With the NFL Draft fast approaching this week, it’s a really exciting time for our Ducks of the future to see players translate to the next level. We saw six Ducks get their name called and several more work their way onto rosters through the 2023 season, could we see six more Ducks in 2024?
A familiar face we’re certainly going to miss in Autzen this season – Photo by Joe Jackson Jr.
Who Goes in the First Round?
Quarterback Bo Nix is almost a surefire first-rounder, while Troy Franklin is a likely day-two pick pushing the edge of the first if enough wide receivers fall off the board fast. Jackson Powers-Johnson is also a candidate to land in the top 50 picks, which would push this to one of Oregon’s best Draft classes in school history. Additionally, Bucky Irving will surely be a day-two pick that’s going to light up a backfield fast, and with how quickly running backs work their way into offenses, there’s no doubt that Irving will have that same kind of impact.
Beyond our offensive superstars, though, there should be some clear role-players that get opportunities in year one of more of our Ducks flock joining the league. Brandon Dorlus and Khyree Jackson highlight the defensive side of the ball, while Evan Williams, Jamal Hill, and Steve Stephens IV all look to make their mark as well.
What do you think? Is Nix the sole Duck that will go in the first round, or are other Ducks on the cusp of earning the honor? How many of Our Beloved Ducks do you see ending up on NFL rosters this weekend? Let us know in the FishDuck Forum with decorum. Go Ducks!
Alex Heining
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo By: Eugene Johnson
Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.