Dillon Thieneman projected ahead of Kenyon Sadiq in NFL Draft
Oregon's Dillon Thieneman is predicted to be draft before Kenyon Sadiq in a new NFL mock draft.
The Oregon Ducks expect to hear several names called in the 2026 NFL Draft and potentially have multiple names announced in the first round. With the draft just one month away, many former Ducks are being tossed around in mock drafts, predicting where their NFL careers will begin. ESPN's Field Yates revealed his latest two-round mock draft on Tuesday, featuring three of Oregon's stars from last season.
A trend amongst NFL Draft experts continued in Yates' predictions with safety Dillon Thieneman being the first Duck off the board at No. 18 overall, going to the Minnesota Vikings. After his draft stock skyrocketed with a strong performance at the NFL combine, Thieneman is widely expected to become a first-round pick and join a Brian Flores-led defense with the Vikings.
He could be a perfect fit with a defense hoping to replace Harrison Smith this offseason. The next Duck off the board came just one pick later, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq being selected No. 19 overall by the Carolina Panthers.
He would pair with former top-pick quarterback Bryce Young and become a new big target for the young passer looking to build off his first trip to the playoffs. Sadiq could be picked in the back half of the first round, but some teams could take a chance on him even earlier. The Kansas City Chiefs have long been rumored to have some interest in Sadiq at No.