Kenyon Sadiq runs fastest 40 by a tight end since 2003, confirms Broncos meeting at Combine
Oregon tight end kenyon sadiq turned heads in Indianapolis when he ran a 4. 39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, the quickest time by a tight end since at least 2003. The workout — coupled with a formal interview with the Denver Broncos — adds fresh momentum to his draft standing.
Combine numbers: 4. 39 40, broad jump and vertical leap
Sadiq posted an official 4. 39 40-yard dash on Friday in Indianapolis, a mark that bested the previous 4. 40 set by Vernon Davis in 2006 and tied later by Dorin Dickerson in 2010. He turned in an 11-foot-1 broad jump early in the night before Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers topped that with an 11-foot-3 jump a few minutes later. Sadiq also recorded a 43 1/2-inch vertical leap, which Stowers later outdid with a 45 1/2-inch vertical — Stowers' mark was noted as the best by a tight end since at least 2003.
Measurements listed for Sadiq vary in the available accounts: one note lists him at 6-foot-3 1/8 and 241 pounds, while another measured him at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds. Daniel Jeremiah ranked Sadiq as his No. 16 overall prospect.
How Sadiq compared to Eli Stowers on Friday
Sadiq beat Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers in the 40 — Sadiq's 4. 39 versus Stowers' official 4. 51 — even though Stowers edged him in the broad jump (11-3) and vertical (45 1/2). Stowers' vertical was cited as the best mark by a tight end since at least 2003, and his broad jump surpassed Sadiq's earlier top mark of the session.
2025 production, awards and the John Mackey result
Sadiq turned in his finest college season in 2025 with 51 receptions for 560 yards, an 11. 0-yard average, and eight touchdown catches — totals that led all FBS tight ends. He was named a second-team All-American and was the Big Ten Conference Tight End of the Year, but he lost out on the John Mackey Award to Eli Stowers.
Broncos meeting and Bo Nix connection
On Thursday at the Combine, Sadiq confirmed a formal interview with the Denver Broncos and called the meeting "good. " He described the idea of reuniting with Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the NFL as something that would be "awesome, " saying, "just kind of already knowing how he thinks and stuff. " Sadiq noted he didn't play much in Nix's final year with the Ducks in 2023 but had exposure around Nix and, as a freshman in 2023, watched how Nix led and commanded the Oregon offense. Sadiq added that seeing Nix's demeanor, movements and how he commands the offense was "huge" for him. Part of the draft chatter linking Sadiq to Denver has centered on Denver's need at tight end; Evan Engram was identified as the only tight end under contract there in 2026, and Sadiq has commonly been mocked to the Broncos in Round 1 of the 2026 draft.
Friday's busy Indianapolis session and other combine takeaways
Friday was described as one of the busiest days in Indianapolis, with defensive backs and tight ends taking the field for on-field activities. Among names that highlighted Friday's group were Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, Clemson's Avieon Terrell and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The day also featured media sessions for wide receiver, running back and quarterback prospects, including Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Alabama's Ty Simpson and consensus top running back Jeremiyah Love.
Ohio State's Sonny Styles generated a huge buzz with historic speed and leaping ability on Thursday, and his brother and Buckeyes teammate Lorenzo Styles showed historic speed on Friday. Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. 's arm length was measured at 30 and 7/8 inches on Thursday, and Bain said clubs did not appear overly focused on that measurement. Analysts such as Chad Reuter provided stock reports on first and second days of workouts, and Dan Parr offered takeaways from a press conference featuring Daniel Jeremiah.
Receiver notes and a standout interview quote
Top wide receiver prospects offered early impressions Friday. One highlighted receiver, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, was noted as having 158 receptions for 2, 282 yards and 222 touchdowns over his four seasons at both Arizona State and Colorado. Tyson said his approach is "just a little small, small step, " adding he wants to improve on "the little things" and find a regimen to stay healthy enough to play all 17 games or "21 games if we do make it to the Super Bowl. " Other names and questions lingering from the week included Toriano Pride and the readiness of Ty Simpson for a franchise quarterback role.
The combine's mix of on-field testing, interviews and positional meetings has given prospects like kenyon sadiq fresh material to influence draft boards as teams reassess athletic testing alongside college production.
