Where Dillon Thieneman, Kenyon Sadiq fall in latest NFL mock draft
The Oregon Ducks are expecting to hear several familiar names called during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania. Multiple former Ducks will find new homes during the three-day event, but some could go quickly on the first night.
The Ducks have a streak going that should continue this April. Oregon has had at least one player selected in the first round of every NFL Draft since 2020, when Justin Herbert went off the board at No. 6 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers . In that run of drafts, last season was the first time the Ducks had multiple first-rounders, as defensive tackle Derrick Harmon ( Pittsburgh Steelers ) and offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. ( Washington Commanders ) were picked late in the first round.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft suggests the Ducks will have multiple players selected once again. With the first wave of free agency done and Oregon's Pro Day behind us, the draft process is starting to become much clearer for the former Oregon stars.
First off the board is safety Dillon Thieneman , who Jeremiah predicts will go to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 18 pick in the draft. Thieneman has become a sure-fire first-rounder after his draft stock exploded at the NFL Combine, where he showcased his athleticism and speed. Jeremiah believes Thieneman would be a "perfect fit" with the Vikings, especially since they parted ways with veteran safety Harrison Smith , who once possessed similar traits to Thieneman during his 14-year run in Minnesota.
Thieneman could play a hybrid role in Brian Flores' defense, much like he did at Oregon. His versatility makes him an intriguing prospect, capable of playing both deep safety and sliding into the box to fit against the run and short-passing attack.
Tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to follow closely behind Thieneman, as Jeremiah predicts the athletic playmaker will land with the San Francisco 49ers at pick No. 27. Sadiq's draft stock has only grown since Oregon's season ended in January, meaning Sadiq could realistically be selected much higher than this. However, if this is how the deck shakes out, the 49ers could be an excellent spot for Sadiq to start his career.
The 49ers might have an opening at tight end to start next season, with superstar George Kittle recovering from an Achilles tear. If he misses the start of the season, that might allow Sadiq an opportunity to start on day one in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Sadiq is also, like Kittle, a willing blocker and incredible receiver. Shanahan's offense is friendly to versatile players, and it's not hard to see Sadiq sliding across the formation as a shiny new toy in an offense that is loading up for a Super Bowl run.
The pre-draft process is nearly wrapped up with the Oregon Pro Day and the scouting combine in the books. There could be more than two Ducks selected in the first round as well. Various outlets have also predicted guard Emmanuel Pregnon as a late first-round pick, and if he isn't one of the first 32 picks, he should come off the board quickly in the second round.
For now, the Ducks have solidified a pair of first-round selections, but we'll have to wait to find out where they land and add to Oregon's pro alumni. The draft is set to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion s.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Two Oregon Ducks predicted for first round of 2026 NFL Draft
