NFL Combine: 6 Oregon players land invites
Six Oregon players have been invited to the 2023 NFL Combine, the league announced Wednesday. Defensive back Christian Gonzalez headlines the list, which also features linebackers DJ Johnson and Noah Sewell as well as three offensive linemen.
The six Ducks players invited to the NFL Combine are the most of any Pac-12 school. They are part of a total 319 players invited to the combine, which will take place in Indianapolis from Feb. 28 to March 6. Below is the full list of Oregon invitees.
- OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
- OL TJ Bass
- OL Alex Forsyth
- DB Christian Gonzalez
- LB DJ Johnson
- LB Noah Sewell
Gonzalez is a projected first-round pick according to a recent ESPN mock draft. After transferring from Colorado this past season, he led the Ducks with four interceptions and 11 pass break ups along with 50 total tackles.
Sewell is likely to be the next Oregon player taken off the board, with ESPN listing him as the No. 109 overall prospect and No. 7 inside linebacker. He finished with 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He also grabbed one interception and deflected three passes.
As for Johnson, he comes in at No. 147 overall according to ESPN, putting him somewhere in the fifth round. He led Oregon with six sacks to go along with 39 tackles (8.5 for loss) and a fumble recovery.
Among the three offensive linemen, Bass ranks the highest according to ESPN at No. 128 overall and the No. 12 offensive tackle. He did not give up a sack and allowed just two quarterback hits this past season.
Oregon finished 10-3 this past year in Dan Lanning’s inaugural season as head coach, and the six players invited to the NFL Combine only add to that impressive start. These players will hope for an impressive performance to improve their stock as they wait to hear their name called at the draft in April.