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No one is arguing that the talent on the Oregon Ducks football roster for 2025 is off the charts, so it's no surprise that they are highly represented in most mock drafts for 2026. In ESPN's latest mock draft, the Ducks have a few, both current and former Ducks, among those projected to go in the first round.
According to ESPN writer Jordan Reid, the Washington Commanders are going to pick another Oregon Duck for the second straight year. Washington picked offensive lineman Josh Conerly as the 29th overall pick, and Reid predicts they'll draft defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei as the 26th pick in the next draft.
"Edge rusher is a clear weak spot on the Commanders' roster. Uiagalelei took a major step forward as a sophomore in 2024, with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss," Reid said. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he is a versatile edge rusher who already has an established repertoire of pass-rush moves. Coach Dan Quinn would love him rushing the passer in DC."
Of course, the athletic defensive end isn't the only Duck expected to go in the next selection process. Hoping to be one of the most impactful transfers in recent memory is offensive lineman Isaiah World, who came to Eugene from Nevada. World is just one offensive lineman on the Oregon roster full of talent, but it is he who could be a Top 10 pick, going No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Reid.
The Raiders could use more protection for quarterback Geno Smith, especially with Kolton Miller's long-term future with the franchise in question," he said. "He's a free agent after the season. World is a 6-foot-8, 312-pound Nevada transfer who has improved each season. He broke out in 2024, giving up only five pressures and zero sacks. World is an agile pass protector who needs to add strength. But if he thrives in the Big Ten in 2025, don't be surprised if he is the first tackle off the board."
Having an all-"World" tackle is going to benefit the Ducks young quarterback, whomever that may be in the next coming season. But the Ducks have one more possible first rounder on the defensive side of the ball in safety Dillon Theineman, who transferred over from Purdue. Reid says the Kansas City Chiefs could pick him at No. 32 as they have two safeties possibly leaving as free agents after the 2025 campaign.
"Thieneman is rugged and plays with urgency. In run support, he fires up the alley with aggression and seeks out contact," he said. "He also makes the most of his opportunities around the ball, recording six interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2023 at Purdue. Now at Oregon, he's expected to be a firm final line of defense for the Ducks."
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: Several Ducks selected in ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft
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According to ESPN writer Jordan Reid, the Washington Commanders are going to pick another Oregon Duck for the second straight year. Washington picked offensive lineman Josh Conerly as the 29th overall pick, and Reid predicts they'll draft defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei as the 26th pick in the next draft.
"Edge rusher is a clear weak spot on the Commanders' roster. Uiagalelei took a major step forward as a sophomore in 2024, with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss," Reid said. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, he is a versatile edge rusher who already has an established repertoire of pass-rush moves. Coach Dan Quinn would love him rushing the passer in DC."
Of course, the athletic defensive end isn't the only Duck expected to go in the next selection process. Hoping to be one of the most impactful transfers in recent memory is offensive lineman Isaiah World, who came to Eugene from Nevada. World is just one offensive lineman on the Oregon roster full of talent, but it is he who could be a Top 10 pick, going No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Reid.
The Raiders could use more protection for quarterback Geno Smith, especially with Kolton Miller's long-term future with the franchise in question," he said. "He's a free agent after the season. World is a 6-foot-8, 312-pound Nevada transfer who has improved each season. He broke out in 2024, giving up only five pressures and zero sacks. World is an agile pass protector who needs to add strength. But if he thrives in the Big Ten in 2025, don't be surprised if he is the first tackle off the board."
Having an all-"World" tackle is going to benefit the Ducks young quarterback, whomever that may be in the next coming season. But the Ducks have one more possible first rounder on the defensive side of the ball in safety Dillon Theineman, who transferred over from Purdue. Reid says the Kansas City Chiefs could pick him at No. 32 as they have two safeties possibly leaving as free agents after the 2025 campaign.
"Thieneman is rugged and plays with urgency. In run support, he fires up the alley with aggression and seeks out contact," he said. "He also makes the most of his opportunities around the ball, recording six interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2023 at Purdue. Now at Oregon, he's expected to be a firm final line of defense for the Ducks."
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: Several Ducks selected in ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
