In a surprising twist, Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest first-round mock draft has put the spotlight on Oregon, projecting not one but two Ducks to go in the first round. The big news? Dillon Thieneman has overtaken Kenyon Sadiq as the first Oregon player expected to be picked.
Thieneman, the standout safety, is slated to head to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 overall. Meanwhile, Sadiq remains a first-round favorite, projected to join the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 23.
This development is a testament to the growth of Oregon's program under Dan Lanning. The Ducks are no longer just churning out draftable talent-they're producing top-tier NFL prospects across the board.
Kiper highlights Thieneman's instincts and versatility, noting his fit in Brian Flores' defense with the Vikings. Thieneman's knack for reading quarterbacks, his ability to move around the formation, and his physicality against the run make him a perfect fit. His impressive six-interception season at Purdue in 2023 adds to his allure as a first-round safety.
Thieneman made a significant impact for Oregon in 2025, and he's poised to bring his NFL-ready intelligence and toughness to the pro level. Kiper's comparison of Thieneman to a "Harrison Smith clone" is a strong endorsement of his potential impact in Minnesota.
This shift also underscores Oregon's defensive prowess. The Ducks are proving they can develop high-level defenders ready to excel in complex NFL systems.
Even though Thieneman is projected to go first, Kenyon Sadiq's draft outlook remains robust. Slated to join the Eagles, Sadiq is seen as a potential top-tier replacement for Dallas Goedert. His eight touchdown catches last season, combined with his explosiveness and ability to create after the catch, make him a formidable offensive weapon.
Sadiq's combination of speed and size-standing at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds-poses a matchup nightmare for both linebackers and defensive backs, just as it did in college.
While Thieneman's rise is noteworthy, Sadiq's stock is as strong as ever, reflecting the depth of talent in Oregon's ranks.
The Ducks are sending nine players to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the second-most in program history. Among them are offensive talents like Malik Benson, Kenyon Sadiq, and Noah Whittington, along with defensive standouts such as Dillon Thieneman and Bryce Boettcher.
Catch all the action from the NFL Combine starting February 26 on NFL Network and NFL+, leading up to the NFL Draft from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.