Three Oregon Ducks land in The Athletic's updated two-round mock draft
The 2023 college football season has officially come to a close, and the 2024 NFL Draft order is beginning to take shape.
With that in mind, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has released an updated, two-round mock draft. His updated mock includes several high-profile players who recently announced that they will enter the draft, rather than return to college.
A trio of Oregon Ducks made the cut: center Jackson Powers-Johnson, quarterback Bo Nix, and receiver Troy Franklin.
Brugler projects that Powers-Johnson, a unanimous All-American who became UO’s first-ever Rimington Trophy winner, will be selected in the first round with the 21st overall pick by the Miami Dolphins.
In his first season as a full-time starter for Oregon, Powers-Johnson led all FBS centers in Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade (91.3), run-blocking grade (84.2), and overall grade (83.9). He did not allow a sack in 2023 and allowed just one pressure.
Here’s the rundown from Brugler on Powers-Johnson.
“If this happened, it would be one of my favorite team-player fits in the draft. The Dolphins have obvious needs at guard and center, and Powers-Johnson is arguably the best interior blocker in this class. With his size, strength and athleticism, it is hard to find bad tape on him from this past season.”
Nix, who became Oregon’s fourth Heisman Trophy finalist in program history last season, is projected at No. 34 overall to the New England Patriots.
Nix finished the 2023 season with 4,508 yards and 45 passing touchdowns. He broke former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones’ NCAA record for completion percentage after passing at a 77.45% clip.
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“The NFL feedback on Nix is interesting,” Brugler wrote. “Some believe he can sneak his way into the top 25, while others see him as a third-rounder. The reality probably will fall somewhere in the middle.”
Franklin, Oregon’s All-American wideout, is projected to be selected by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 54 overall pick.
During his junior season with the Ducks, Franklin hauled in 81 receptions and set Oregon single-season records for receiving yards (1,383) and touchdowns (14).
“The Browns need to get more explosive at receiver,” Brugler wrote. “As a true junior in 2023, Franklin was one of only two FBS receivers with 1,300-plus receiving yards and 14-plus touchdowns (Nabers was the other). He also ranked top three with eight catches of 40-plus yards.”
Last season, former Oregon star cornerback Christian Gonzalez was selected in the first round, with the 17th overall pick, by the New England Patriots. He was one of seven of six Ducks who heard their names called over the course of seven rounds.
