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Coaching staffs of Sadiq, Thieneman excited coming out of OTAs
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- Coaching staffs of Sadiq, Thieneman excited coming out of OTAs
From the moment they were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman projected to be impact players with their respective teams. The New York Jets were getting a dynamic pass-catcher who can be deployed all over the offensive formation, while the Chicago Bears were getting a versatile safety who can play on the back end and near the line of scrimmage. In other words, both former Oregon Ducks standouts were viewed as a dream for coaches to work with.
But before their skills can be showcased on Sundays, they have to prove themselves with their teammates and coaches during rookie minicamp and OTAs before organizations break for summer.
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Unfortunately, Sadiq didn't get the chance to do so, as he underwent a hernia surgery from an injury that he suffered with the Ducks and fought through.
"The Jets said they were aware of it during the predraft process," Rich Cimmini wrote in ESPN's update on all 2026 rookies . "He's expected to be ready for training camp, but he will be behind. OC Frank Reich has a plan for Sadiq, whom he envisions as a mismatch because of his speed and explosiveness."
Reich has decades of coaching experience in the college and pro ranks, and with an offense brimming with star talent such as wide receiver Garrett Wilson , running back Breece Hall and Sadiq, regardless of who the quarterback is, it's going to be something to watch.
Meanwhile, the Bears are coming off a playoff run and were looking to strengthen the back end of their defense after allowing the 25th-most passing yards per game. Thieneman was one of the offseason additions along with former Seattle Seahawk Coby Bryant , who praised the former Duck.
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"Once he sees something he recognizes, he makes a play right away," Bryant said. "That's the biggest thing, especially playing safety in this defense as well. He's had a great spring. I know he'll continue to grow."
Veteran safety Elijah Hicks , who is entering his fifth season with the team after being drafted in the seventh round out of Cal, is the early favorite to be the Bears's starting safety alongside Bryant. But that's not to say Thieneman won't push him for snaps in training camp and easy in the season.
The two rookies appear to be making a good impression with their new teams, not much of a surprise with a bevy of former Ducks having success across the league in recent years.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Coaching staffs of Sadiq, Thieneman excited coming out of OTAs
