Projecting Oregon's 2022 defensive two-deep

Is it possible for a defense to lose its two best players and still improve year over year? In Oregon’s case, the answer could very well be yes.

A spate of injuries left the Ducks shorthanded far too often last season. And yet because of the top-end talent that was on the field for much of the year, it’s fair to say Tim DeRuyter’s group underachieved in 2021.

For a team that featured two all-Americans — one consensus, and one unanimous — and five first-team all-conference players, being the Pac-12’s sixth-best scoring defense simply wasn’t good enough.

Now, the Ducks are set to lose Kayvon Thibodeaux, Verone McKinley III, and Mykael Wright to the NFL Draft. Those were arguably their three most important defensive players in 2021.

So how is it possible for the Ducks to be even better next season?

Well, the talent that is returning, particularly in the front seven, is immense. And Dan Lanning already has dipped into the transfer portal to shore up two areas of concern.

If a few stars can bounce back completely from injuries, the Ducks’ defense could improve rapidly under Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi.

Here is a first glance at what Oregon’s defensive two-deep might look like next August, not accounting for further transfers in or out.

Defensive line

Defensive end

1 — Brandon Dorlus

2 — Sua’ava Poti

Defensive tackle

1 — Keyon Ware-Hudson

2 — Sam Taimani

Nose tackle

1 — Popo Aumavae

2 — Kristian Williams

Outlook: However you judge it, Oregon had the two best interior defensive linemen in the Pac-12 last season in Popo Aumavae and Brandon Dorlus. Both will be back next season, and that alone is enough to give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares.

Aumavae and Dorlus were both first-team all-conference selections in 2021. And they graded out as the two best interior linemen in the Pac-12, according to Pro Football Focus.

As recently as a week ago, the interior depth behind them was a bit worrying. But Lanning addressed those concerns by landing former Washington starting DT Sam Taimani out of the transfer portal.

Keyon Ware-Hudson played through injuries for much of the 2021 season, but he delivered a strong freshman campaign nonetheless. His healthy return could enable the Ducks’ defensive line to be even more imposing.

Linebackers

Outside linebacker

1 — Bradyn Swinson

2 — Adrian Jackson

Mike linebacker

1 — Noah Sewell

2 — Keith Brown

Will linebacker

1 — Justin Flowe

2 — Jackson LaDuke

Outside linebacker

1 — Mase Funa

2 — Treven Ma’ae/Jake Shipley

Outlook: Oregon fans who watched Monday’s CFP National Championship Game have to be excited about what Oregon’s linebacker group might do next season.

Alabama found out the hard way just how dangerous a Lanning-led defense can be when it features elite linebacker talent. With Noah Sewell, Justin Flowe, Mase Funa, Jackson LaDuke, Bradyn Swinson and several others returning to Eugene, Oregon could have a really special group in 2022.

Injuries decimated the linebacker room last year, and Oregon will have to hope Flowe’s injury woes are behind him after his first two campaigns were derailed. But if he can stay on the field for a full season — and the Ducks get incremental improvements from the likes of LaDuke, Swinson and Keith Brown — there’s going to be an embarrassment of riches at the second level.

If he returns and Oregon opts not to utilize him as a tight end, DJ Johnson could also be in the mix as an edge setter. And Adrian Jackson will be counted on as more than just a situational pass-rusher.

Does Devon Jackson play immediately? Does Jabril McNeill fit best outside or inside? What about Brandon Buckner, Jaden Navarrette and Treven Ma’ae?

It’s going to be fun to watch the position battles play out in fall camp.

Defensive backs

Boundary cornerback

1 — Trikweze Bridges

2 — Dontae Manning

Boundary safety

1 — Steve Stephens IV

2 — Daymon David

Field safety

1 — Bennett Williams

2 — Bryan Addison

Field cornerback

1 — Christian Gonzalez

2 — Avante Dickerson

Star

1 — Jeffrey Bassa

2 — Jamal Hil

Outlook: The secondary is where things could really be interesting for the Ducks. It’s the most difficult part of the defense to project because of the sheer versatility of its key players.

Bennett Williams could probably be an above-average Pac-12 player at any spot in the secondary. His teammates have raved about his football intelligence and leadership, and he seems to be the most natural fit to step into McKinley’s coach-on-the-field role.

I’m giving Steve Stephens IV the benefit of the doubt that he will bounce back from the injury that limited him late in the year and retain his starting spot. But it would be encouraging to see a young talent like Daymon David push him for the job.

The addition of former Colorado standout corner Christian Gonzalez provides a ton of stability at a position where it was sorely needed. But the Ducks still will need Trikweze Bridges, Dontae Manning, Avante Dickerson and the rest of the young corners to grow up quickly and establish themselves as players who can be counted on.

The most intriguing piece of the secondary puzzle is Jeffrey Bassa, who was a revelation as an inside linebacker after moving there midway through the season. It’s possible he could be even better at STAR or one of the safety spots.

Where Lanning and Lupoi decide Bassa, Williams, and Jamal Hill ultimately fit best could affect a few different position battles.