The Oregon Ducks are expected to contribute notable talent to the 2026 NFL Draft class, with safety Dillon Thieneman and tight end Kenyon Sadiq emerging as the top prospects. Both players are projected to be selected in the first round, representing the university’s continuing legacy in producing NFL-caliber athletes.
Dillon Thieneman Targeted by Minnesota Vikings at No. 18
NFL expert Charles Davis’ latest mock draft positions Dillon Thieneman as the 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings. This selection would address a key need, as the Vikings could be preparing for the eventual retirement of veteran safety Harrison Smith.
“Thieneman’s athleticism and smarts are top notch. He could be a perfect replacement for one of the best if Harrison Smith decides to retire,”
Davis stated.
Harrison Smith has been a cornerstone for the Vikings since 2012, earning six Pro Bowl appearances and multiple All-Pro honors throughout his career. At 37 years old, Smith may soon step away from professional play, prompting Minnesota to consider younger talent for the safety role. Thieneman’s skill set makes him a leading candidate to fill that void.
Thieneman began his collegiate career at Purdue University before transferring to Oregon in the 2025 season. At Oregon, he recorded 96 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He earned First-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten honors due to his standout defensive performance.
One highlight of Thieneman’s season was a critical, game-sealing interception in overtime during Oregon’s challenging road victory against Penn State, underscoring his impact in crucial moments.
Kenyon Sadiq Projected to Join Philadelphia Eagles at Draft No. 23
Charles Davis also predicts tight end Kenyon Sadiq will be selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, a move possibly prompted by the future free agency of veteran tight end Dallas Goedert.
“If veteran tight end Dallas Goedert reaches free agency, the Eagles can continue to remake their offense by adding the explosive Sadiq,”
Davis commented.
Dallas Goedert has been a reliable and productive target for the Eagles since entering the NFL in 2018, recently setting personal highs with 60 receptions, 591 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in his most successful season.
Should the Eagles choose not to retain Goedert in free agency, selecting a high-upside tight end like Sadiq would be a logical step for maintaining offensive strength.
Sadiq’s collegiate career at Oregon spanned from 2023 to 2025, during which he amassed 80 receptions, 892 yards, and 11 touchdowns. His accolades include Second-team All-American, Big Ten Tight End of the Year, and First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.
Additionally, Sadiq impressed at the NFL Combine with the fastest 40-yard dash time recorded by a tight end in over two decades and a vertical leap ranking as the second best ever for the position at the event.
Implications for the Teams and Draft Outlook
The potential drafting of Thieneman and Sadiq in the first round reflects strategic planning by the Vikings and Eagles to address key positions as veteran players age or potentially depart. Thieneman’s arrival would mark a possible new era at safety for Minnesota, while Sadiq’s addition could inject explosive playmaking into Philadelphia’s offense.
Oregon Ducks’ NFL Draft prospects continue to draw attention, highlighting the program’s ability to develop elite players capable of stepping into impactful NFL roles immediately. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the 2026 draft approaches, anticipating how these prospects perform at pro days and combines before final selections are made.
