Oregon Stars Weigh NFL Draft Decisions Ahead of CFP Clash with Texas Tech
As Oregon gears up for its College Football Playoff showdown against Texas Tech, several key Ducks are facing pivotal decisions about their futures - and the NFL is watching closely.
Two Oregon defenders, defensive tackle A’mauri Washington and safety Dillon Thieneman, have received second-round grades from the NFL’s College Advisory Committee. That’s no small nod of approval, especially considering the committee only hands out first- or second-round projections - or advises players to return to school.
For Washington, the grade is a strong starting point. After stepping into a full-time starting role this season, he’s made his presence felt with 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups. He’s not tipping his hand just yet, but he’s clearly thinking through his options.
“Without seeing my combine or anything else like that, it’s still a pretty good grade,” Washington said. “But if I throw those things up there it’s going to” improve.
Translation: He knows the pre-draft process - from the combine to pro days - could boost his stock even higher. But Washington also sees the value in coming back.
He points to former teammate Derrick Harmon, who returned for his senior year in 2024 and significantly improved his draft position. Washington believes he could follow a similar path if he chooses to stay.
And he wouldn’t be alone. Defensive tackle Bear Alexander has already announced he’s coming back, and edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti are also weighing returns. That kind of continuity could turn Oregon’s already formidable defensive front into one of the most dominant units in the country.
“I feel like we started the year off really young,” Washington said. “I feel like we’ll be really developed if we come back into this next year with everybody.”
Thieneman’s NFL Dilemma: Risk vs. Reward
Safety Dillon Thieneman is in a similar spot - second-round projection in hand, but with a lot to consider. His numbers this year - 74 tackles (2.5 for loss), five pass breakups, and two interceptions - don’t quite match the gaudier stats he posted at Purdue. But make no mistake: the tape tells a story of growth and improved play.
For Thieneman, the decision isn’t just about numbers. It’s about timing, health, and the positional value of safeties in today’s NFL.
“It’s weighing whether to come back and improve my stock and try to get better and develop more, or the bad part of that could be potential injury,” Thieneman said. “You could be the top safety, but you could end up with the same draft position.”
He’s not wrong. The safety position doesn’t always command top-tier draft capital, even for elite players.
But there’s also upside in returning, especially with safeties coach Chris Hampton set to take over as defensive coordinator. Thieneman sounds confident in the direction the defense is headed.
“I think this defense will do pretty well with (Hampton),” he said. “I’ll be happy to come back if that was my decision.”
Offensive Stars Still Undecided
On the offensive side, the Ducks are still waiting on decisions from several high-profile players.
Quarterback Dante Moore, who many project as a top-two overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he declares, hasn’t made his call yet. Neither has tight end Kenyon Sadiq, another player widely expected to be a first-rounder.
Sadiq noted that tight ends coach Drew Mehringer’s promotion to offensive coordinator could factor into his thinking. Continuity in the coaching staff - especially for a tight end in a key role - can’t be overlooked.
Meanwhile, Oregon has already locked in the return of center Iapani Laloulu, giving the Ducks a strong foundation up front. With other skill players also expected back, this offense could be loaded again next season - regardless of who’s under center.
Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, another potential early-round pick, has yet to reveal the grade he received from the advisory committee and said he’s still evaluating his options.
What’s Next: CFP Semifinal Looms
Before any final decisions are made, there’s still business to take care of on the field.
No. 5 Oregon (12-1) takes on No.
4 Texas Tech (12-1) in the College Football Playoff semifinal on New Year’s Day at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m.
PT, with the game airing on both ESPN and ABC.
Fans can stream the game via DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (day pass available for $4.99), though availability may vary by region.
For now, the focus is squarely on Texas Tech. But once the final whistle blows, the Ducks’ roster could look very different - depending on how these NFL decisions shake out.