Kenyon Sadiq Rewrites NFL History with Blazing Combine Performance
On February 27, 2026, Kenyon Sadiq entered Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis surrounded by immense anticipation. He left as a record-breaking legend. The former Oregon tight end delivered a stunning performance at the NFL combine, officially clocking a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. This remarkable feat shattered the long-standing tight end record previously held by Vernon Davis, who set a 4.40-second time back in 2006.
A Historic Moment for Tight Ends
The atmosphere was electric even before the official results were displayed. Sadiq's unofficial time of 4.40 seconds initially tied Davis's legendary record from nearly two decades earlier. However, minutes later, the NFL Network confirmed the official record-breaking time of 4.39 seconds, cementing Sadiq's place alone in the history books. This represents the fastest 40-yard dash by a tight end since official tracking began in 2003.
Impressive Athleticism Beyond Speed
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 241 pounds, Sadiq does not possess the typical build of a track athlete. Yet his explosive movements tell a different story. In addition to his record-setting speed, Sadiq posted an impressive 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. While Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers slightly outperformed him in these jumping events with a 45.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad jump, Sadiq's combination of size and speed captured all the attention.
Speed at this magnitude fundamentally alters how NFL teams evaluate draft prospects, potentially reshaping entire draft boards as franchises reconsider defensive matchups against such athletic tight ends.
A Meteoric Rise from College Stardom
Sadiq's journey to this historic moment began long before his arrival in Indianapolis. During the 2025 season at Oregon, he emerged as a dominant force with 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Those eight touchdown catches led all FBS tight ends, earning him second-team Associated Press All-American honors and the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award. He also finished as a finalist for the prestigious John Mackey Award.
In a statement before the combine, Sadiq reflected on his development: "Obviously, I think I've done a great job on the perimeter. Point-of-attack blocking, I feel like I do a great job for my size as well. I kind of made that a point of emphasis coming into college. But the NFL is different. There's definitely a need to improve the point of attack blocking."
Draft Stock Soaring After Combine Performance
NFL analysts have taken notice of Sadiq's extraordinary abilities. NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as the No. 16 overall prospect entering combine week. Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected Sadiq as a mid-first-round pick in his February mock draft. Modern NFL teams increasingly value tight ends who can stretch the field vertically, and Sadiq has demonstrated he possesses exactly that game-changing capability.
The implications of a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the tight end position will resonate throughout NFL draft rooms for weeks to come. Defensive coordinators must now account for a player who forces them to completely rethink coverage schemes and personnel matchups. On that February evening in Indianapolis, Kenyon Sadiq did more than simply run fast—he transformed the entire conversation about what is possible for tight ends in professional football.
