Erick Dargan SS
Dargan coming down after the interception against Wyoming.
Dargan went from being a small part of the Ducks defense to leading the team in interceptions with seven. Although Dargan had a stellar year and was a crucial part of the Ducks making the National Championship, apparently – to some — that wasn’t enough, as he was snubbed from the 2015 NFL Combine.
Dargan is seen by many scouts as not having the breakout speed that is required to play at the next level or the ability to come up and stop the running back in the hole. Dargan showed up to his Pro Day at a solid 5’11”, 211 pounds. He ran a somewhat slow 40 at 4.72 and had a vertical jump of 29″.
With all that being said I still believe Dargan can be solid back up safety in the NFL if he continues to improve his speed, so look for him to go in either round 6 or 7.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu CB
Ekpre-Olomu talking to reporters after the PAC-12 Championship Game.
At the beginning of the season Ekpre-Olomu was picked as the No. 1-rated CB going into this year’s Draft and the title of the “Best Corner Back in College Football.”
Most of the season played out in Ifo’s favor, as the Ducks were looking good heading into the first CFB Playoff Semi-Final game against Florida State. Then in a practice leading up to the game Ifo Suffered a Torn ACL, which was a blow to him and the team.
But the consensus all-American, first-team all-Pac-12 and Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back) finalist is ready to move on and look to accomplish his dream of playing in the NFL. He wasn’t able to participate in the NFL Combine or his Pro Day, which could hurt his draft stock along with recovering from the knee injury.
With all these factors facing Ekpre-Olomu with the Draft just a couple of days away, I still think Ifo is a can’t miss player at his position, so expect him to go between rounds 3-4.
Troy Hill CB
Hill waiting to jam a receiver during the PAC-12 Championship.
Hill had the breakout season he wanted last year after finally becoming a full time starter for the Ducks, as he led the team in pass break ups with 18. Hill was the only one of the Ducks secondary to participate in the Draft Combine in which he ran a 4.55, 40 and had a vertical jump of 34″.
Hill has great footwork, hands, and plays very aggressive, which sometimes works for or against him. The one thing holding Hill back from being considered an elite corner in this Draft is his size.
Hill’s stature, 5’10”, 180 lbs., is why some scouts think he won’t be able to withstand the physicality of some wide receivers and big bruising running backs.
Hill still has the speed and technique to have a nice career in the NFL, expect him to go between rounds 4-6.
Top Photo by Craig Strobeck
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Jonathan is currently a sophomore at the University of Oregon, majoring in Business Management with a minor in Media Studies. Social Media is where he will impact FishDuck.com with his knowledge and time given. He is currently the sports anchor for DUCK TV, the U of O’s student-run television program that produces segments on news, sports, and other comedic, dramatic, creative shows that air on public access Channel 23. A native Texan from the border, Jonathan lives and breathes sports. As he likes to say, “I’m from Texas but I got here as fast as I could!” As a newcomer to FishDuck, he wants to use his ever-growing knowledge of college sports to get his message out to readers. When he’s not writing in-depth sports articles or working on Duck TV, Jonathan is busy rooting on his beloved Ducks in all sports, debating the worthiness of ESPN’s top ten plays of the day or playing golf with his friends.