The Oregon Ducks are in the thick of the College Football Playoff, and with a high-stakes Orange Bowl showdown against Texas Tech on deck, there’s more than just a national title on the line. For several Ducks with NFL dreams, this postseason run is a golden opportunity - not just to chase glory, but to elevate their draft stock in the eyes of scouts and front offices across the league.
Let’s break down which Oregon players are turning heads and why their names could be called early - or at least heard - in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dante Moore: The Hype Is Real
Dante Moore has gone from promising prospect to full-blown star, and now he’s knocking on the door of being the first quarterback taken off the board - if he declares. That’s still a big “if,” but the buzz is deafening.
Right now, Moore sits atop Mel Kiper’s draft board as the No. 1 overall prospect and QB1. Other outlets, like Tankathon, slot him just behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, pegging him as QB2 and No. 7 overall. But no matter the ranking, the message is clear: Moore is a top-tier talent, and NFL teams are watching closely.
Mock drafts have him landing with quarterback-needy franchises like the Browns, Raiders, and Jets - all of whom could use a dynamic young signal-caller to build around. If Moore does decide to enter the draft, Oregon will need to mount a serious campaign to convince him to return. But with a top-5 grade, that’s a tough sell.
Kenyon Sadiq: Tight End Talent That Pops Off the Screen
Kenyon Sadiq is the kind of player who makes scouts double-check their stopwatches and highlight reels. At 6-foot-3 with elite athleticism and soft hands, he’s built in the mold of the modern NFL tight end - part receiver, part mismatch nightmare.
Sadiq has been climbing draft boards all season, and now he’s widely viewed as the top tight end in the 2026 class. NFLDraftBuzz has him listed as TE1, and some mocks - including Tankathon and USA Today - have him going No. 19 overall to the Carolina Panthers.
With 8 touchdowns and over 500 receiving yards this season, his production backs up the tape. Oregon will miss his presence if he declares, but Jamari Johnson looks like a solid next man up. He’s not the same physical force yet, but his flashes suggest he could grow into a key contributor.
Trenches Matter: Ducks’ O-Line Drawing NFL Eyes
Oregon’s offensive line has quietly been one of the most consistent units in the country, and several of its anchors could soon be protecting NFL quarterbacks.
Emmanuel Pregnon is the name getting the most buzz. Tankathon has him as the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the draft and projects him as a second-round pick to the Ravens. Some analysts even think he has a shot at being OG1 by draft day.
Isaiah World is another name to watch. He’s also projected in the second round, with the Browns showing up frequently in mock drafts as a potential landing spot. World has the size and movement skills teams covet at tackle.
Lapani Laloulu might not be as highly rated as Pregnon or World, but he’s a tough, physical interior lineman with a fourth-round grade. He’s been mocked to the Buccaneers and could climb with a strong postseason showing. Alex Harkey is another Duck who could hear his name called, depending on how the pre-draft process unfolds.
Defense Reloading for the League
On the defensive side, Oregon has more than a few players who could be suiting up on Sundays next fall.
Matayo Uiagalelei is a name that’s been on scouts’ radar since his high school days, and now he’s putting it all together. He’s currently graded as a late first- or early second-round pick, with the Patriots frequently mocked as a potential destination. A dominant performance in the playoffs could push him firmly into Round 1.
A’Mauri Washington is another defender whose stock is on the rise. After a breakout junior year, he’s drawing similar grades to Uiagalelei and has been linked to the Chargers in the late first round. He’s a disruptive force on the interior, and his ability to collapse pockets will be in high demand.
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon’s standout safety, is sitting with a solid second-round projection. He’s been a key piece of the Ducks’ secondary and could return for another year to boost his stock - but if he goes pro, teams like the Bills and Cowboys are reportedly interested. His instincts and range make him a valuable chess piece in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Under-the-Radar Ducks to Watch
While not every Duck is a lock to be drafted, there are a few names who could still find their way onto NFL rosters.
Bryce Boettcher, Noah Whittington, and Malik Benson may not have the draft buzz of their teammates, but they’ve shown enough on tape to warrant interest as potential undrafted free agents. Every year, players like them make camps, impress coaches, and earn roster spots - and they’ll be looking to follow that path.
Final Thoughts
As the Ducks prepare for their Orange Bowl clash with Texas Tech, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yes, there’s a national championship to chase - but for many of these players, it’s also the final audition before the NFL comes calling.
From Dante Moore’s top-5 potential to Kenyon Sadiq’s TE1 buzz, Oregon has a pipeline of pro-ready talent ready to take the next step. And if they deliver on the big stage, don’t be surprised to see several Ducks flying off the draft board come April.