NFL Draft intel: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq, San Diego State CB Chris Johnson among buzzworthy prospects 

Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. 

From an Oregon tight end to a San Diego State cornerback, here are five players we're tracking: 

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq 

Sadiq logged six receptions for 72 yards and two touchdown catches in a 42-27 Week 13 win over Southern California. Following the impressive performance, the Oregon star was named a finalist for the  John Mackey Award, which recognizes the best TE in college football. 

Through 10 games, Sadiq leads the team in receiving yards (479) and TD catches (eight). His pass-catching ability is one reason many scouts view him as TE1 in the draft.

"[Sadiq] might be the best pass-catcher, WRs included, in the 2026 group," wrote ESPN's Matt Miller in a story published Sunday. "The 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end moves like a slot receiver with quickness in and out of his breaks, but he also has the strength to box-out defensive backs for the ball and high-point ability to win over the top."

NFL teams love tight ends who can threaten defenses in the passing game, and Sadiq fits that mold. In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs take him at No. 15, potentially giving the AFC powerhouse a long-term successor to 36-year-old Travis Kelce.

Penn State QB Drew Allar

Allar (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) suffered a broken left ankle in a Week 6 loss to Northwestern but expects to be fully healed heading into the predraft process.

"I'm going to be a better version of myself out of this," the QB told ESPN's Pete Thamel in a story published Monday. "The doctors said it's going to be stronger than before because of the type of surgery they did. It won't prohibit me from anything in the future or need to get redone. A lot of guys have done it and come back. 

"I'll be able to make a full recovery and not have anything to think about when I come back." 

Allar hopes to throw at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine — scheduled Feb. 23-March 2 in Indianapolis — or at a pro day. Whenever he does, the QB will need a strong performance to improve his draft stock. In six games this season, he failed to throw for at least 217 passing yards. Tankathon lists him as QB11 on its updated big board.  

BYU RB LJ Martin

Martin — who ranks seventh in the FBS in rushing yards (1,134) — may be a fast riser in the 2026 draft. In BYU's 26-14 Week 13 win over Cincinnati, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound RB had 32 carries for a season-high 222 yards and two TDs. 

"Martin is exactly what NFL teams are looking for," wrote The Ringer's Todd McShay in a story published Sunday. "I believe he's one of the top RBs in the class and has a chance to get selected on Day 2, with his floor being the fourth round." 

Other draft gurus aren't as bullish on Martin. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he's a projected seventh-rounder. 

However, helping BYU (10-1) reach the Big 12 Championship Game would help the RB generate more buzz. If the Cougars beat the Central Florida Knights on Saturday, they would secure a berth in the conference championship game. 

Washington WR Denzel Boston 

On Monday, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch told the media he expects Boston (ankle) to play a "substantial amount" in Saturday's matchup against Oregon. That increases the Huskies' slim chances of upsetting the Ducks.  As of Tuesday, ESPN Analytics gives them a 24.9 percent chance to win the rivalry game.

Through 10 games, the Washington star is tied for 15th in the FBS in TD catches (eight). In a story published Tuesday, Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema tabbed him as WR4 in a class deep at the position.

"Boston [6-foot-4, 209 pounds] is a smooth criminal for a big receiver," wrote Sikkema. "He's quick with varying releases versus press coverage and shows good cuts in his routes despite his bigger size." 

His crisp route running could make Boston a first-round pick. Tankathon's latest mock draft has the New York Jets grabbing him with pick No. 28. 

San Diego State CB Chris Johnson 

In San Diego State's 25-3 win over San Jose State, Johnson (6-foot, 185 pounds) finished with one interception, one sack and three tackles. For his efforts, the East-West Shrine Bowl named him Defensive Player of the Week.

Johnson doesn't face elite competition in the Mountain West Conference, but scouts may not hold that against him. On his updated big board, ESPN's Jordan Reid ranks him No. 46 among 50 prospects. 

"Don't overlook Johnson in this year's cornerback class. He's a highly competitive player who's playing all types of coverages," wrote Reid. "He is another player who could make a big rise in an all-star game setting."