It’s mock draft season, and as we transition from the conclusion of the college and NFL football seasons to the impending NFL Draft in late April, numerous predictions will flood in over the next few weeks during the ongoing pre-draft process.
ESPN’s NFL analyst, Field Yates, recently unveiled his inaugural mock draft of the year, forecasting the landing spots for players in the first round. Two Oregon Ducks stand out in his predictions.
The first Duck selected is center Jackson Powers-Johnson, whose impressive performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl elevated his draft stock, making him the top player at his position in the entire draft class. Yates envisions JPJ joining the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 17, citing his exceptional skills and ability to recover swiftly when challenged, addressing a significant need for Jacksonville.
Quarterback Bo Nix is the other Oregon player projected to go in the first round, with Yates placing him in Pittsburgh with the Steelers at No. 20. This prediction might surprise some, given the Steelers’ backing of Kenny Pickett this offseason. However, Yates sees the potential for Nix to provide competition and elevate the Steelers’ performance, particularly after a disappointing season.
While another prominent Oregon Duck, WR Troy Franklin, doesn’t appear in Yates’ first-round projections, the expectation remains high for the standout wide receiver to hear his name called on Day 1 in April, considering his status as arguably the best wide receiver in school history.
