Dan Lanning credits hard work of Oregon players in NFL Draft

After a highly successful 2023 season, the Oregon Ducks are seeing their success translate to the 2024 NFL Draft. Already two players have been selected in the first three rounds, with more sure to follow.

Quarterback Bo Nix headlined the group, going at No. 12 overall to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Early Friday, center Jackson Powers-Johnson followed him by going No. 44 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, early in the second round.

“We love seeing guys reach their goals and aspirations,” coach Dan Lanning said. “We just talked about that. Your habits have to line up with that. But you could see a lot of guys habits for our team last year lined up for them to have that opportunity to get drafted.”

Lanning’s program figures to pump more and more prospects into the pro ranks as he continues to get more established.

And having someone like Nix that he can sell on the recruiting trail — a first-round NFL Draft pick at quarterback — can only help speed along that process. Nix was certainly deserving.

The talented senior threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns, all while tossing only three interceptions. He also ran for 234 yards and six scores.

Those results on the ground, too, were not quite as impressive as he posted in other years. In total in college Nix rushed for 38 touchdowns, a hefty chunk of production with his legs.

Powers-Johnson was there blocking for him throughout.

But again, these aren’t the last two that will be drafted from Oregon under Lanning’s watch.

“I think you’ll continue to see more and more players drafted here at Oregon as we continue to develop the roster and develop our players,” Lanning said. “Credit to them, they earned that opportunity to have that day they can celebrate, and we’re really excited for those guys.”

Others who could hear their names called on Saturday as Rounds 4-7 wrap up are receiver Troy Franklin, running back Bucky Irving, defensive end Brandon Dorlus, cornerback Khyree Jackson and safety Evan Williams.

The NFL Draft resumes on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, with a broadcast slated for NFL Network, NFL+, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes.