Trio of Oregon Ducks crack ESPN's post-NFL Combine two-round mock draft
With the 2024 NFL Combine officially in the books, a flurry of publications has updated their respective big boards and mock drafts to reflect the results from Indianapolis.
According to ESPN, three Oregon Ducks are currently well-positioned to be selected within the first two rounds of the Draft.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid released his updated two-round mock draft and projects that three former Oregon players hear their names called relatively early.
The Ducks’ lone projected first-round pick, according to Reid, is offensive lineman Jackson powers-Johnson. He predicts that the Miami Dolphins will select the standout center with the 21st overall pick.
In his first season as a full-time starter for Oregon, Powers-Johnson was a unanimous All-American and won the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded annually to the nation’s top center. He led all FBS centers in Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade (91.3), run-blocking grade (84.2), and overall grade (83.9). He did not allow a sack in 2023 and allowed just one pressure.
Here’s the rundown from Reid on Powers-Johnson.
“Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, and Isaiah Wynn are all set to become free agents. That likely leaves a major void along the interior offensive line for Miami. Powers-Johnson played all 792 snaps of his 2023 season at center, but he also has experience at guard in 2021-22 and is capable of playing any position inside. His sturdy base and raw strength are two of his best traits, and I see Day 1 starter potential.”
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is projected to go No. 39 overall to the New York Giants. The Ducks’ star signal-caller finished the 2023 season with 4,508 yards and 45 passing touchdowns. He broke former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones’ NCAA record for completion percentage after passing at a 77.45% clip.
Here’s the rundown from Reid on Nix.
“In this scenario, the Giants missed out on the QBs at the top of the draft, but why not take a chance on a Day 2 option to get some competition for Daniel Jones (who is coming off a torn ACL)? The accuracy and decisiveness of Nix pairs well with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka’s scheme. Nix threw 45 TD passes and three interceptions in 2023 while completing 77.4% of his passes.”
Oregon receiver Troy Franklin is projected by Reid to go No. 57 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his junior season with the Ducks, Franklin earned second-team All-American honors after he hauled in 81 receptions and set UO single-season records for receiving yards (1,383) and touchdowns (14).
Here’s the rundown from Reid on Franklin.
“The Buccaneers re-signed Mike Evans on Monday, but they still need youth in that position group. Franklin is explosive and serves as a true “best player available” approach here.”
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 5 p.m. PT. The draft will continue with rounds 2-3 on April 26, and rounds 4-7 on April 27.
