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Several Ducks Grab Early NFL Draft Attention

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•about 10 hours
Matayo Uiagalelei
The University of Oregon Ducks Football team played the Ohio State University Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2025. (Eric Becker/ericbeckerphoto.com)

It’s never too early to evaluate good players. This is true at both the college and NFL levels. Getting ahead of the competition can help teams uncover some hidden gems.

The NFL draft for 2025 hasn’t even taken place. And Oregon is expecting a few to and in the early rounds including the first round.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller has an early look at which players in college football are already on the radar of many NFL scouts and GM’s. Including several from the Oregon Ducks.

Here is a look at those names he has listed.

RB Makhi Hughes

Hughes dominated in two seasons at Tulane, compiling a combined 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns. The 5-11, 210-pounder ran for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 and will get a chance to star on a bigger stage at Oregon. Hughes’ production and excellent pop and power make him an RB1 candidate in 2026.

WR Evan Stewart

Stewart was considered a top-50 prospect in the 2025 draft, but he decided to return to Oregon. The former five-star recruit is a speedster at 6-foot, 175 pounds and was productive in 2024, with 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. He has a knack for spectacular catches and has a chance to thrive as the Ducks’ No. 1 receiver.

EDGE Matayo Uiagelelei

Uiagalelei broke out in 2024, as his 10.5 sacks put him on NFL scouts’ radar. He has pro size at 6-5 and 270 pounds and lines up as a true 4-3 defensive end for Oregon, which is where he would fit in the NFL. He is the total package as far as strength, speed and production.

SAF Dillon Thieneman

Thieneman is an impact safety who had six interceptions as a freshman at Purdue in 2023. Quarterbacks stayed away from him this past season, but the 6-foot, 207-pound Thieneman registered 104 tackles for the Boilermakers before transferring to Oregon. While Downs seems set as the top safety in the class, Thieneman’s tape projects him as a solid Round 1 option.

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