Oregon Lost Its NFL Draft TE1. The Replacement Might Be Even Better.

When Kenyon Sadiq heard his name called at No. 16 overall by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft, he officially closed the book on one of the most athletically freakish tight end prospects in recent memory. But Oregon’s tight end room didn’t get the memo about a rebuilding year.

Instead, all eyes in Eugene have already shifted to Jamari Johnson — a Louisville transfer who, according to ESPN draft analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, now sits atop the tight end board for the 2027 class. And here’s the kicker: Johnson might actually be a more complete player than his predecessor.

The case for Jamari Johnson as TE1

Let’s get this out of the way first — Sadiq was an athletic unicorn. At his size, his speed and change-of-direction ability were almost unheard of. Johnson isn’t that. He won’t test off the charts the same way. But what he lacks in raw explosiveness, he makes up for in polish and versatility.

At 6-foot-5, Johnson is a fluid route-runner who creates separation with subtle body control and sharp breaks. More importantly, he’s a genuinely reliable blocker — an area where Sadiq sometimes struggled. NFL scouts love a tight end who can stay on the field for all three downs, and Johnson fits that mold perfectly.

“He can be a true matchup nightmare for defenses,” according to league insiders who’ve tracked his development. That skill set should become even more visible now that he’s the clear No. 1 option in Oregon’s passing attack.

Why Johnson’s stock could soar this fall

The Ducks return quarterback Dante Moore for another season, along with explosive wideouts Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart. With that kind of talent around him, Johnson won’t just be a safety valve — he’ll be a featured weapon in one of the most dangerous passing games in the country.

That’s a recipe for draft hype. The better the offense performs, the more film Johnson will have to showcase his ability to win in contested situations and after the catch.

Of course, he’ll have competition for the top spot. Behind him, the 2027 tight end class includes names like LSU’s Trey’Dez Green and Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter Jr., both of whom have their own supporters among scouts. But for now, the buzz around Johnson is real — and it’s building fast.

Oregon may have lost a first-round tight end. But in Johnson, they might have found an even more complete one waiting in the wings.