the jumps with a record-breaking 45.5-inch vertical, Sadiq’s overall athletic profile is now being hailed as one of the most complete in Combine history.
Post-Combine Draft Stock: Rising Like a Rocket
Before arriving in Indianapolis, Sadiq was largely viewed as a late first-round or early second-round prospect, but the Kenyon Sadiq 40 yard dash has likely put an end to that “wait-and-see” narrative. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah currently has Sadiq ranked as a top-20 overall talent, and Mel Kiper Jr. has moved him up into the mid-first-round conversation. Teams looking for the next Travis Kelce or George Kittle now have a physical “alien” who can literally outrun most starting safeties in the NFL.
The Verdict: A Grade-A Performance
| Drill | Result | Position Rank |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.39s | 1st |
| Vertical Jump | 43.5″ | 2nd |
| Broad Jump | 11’1″ | 2nd |
| Relative Athletic Score (RAS) | 9.43 | Elite |
The data doesn’t lie: the Kenyon Sadiq 40 yard dash is the gold standard for the 2026 class. He didn’t just meet expectations; he redefined what the tight end position is capable of in the modern game.
Final Thoughts: The Sadiq Era Begins
Scouts left Indianapolis convinced they had just witnessed a rare prototype — a tight end with true game-breaking acceleration who doesn’t sacrifice size, strength, or route discipline. At 6-plus feet with a powerful frame, Sadiq pairs vertical speed with crisp cuts, soft hands, and the toughness to win contested catches over the middle. Teams searching for the next evolution of the position now see him as a movable chess piece: inline blocker, slot weapon, red-zone target, and seam-stretching deep threat all in one.
His interviews reportedly impressed front offices as much as his testing, reinforcing the belief that he can handle a complex NFL playbook from Day One. With momentum surging and buzz building across the league, Sadiq hasn’t just boosted his stock — he may have redefined what franchises will demand from the next generation of elite tight ends.
