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No projected first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft?
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No projected first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft?

EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks are undefeated with a 9-0 record and are the No. 1 team in the country. Despite being the most dominant team in college football with some of the most talented athletes In the country, according to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Ducks have no projected first-round draft picks. This stands out from other elite football programs whose star players have made it onto draft boards.

Miami’s Cam Ward emerged as the potential first choice after an impressive nine weeks of college football. The Carolina Panthers should draft Ward with the first pick to address their quarterback needs. Meanwhile, Colorado has two potential top-five prospects: quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who could land with the Tennessee Titans, and Travis Hunter, a two-way star expected to be drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Although the Ducks’ defense and offense have led them to an undefeated season and playoff contention, PFF’s rankings suggest NFL scouts still have questions about the professional potential of their top talents.

    Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a pass option

November 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, United States; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a pass option against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Oregon has arguably the best wide receiver room in the country, headlined by a duo of receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart. Johnson has been an explosive player in Oregon’s offense, making him a difficult player for any defense to guard. The senior receiver ranks in the top 30 receiving yards at 27th, with 649 receiving yards this season. Johnson is also one of the best punt returners in the country with 155 punt return yards.

Evan Stewarta transfer from Texas A&M, has also been a leader in Oregon’s dynamic offense and a player that NFL scouts have certainly had their eyes on. Stewart has 462 receiving yards on 31 receptions this season and was instrumental in Oregon’s win over then-No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes earlier in the season. During the top-three game, with nearly 20 NFL scouts in attendance, Stewart caught seven passes for a game-high 149 yards and a touchdown. His success came against a dominant Ohio State defense that, before facing the Ducks, had not given up a pass of more than 30 yards all season.

“I was just trying to play my part,” Stewart said of his performance. “Because at A&M we’ve never really been able to win that much.”

Another prospect that NFL scouts have watched over the years is Oregon starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel led Oregon’s offense all season and acted as the glue of the program, remaining optimistic and confident in his teammates even despite early season struggles. Gabriel is not a new NFL prospect; in fact, he didn’t even expect to play another year of college football this season. He planned to take his talents to the NFL.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel leaves the field after the win against Illinois at Autzen Stadium

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel leaves the field after the win against Illinois at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In an interview with The Athletic ahead of the 2024 season, Gabriel and his family revealed that he received a seventh-round undrafted free agent deal. NFL rating. That would mean fewer chances to make the roster, less guaranteed money and less attention from coaches.

“I was just devastated,” Gabriel said. “I had everything sorted.”

In December, Gabriel entered the transfer portal and left the Oklahoma Sooners behind to play his final season of college football, a decision Gabriel described as a “no-brainer.”

So far, Gabriel has had huge success as Duck. The senior quarterback totaled 2,371 yards and 18 touchdowns. Gabriel is also one of the favorites to win college football’s most prestigious award: the Heisman Trophy.

Despite Gabriel’s success throughout his college career, his size is a big concern for NFL organizations. Gabriel is only 5-11 years old and weighs 204 pounds.

“Unfortunately, draft grades take into account a lot of size, but don’t take into account the size of your heart,” Gabriel’s mother, Dori, told The Athletic.

Despite Gabriel’s size, his success speaks for itself, making him an excellent quarterback for any NFL team.

The Ducks are not only strong on offense, but they also have one of the most physical defenses in the country, dominating both in the trenches and in the secondary.

Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon has become one of college football’s defensive stars this season. After transferring from Michigan State to Oregon, where he recorded 40 tackles and 1.5 sacks, Oregon used his athleticism and versatility to maximize his impact.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning talks with Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.

September 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, United States; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning talks with Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (55) during the fourth quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory credit: Images by Robert Hanashiro-Imagn / Images by Robert Hanashiro-Imagn

This season, Harmon’s 310-pound frame has shown surprising agility, allowing him to line up in larger lineups and corner effectively — a rare skill for someone his size. With improved early quickness, Harmon has become a playmaker capable of splitting gaps and disrupting the backfield. Oregon’s defensive system used Harmon across the board, from nose tackle to 3-technique and even a 5-tech alignment. His ability to excel at multiple spots on the defensive line, combined with his explosiveness and mobility, make him a great NFL prospect.

Oregon’s best cornerback, Jabbar Mohammedalso stood out in his first season with the Ducks. Muhammad proved why he would be a valuable pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With 15 solo tackles and 8 pass deflections so far, Muhammad has proven he can lock down receivers in zone and man coverage. His versatility allows him to excel in open space, but he’s physical enough to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. Muhammad’s ability to adapt to different coverage schemes and his consistent play make him a solid and reliable option for NFL teams looking to strengthen their secondary.

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh hauls in a pass under coverage from Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muham

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh catches a pass under coverage from Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muhammad as the Ducks host the Spartans on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register- Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Despite their No. 1 ranking and talent-filled roster, the Oregon Ducks do not have any players projected as first-round picks in the 2025 PFF Mock Draft. As the season unfolds, the Ducks have an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and show that their stars belong at the top.

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