With head coach Dan Lanning leading the way, the Ducks have put a terrific product on the field — while also succeeding at preparing players for the next level, the NFL.
Oregon Ducks Continue NFL Draft Trend, Break Record Again Under HC Dan Lanning
Another year, another draft record was set by the Ducks during Dan Lanning’s tenure.
After being hired in December of 2021, the former Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the nation. Along with on field success — Holiday Bowl victory (2022), Fiesta Bowl victory (2023) and Big Ten title and No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff (2024) — Lanning has excelled in preparing his players for the next level.
The elevation of team success has also come along with the Ducks have sending more players to the NFL in each year that Lanning has been at the helm.
The 2023 draft saw six Oregon players drafted, with first-rounder CB Christian Gonzalez (No. 17) starting it off. Three defensive players and two offensive linemen followed.
In 2024, the Ducks sent eight players to the NFL, highlighted by quarterback Bo Nix being taken with the 12th pick in the first round. Interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson followed next at No. 44, before wide receiver Troy Franklin was selected in the fourth round at No. 102.
Four more defensive players were picked, along with running back Bucky Irving being taken with the 125th pick in the fourth round — who, along with Nix, had terrific rookie seasons for their respective teams.
This past draft cycle saw even more players hear their names called across the three days that the 2025 NFL Draft took place on.
When it was all said and done, a record ten former Ducks were selected.
Two of which came in the first round, as defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (No. 21) and offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. didn’t have to wait long.
Three more players who play near the line of scrimmage were selected after in tight end Terrance Ferguson (No. 46), EDGE Jordan Burch (No. 78) and defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (No. 86).
The next Duck drafted came as a bit of a surprise, as QB Dillon Gabriel was taken at No. 94. His backfield mate, RB Jordan James, went next, at No. 147 in the fifth round.
Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (No. 156), OT Ajani Cornelius (No. 204) and WR Tez Johnson (No. 235) capped off Day 3.
Oregon’s 10 drafted players ranked fourth among other college programs, behind the Ohio State Buckeyes (14), Georgia Bulldogs (13), and Texas Longhorns (12).
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It’s a solid group of teams to be included in — and Lanning hopes to continue sending his players to the next level while excelling on the field prior to that special Draft Day moment.
