Following the Oregon Ducks football spring game, head coach Dan Lanning had a powerful quote regarding future recruits after a slew of former Ducks were drafted into the NFL this past weekend.
Oregon HC Dan Lanning Sets the Record Straight on Why His Program Produces NFL Talent, Hinting at Future Recruits
It was an eventful weekend for both present and past Duck football players, specifically those who were eligible to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Lanning was preparing his team for their annual spring game, which took place on Saturday, April 27, 10 players heard their names called during the NFL Draft, which spanned from Thursday to Saturday.
The 10 players drafted were the fourth-most out of any college program, behind the Ohio State Buckeyes (14), Georgia Bulldogs (13), and Texas Longhorns (10).
Two Ducks were selected in the first round: defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers) and offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (No. 29 to the Washington Commanders).
That began a stretch of five consecutive Oregon players being drafted who played on the line of scrimmage — also known as the trenches.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel broke that trend when he was taken with the No. 94 pick in the third round by the Cleveland Browns. His backfield mate, running back Jordan James, came next, as the San Francisco 49ers took him in the fifth round at No. 147. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers nabbed dynamic wide receiver Tez Johnson in the seventh round at No. 235.
He joins fellow Oregon star, RB Bucky Irving, who starred in two seasons with the Ducks and was selected in the fourth round in 2024. He had a terrific rookie season with the Bucs, cementing himself as a building block for the franchise.
Overall, the Ducks were very well represented—something Lanning and his staff can tout to recruits in the future.
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“Proof’s in the pudding,” Lanning told On3 Sports. “You just look at it. You’re setting a program record for guys to get drafted in the NFL this year. Every year our draft picks have gone up since we’ve been here. And that’s really credit to those players who have worked extremely hard getting an opportunity to live out their dream. Really excited for them and really grateful for what they did for Oregon.”
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