Pair of Oregon Ducks tabbed as projected first-round picks in ESPN's latest 2024 mock draft
As we turn the corner toward the second half of the college football season, a handful of Oregon Ducks continue to generate NFL Draft buzz.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid released an updated 2024 first-round mock draft.
Reid listed two Ducks in his projection — defensive end Brandon Dorlus (22nd overall, Seattle Seahawks), and receiver Troy Franklin (32nd overall, Kansas City Chiefs).
While Franklin has been all over draft boards this season, Dorlus is a bit of a surprise here. The standout senior has arguably been Oregon’s best defender this season and has consistently performed like one of the Pac-12’s best players throughout his career.
But before he opted to return to Eugene for his final college season last offseason, it he was projected to go in the middle rounds of the 2023 Draft. This marks the first time that a reputable draft analyst has listed Dorlus as a projected first-round pick.
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Here’s the rundown from Reid on Dorlus.
“I expect Dorlus to climb boards as we get closer to April. Every West Coast area scout I’ve talked to raves about him and the strides he’s making this season (four sacks). Dorlus is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, but his combination of speed out of the starting blocks, active hands and disruption as a pass-rusher could make him a key part of Seattle’s rotation early.”
Franklin, meanwhile, has been one of the more productive receivers in all of college football this season. He leads the Ducks with 768 yards and eight touchdowns on 44 catches.
Here’s Reid’s analysis of Franklin.
The Chiefs have poured resources into finding young pass-catchers for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, including a second-round pick in April on Rashee Rice, the most consistent of Kansas City’s receiver bunch. But the offense still lacks the explosive element that we’ve seen in past seasons. Franklin has caught a pass of 30 or more yards in six out of seven games this season. At 6-foot-3, 187 pounds, he’s a long-striding three-level threat who can race past defenders, averaging 11.8 air yards per target.
Throughout the season, Ducks’ quarterback Bo Nix has also consistently generated first-round buzz. Defensive end Jordan Burch and running back Bucky Irving are also among the top prospects at their respective positions.
During the 2023 NFL Draft, former Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez was selected 17th overall by the New England Patriots and was one of six Ducks who were selected.
