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It's official, the 2023-2024 season has officially concluded. Owners, General Managers, and the entire staff at every NFL organization will soon begin their scouting process for the NFL draft. The Oregon Ducks season ended heartbreakingly with a close loss against the Washington Huskies in the PAC-12 Championship, however, they put together a solid 12-2 season under coach Dan Lanning. Oregon is sending some serious talent to this year's NFL Draft, let's dive into this:
Quarterback: Bo Nix
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Player comparison: Drew Lock
Bo Nix had an electrifying 2023 season by putting up 4,508 yards, and 45 touchdown passes with 6 more on the ground, with only 3 interceptions. Nix was the most efficient passer in college football last year, with a QBR of 91.2, ranking 2nd. He also set the record for completion percentage, breaking Mac Jones's prior record, by posting a 77.4 This left draft scouts salivating. Nix started his career at his dream school of Auburn from 2019-2021, but the fit ended up not being to his liking after his third season. Transferring to Oregon not only was a good fit for the team, but his play there skyrocketed his draft stock. Before he left Auburn, most draft scouts probably had him as a day 3 player at best. Nix, who will be 24 on draft day, is a very polished prospect. He posted 61 games over his collegiate career.
Teams will enjoy his ability to extend and make plays outside of the pocket. “Every time this guy touches the field, it’s like a punt, pass, and kick competition,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “He can do it all, so you don’t know what you’re going to get from him. He’s tough. He’s hard-nosed. He doesn’t go down on first contact." His 5th year showed a huge step forward in his ability to stay in the pocket and go through his progressions and pre-snap reads. He stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs roughly 220 pounds. This profile matches the similarity to Drew Lock, who was also very well known for his ability to extend plays. Bo Nix is similar to Lock in that aspect, however he is a much more polished passer in the pocket, and with his pre-snap reads.
C: Jackson Powers-Johnson
Projection: Late 1st Rounder
Player Comparison: Eric Wood
Jackson Powers-Johnson had an awesome 2023. He was a huge leader on that Oregon team and was so helpful with how vocal he would be at the line of scrimmage when it came to helping his quarterback with protections, identifying the mike, etc. Powers-Johnson is one of those guys who skyrocketed his draft stock during Senior Bowl week. He was one of the biggest winners of the process, by putting up consistent winning reps against whoever he lined up against. He is a center, however, some scouts have him listed as a guard as well, and that flexibility will only pay off in his favor this April when teams search for interior offensive line help. Jackson was a 4-star recruit from Utah who only played 67 snaps in his first season as a Duck. As the seasons passed, his snap count would grow as well. In his final season, Jackson only gave up one single QB pressure and ZERO sacks. Jackson is now ranked as the top center in this year's draft, thanks to reps like this one below at the Senior Bowl:
WR: tROY FRANKLIN
PROJECTION: lATE 1ST-eARLY 3RD ROUND
player comparison: Devonta Smith
Troy Franklin was a huge part of Oregon's success last season. He put up historic numbers for the Ducks, breaking the school record for yards, receptions, and touchdowns. Many within the fanbase are arguing that he was the best receiver at Oregon of all time and his numbers surely back that up. Franklin posted 81 receptions, 1,3833 yards, and 14 touchdowns. While it surely helped to have Bo Nix throwing the passes along with Will Stein calling the plays, Franklin's reps on tape are like pure poetry in motion. He stands at 6 feet three inches, and roughly 190 pounds. He is tall and light, similar to Devonte Smith. He, like Devonte, has incredible speed and footwork at the top of his route. Smith, however, is smaller and lighter, with a similar play style. Franklin has great release off the line, along with footwork, a route tree, hands, and last but not least speed. Franklin's size may deceive some, but don't let that fool you because he can flat-out fly. It would be shocking if he were anywhere above a 4.45 in this year's 40-yard dash.
Oregon Ducks: Pro-Ready Players
These 3 are not even half of the prospects Oregon is sending to the league this season. There will be a follow-up to this article soon that includes day 2-3 guys such as Bucky Irving and others. These 3 draft prospects had incredible seasons in 2023, expect them all to be taken in the first or second rounds. Oregon will be heading to the BIG-10 this fall, so be prepared to see more key matchups from the Ducks including Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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