At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq stunned observers by running an official 4.39-second 40-yard dash, beating notable running backs including Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson and San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey in a simulcam comparison. This performance highlights Sadiq’s exceptional speed and athleticism, raising his draft stock and drawing significant attention ahead of the NFL Draft.
Comparison of Tight Ends’ 40-Yard Dash Times at the 2026 Combine
Alongside Sadiq, several tight ends showcased their speed during the combine. Vanderbilt Commodores’ Eli Stowers recorded a swift 4.51-second 40-yard dash, matching SMU Mustangs’ RJ Maryland, who also posted a 4.51-second time. Oklahoma Sooners’ Jaren Kanak followed closely with a 4.52-second dash, while Alabama Crimson Tide’s Josh Cuevas clocked in at 4.65 seconds.
Other notable performances include Utah Utes’ Dallen Bentley and Texas Longhorns’ Jack Endries, both completing the dash in 4.62 seconds, LSU Tigers’ Bauer Sharp at 4.63 seconds, and Indiana Hoosiers’ Riley Nowakowski with a 4.66-second run. Stanford Cardinal’s Sam Roush finished with a 4.70-second dash, reflecting the competitive speed among tight ends in this combine class.
Running Backs’ Performances Highlight the Competition
Running backs who participated also displayed strong results. Khalil Dinkins of the Penn State Nittany Lions recorded a 4.72-second 40-yard dash, while Houston Cougars’ Tanner Koziol clocked 4.70 seconds. Despite these solid times, Kenyon Sadiq’s 4.39 seconds notably surpassed these running backs, including top prospect Bijan Robinson.
Additional Combine Workouts and Standout Achievements
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine featured a range of impressive workouts. Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers not only ran a fast 40-yard dash but also broke the tight end vertical jump record with a leap of 45.5 inches. Nebraska Cornhuskers safety DeShon Singleton recorded a 10’10
“broad jump along with a 39”
vertical jump, marking himself as an athlete to watch further.
Other tight ends like Michigan Wolverines’ Marlin Klein (4.61 seconds), Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s Eli Raridon (4.62 seconds), and Wyoming Cowboys’ John Michael Gyllenborg (4.60 seconds) contributed solid performances that emphasize the depth at the position this year.
Evaluations and Expert Comparisons
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah drew attention to the potential of Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers by comparing him to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, noting Stowers’ rare combination of speed and explosiveness for a tight end. These kind of evaluations provide additional context to the measurable performances at the combine and suggest the possible impact these athletes could have at the professional level.
Implications of Kenyon Sadiq’s Performance in the NFL Draft
Kenyon Sadiq’s dazzling speed, particularly his 4.39-second 40-yard dash, positions him as one of the most athletic tight ends in the 2026 draft class. His ability to outrun premier running backs like Bijan Robinson in such a critical speed test sets him apart from many prospects. This performance is likely to influence team evaluations significantly, potentially accelerating his rise on draft boards.
As NFL teams continue to seek versatile players who can both block and stretch the field, Sadiq’s rare blend of size and speed could lead to numerous opportunities once the draft begins. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson and others will look to capitalize on other facets of their game to maintain their standing in the upcoming draft and professional careers.
