'Unicorn' NFL draft prospect compared to 49ers $76.4 million superstar
· Yahoo Sports
Early in the 2026 NFL draft process it looked like University of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq may fall to the San Francisco 49ers range in the first round at No. 27 overall. Now, it appears Sadiq is on track to go sooner than that, and it may be because he's drawing comparisons to 49ers tight end George Kittle.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak called Sadiq a "unicorn" for his receiving prowess and used Kittle to make his point on how impactful Sadiq can be.
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"I like tight ends who run faster than a 4.4 (40-yard dash)," Solak said. "Here's a comprehensive list — Kenyon Sadiq at Oregon, and that's about it. Nobody else has done a 4.39 at 240 pounds ... Explosive receptions from the tight end position's actually very rare to see. Most tight ends are check down guys. They don't really break tackles. Sadiq could be a unicorn of a receiver. Think George Kittle style — streaking down the field knocking safeties off him, running away from linebackers. This is a 'change your passing game' caliber of a prospect here. I don't know where he goes in the first round, but the team who gets him is gonna be fired up."
It's interesting that Kittle's success as a fifth-round pick has become the standard for tight end play among TE prospects. It makes sense, though. Kittle's impact in the passing game is undeniable after he posted 595 receptions, 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns across his first nine years. San Francisco made the playoffs in six out of those nine years. Their offense finished top-13 in scoring six times and top-10 in yards six times with Kittle as their most consistent pass-catching presence.
Sadiq's college production doesn't jump off the page with 80 catches for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns in 42 career games. However, that only helps the Kittle comps after Kittle put up only 48 catches for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns in 40 college contests.
If Sadiq winds up being as effective as Kittle has in his career, it'll be a win for whatever team gets him in the first round.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Kenyon Sadiq draws 49ers TE George Kittle comparsion