Ducks to Love 2022 NFL Draft Edition

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As an Oregon Duck Fanatic, I love my Ducks and would like you to love them too. As the NFL draft approaches your team could end up with the privilege of having a #ProDuck on your roster. So come learn about the 2022 crop of Ducks coming in to the NFL!

Disclaimer: I’m just a football fan, I have never played a down in my life (outside of Madden). So any analysis provided is through the rose colored lens of an Oregon Duck Fanatic and is not meant to represent actual NFL level scouting. I drink my Oregon Kool-Aid and hope you can find it refreshing as well.

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George Moore: OL- 6’5″ 312

George left Oregon after playing as a Sixth-Year senior. He came to Oregon JuCo in 2017 committing right before signing day. His first few years at Oregon he did not get a lot of playing time, but was a key rotation player in 2020 before starting 13 games in 2021 (at both Left Tackle and Left Guard). Got to play in the East-West Shrine game following his senior season. Ran a 5.25 40 years dash and did 26 bench press reps at Oregons Pro Day. Most likely will be a backup lineman who will be a big boost to your community.

Mykael Wright: CB-5″10′ 181 4.55

Came to Oregon as a 4 star recruit, he was one of those guys that traditionally would end up spurning the Ducks at the list minute, but the times have changed and he was a Duck! Made an impact from the moment he stepped on campus. His Freshman year he was a great returner (including 1 against USC at the Colosseum). At Oregons Pro Day he ran a 4.55 40 yard dash, but at times throughout the process was considered a 1st round prospect so could be a great pick-up for a team in the mid-rounds.

Johnny Johnson III: WR-5″11′ 196

Johnny ended his Oregon career as a real team leader and in the top 10 in some receiving categories for the Ducks. Playing all 5 seasons with the Ducks he was a constant at WR and had his best statistical season in 2019. He always made a point to work on special teams so look out for him to work his way on to a roster by being a versatile team player. At Oregons Pro Day ran a 4.62 so is more of a possession guy than a break away threat but hope he gets a chance to play in the league.

Devon Williams: 6″5′ 211 4.65

As a recruit Devon Williams was a coin flip between Oregon and USC, ultimately signing with the Trojans. But sometimes in life you’re allowed to ask for a mulligan, entering the Transfer Portal he signed with the Ducks (and the beavers thought he was going to OSU and announced it and everything, so doubly sweet). He is a player who showed flashes during his time in Eugene and seemed to be the go-go guy at times this past season. Maybe could have used another year in school, but wanted to the NFL to support his family. Ran a 4.65 40 at Oregons Pro Day and hopefully his potential comes to fruition and he can find as spot as a bigger NFL WR

CJ Verdell: RB 5″7′ 202

It is still heart breaking that CJ’s final season at Oregon was cut short. He is also the last Oregon RB to be recruited by Gary Campbell. His first 2 years as a starter he has 1000 yard seasons. Even with the shortened COVID 2020 and some injuries he still ranks 6th in All-Time Rushing at Oregon. His highlights also include being MVP of the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, rushing for 257 yards vs WSU and he led the Ducks with 161 yards and 3 TDs in a win vs Ohio State in the Horseshoe. Yes he’s a shorter running back, but it is hard to match his toughness. Ended up running a 4.65 40 (still coming off his recent broken leg injury). CJ is a grinder who will work hard for those extra yards but has some explosion to break some big runs.

Verone McKinley III: S-5″10′ 192

Verone McKinley had the nickname of “The General” which he truly lived up too. There were times it felt like he had a magnetic connection to the football. He had 11 INTs during his time in Eugene and some pretty pivotal fumble recoveries. Whenever the Ducks need he always come up with big plays. Coming in as a CB out of Texas he did find his home and Safety and really held it down. At the Pro Day he ran a 4.65 40, but what doesn’t come out on paper is his instincts. You can expect to get somebody who’s ready to play when you get Verone on your roster.

Anthony Brown QB-6″1′ 217 4.71

Anthony Brown came to Oregon as grad transfer in 2020, though he backed up Tyler Shough that season. AB was able to get a little playing time in the Pac-12 Championship and then got more PT in the Fiesta Bowl. There were some flashes including some big runs in pivotal games there were also some questionable calls as well. Though he faced some hostility around Eugene, he handled it like a professional and didn’t let the disrespect get to him. Brown ended up playing in the Hula Bowl after his senior season, so hopefully he got some tape to show to NFL scouts. At Oregons Pro Day he ran a 4.71 40 and got to throw to the WRs preparing for the draft.

Jordan Happle: S-5″11′ 202

Jordan Happle is an Oregon native who made a splash as he got a lot of twitter shoutouts from Mark Wahlberg . Happle started his career at Boise State but came back home to Oregon as a grad transfer. Thanks to the extra COVID year he got to have 2 seasons in Eugene. Injuries hurt his final year, but with a club on his hand was still able to pull in an interception. Ran a 4.75 40 at his Pro Day, hopefully he gets a training camp offer to get a chance at the NFL.

Kayvon Thibodeaux: DE-6″4′ 256

The highest rated recruit in the history of Oregon Football, Kayvon chose the Ducks over Alabama, Florida State and USC. As the top recruit in the country the fact he chose the Ducks on ESPN was a miracle. This past year he had a few injuries which though injuries are bad for me it helped remind how dominant he was, there was a big difference on our defense with Kayvon on the Field. In the NFL he’s looking to be that DE/OLB who lives in the QBs nightmares. Kayvon ran a 4.58 40 at the combine (with 27 bench press reps) and in Eugene at the Pro Day did both DE and LB drills. Throughout the season it seemed like Kayvon was on pace to become the #1 Pick, though it looks like he might not get drafted #1 that will only add fuel to his fire. Kayvon is also the kind of guy you can see becoming a commentator once his playing days are over and is already making a huge impact on his community. He also had some of the biggest NIL deals by teaming up with Tinker Hatfield and eBay.

Bonus:

Devon Allen: WR 6″0′ 198

Devon Allen has already signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but will be a rookie coming in to the 2022 NFL season. Devon has not played football since 2016 but during that time he’s been a little busy be a World Champion/Olympic Hurdler. After the World Championships in Eugene Devon is going to give a shot at Football. He’s 27 and wanted to make sure he had no regrets with football. He was able to run a 4.35 40 at Oregons Pro Day. In 2014 he had a breakout season including a few big touchdowns, he struggled a little with injuries and then decided to focus himself on hurdling. 2 Olympics later and he’s back, he has a 3 year deal with the Eagles, so hopefully he gets a chance to get back to Work.

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