The Emerald examined the Oregon Ducks’ top five 2016 NFL Draft prospects, analyzing each one’s strengths and weaknesses, draft stock and possible landing spots. The draft begins on April 28 and runs through April 30.
DeForest Buckner (DE) – 6-foot-7, 300 pounds
The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year will undoubtedly be the first Duck taken off the boards in the 2016 NFL Draft. Buckner excels at stuffing the run and often takes on two or three blockers at a time when pass-rushing. He could have gone into the draft last year, but elected instead to play another year for Oregon.
Buckner is a physical specimen capable of making an immediate impact, and he probably won’t be available for long. Jerry Azzinaro, Oregon’s former defensive line coach who recruited Buckner, is reportedly a likely candidate to join new 49ers coach Chip Kelly’s staff in San Francisco; it’d be hard to see them passing on Buckner if he is still available. Greg Valerio of Niners Nation said Buckner would be a “perfect fit” to reunite with Arik Armstead in San Francisco, but doesn’t expect him to fall to No. 7 overall.
“Scouts are very high on Buckner,” Valerio said.
Dolphins On Scout, a draft and recruiting news outlet from the ScoutMedia network, said Buckner is “way more developed at his position” and “not nearly as raw” as former Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan, who the Dolphins selected No. 3 overall in 2013.
Mel Kiper Jr. had the Dallas Cowboys selecting Buckner at No. 4 overall on his first 2016 mock draft.
Concerns: Some concern exists that Buckner is a raw prospect in need of a lot of work, that he lacks urgency and an “it” factor. Regardless, Buckner is widely considered a top-10 draft pick.
Projected round: 1st
Potential suitors: Chargers, Cowboys, Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Giants
Bralon Addison (WR) – 5-foot-10, 190 pounds
Addison, a former quarterback in high school, is an exceptional route-runner with tremendous hands and athleticism. He draws comparisons to former Oregon State receiver Brandin Cooks, who is now the New Orleans Saints’ leading target. He’s the type of speedy, versatile playmaker tailor-made for the NFL’s new wave of up-tempo offenses. Addison has also made a large impact on Oregon’s special teams throughout his career, returning 36 punts for 451 yards and three touchdowns.
Concerns: Addison tore his ACL and missed the 2014 season, but came back in 2015 and led the team in receiving with 63 catches for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s a bit undersized, but still talented enough to be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver and a successful return man.
Projected round: 3rd – 4th
Potential suitors: Browns, Chargers, Ravens, 49ers, Bears, Rams, Redskins, Vikings, Bengals, Panthers, Patriots
Tyler Johnstone (LT) – 6-foot-6, 295 pounds
CBS Sports ranks Johnstone the No. 17 prospect at his position. He was named Freshman All-American and Pac-12 1st Team All-Conference in 2012 and has been on scouts’ radars ever since. He’s started 13 games each of his last three seasons and gained 30 to 40 pounds since he joined the Ducks five years ago. Now, he has both the athleticism and size to be an immediate starter in the NFL.
Johnstone is well-known for drive-blocking defenders and playing to the whistle on every snap. His position comes at a premium, and his strong work ethic and coachable personality could convince a team to take a chance on him sooner rather than later.
Concerns: Johnstone tore his ACL during the 2013 Alamo Bowl and missed the entire 2014 season after he tore the same ligament again the next offseason. But he came back in 2015, started every game and earned 2nd-Team All-America honors.
Projected round: 5th – 6th
Potential suitors: Titans, 49ers, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Giants, Bears, Saints, Eagles, Raiders, Lions, Colts, Bills, Jets, Redskins, Vikings, Eagles, Seahawks, Packers, Chiefs, Broncos, Cardinals, Panthers, Patriots
Byron Marshall (RB/WR) – 5-foot-10, 205 pounds
Marshall, the only active player with 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving seasons, has great quickness and speed, but been susceptible to injury in recent years. He suffered a leg injury on a kick-off against Utah, underwent surgery the following week and did not return to action for the remainder of his senior season.
After leading the team in rushing as a sophomore and receiving as a junior, Marshall had the option of seeking a medical redshirt for his senior year, but said it was “time to move on to the next chapter” in December. He said he thinks he will be healthy in time for Oregon’s pro day.
Concerns: Although Marshall possesses the athleticism to play multiple skill positions, he lacks the size he needs to receive a full NFL workload at wide receiver or running back. His recent injury will likely also hurt his stock.
Projected round: 7th – undrafted
Potential suitors: Titans, Browns, Chargers, Cowboys, Ravens, Giants, Bears, Colts, Rams, Redskins, Panthers, Patriots
Vernon Adams Jr. (QB) – 5-foot-11, 201 pounds
Adams quietly had one of the best seasons by a college quarterback of the past decade. A graduate transfer, his passer rating (179.1) and yards per attempt (10.2) ranked No. 1 in the country in his only Division-I season. The Ducks’ success in 2015 almost directly correlated with Adams’s presence on the field, most notably in the Valero Alamo Bowl, in which Oregon blew a 31-point lead after Adams left the game with a head injury before halftime.
Adams has a big arm with surprising accuracy and the ability to throw on the move. He has a knack for eluding pressure and making big plays. His improvisational skills draw comparison to those of Seattle Seahawks’ former third-round draft pick Russell Wilson.
Concerns: Adams is undersized and unproven with only one FBS season, in which he missed two full games and played injured in at least two others, under his belt.
Projected round: 7th to undrafted
Potential suitors: Browns, Chargers, Cowboys, 49ers, Bears, Saints, Eagles, Rams, Bills, Texans, Steelers
Other potential draftees: 
Alex Balducci (DT), Christian French (OLB), Joe Walker (ILB), Rodney Hardrick (ILB)
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