Oregon football hosted its 2024 Pro Day on Tuesday. 2024 NFL Draft prospects Bo Nix, Bucky Irving, Troy Franklin and Jackson Powers-Johnson, showed out alongside several other Class of 2024 graduates.
Among the day’s winners was kicker Camden Lewis, who made several field goals that varied in lengths up to 60yards. Lewis’ draft prospects aren’t high after a difficult 2023 season that included a crucial miss against Washington in Seattle. His day was a success, though, and he’ll look to make a training camp this summer after leaving a mark on scouts on Tuesday..
Nix and the offense impressed as well: the quarterback aired it out several times before heading down to the red zone, where he hit several players with impressive throws — including a back-of-the-endzone snag from returning tight end Terrance Ferguson that drew cheers from the attending players.
The offensive skill players heading to the NFL — Franklin and Irving — both had successful days. Their route running, which there’s plenty of film on, surprised no one and Franklin’s speed — while not off the charts — was more than serviceable. He said that he was “most definitely” the top receiver in Oregon history after his workout, in response to the possibility that he could be the first Duck wideout to go in the top two rounds since Pat Johnson in 1998.
Powers-Johnson, the highly-projected center, looked every bit of the Rimington Trophy winner that he was last season. In his final interview, he said, “I’ve been a Duck through and through. I have Oregon Duck tattoos, I have a Nike tattoo… this place is really, truly home for me and a place that I will come back to as much as possible to pour into”.
Oregon’s highest-projected players on the other side of the ball include end Brandon Dorlus and defensive back Khyree Jackson. Both participated in drills for the duration of the morning, including multiple events they’d already had practice on in Indianapolis at the official NFL Combine. Jackson, though, saw his vertical jump drop four inches from the Combine (36.5’’ to 32.5’’). He’s currently projected to go in the later rounds, and likely won’t rise after Tuesday.
Throughout the day, players continued to work out in front of dozens of NFL scouts and coaches. The Bears, who hold the first and ninth overall pick (as well as third, fourth and fifth round selections), sent head coach Matt Eberflus and a large staff contingent. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb also made an appearance. No general managers attended, but every team was represented.
The players now turn their attention to individual work ahead of the NFL Draft — which kicks off on April 25 — while Oregon will focus on preparations for spring ball, including its Spring Game on April 27.