Oregon’s 2023 squad was one of the best in the nation but — as most great college defenses do — graduated significant contributors. Those stars donned the “O” one last time to flash their skills and bump their draft projections at the school’s Pro Day on March 12. With all eyes now turned to next month’s NFL draft, the Daily Emerald has created a list remembering the Ducks’ now former stars, while projecting where they might end up being selected.
Bo Nix
Oregon’s golden boy is moving on from his time in Eugene. Nix, who departs college football as the NCAA’s all-time pass completion percentage leader, finished his Ducks’ career with over 8,000 career passing yards and 74 touchdown passes. Broadcasted by most major outlets as a late first or early second round pick, Nix turned heads, connecting with wide receivers on a plethora of routes at Pro Day, including this nearly 50-yard dime to Tez Johnson. NFL teams looking for quarterback help include the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.
Bucky Irving
Irving declared for the draft after a career year for the Ducks that saw him finish with 1,180 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. With Noah Whittington out after Week 4, he was the undisputed number-one option for the majority of the season. Irving likely projects as a Day 2 or 3 pick (Rounds 3-5); he’s not as physically imposing as some of the players above him, but some of the “game speed” that we saw on display at Pro Day will no doubt translate to the NFL. Irving projects as a speedy back with clear upside. Ideal fits include the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.
Troy Franklin
Franklin, who spent 2023 as the primary option in Oregon’s high-flying offense, enters the draft as a strong option for teams looking for a receiver with no real weaknesses. Franklin and Nix broadcasted their tangible chemistry, connecting on numerous passes on Pro Day. Franklin said that he was “most definitely” the top receiver in Oregon history after his workout. Franklin totaled 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in a season that fully cemented himself as a potential first round pick. Likely fits at the professional level include the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers.
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Powers-Johnson, Oregon’s Rimington Trophy winner, was a stalwart on a stout offensive line that allowed just five sacks all year, and was first in the country in sacks allowed. After the season commenced, Powers-Johnson was seen as a likely second or third round pick, but raving reviews from the Senior Bowl combined with his Pro Day performance have seen him consistently mocked into the first round.
Brandon Dorlus
Dorlus turned heads all season, and Pro Day in front of numerous scouts was no different. Dorlus effortlessly pummeled tackling dummies and garnered significant attention. “Some teams like me as an edge, some teams like me inside, some teams like my flexibility,” Dorlus said. Of note, Dorlus has added 11 pounds since the season, boosting his potential at the next level. Dorlus projects as a likely second or third round pick, and likely fits include the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills — all of which met with him at the combine.
Khyree Jackson
Although failing to produce eye-popping results at Pro Day, Jackson was Oregon’s top cornerback throughout the season, finishing with 34 tackles and three interceptions. Projected as a day two or day three pick, Jackson will be selected as a speedy corner who will need to fill into his frame to contribute consistently at the next level.
Casey Rodgers
Although his main claim to fame in 2023 was an 18 yard run on a fake punt, Rodgers finished with 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack and was a subtle contributor to a strong Oregon defensive line. Rodgers’ strong showing at Pro Day was highlighted by a 35-inch vertical and a 4.82 second 40-yard dash, which for a 6-foot-5, 305 pound lineman is pretty darn good. “I’ve never seen Casey jump like that before,” Dorlus said with a laugh.
