Oregon Ducks 2024-25: A Historic Season and Promising NFL Draft Prospects

A Season to Remember

The Oregon Ducks’ 2024-25 college football season was nothing short of spectacular. Finishing with an impressive 13-1 record, they secured the Big Ten Conference Championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. This remarkable success on the field has naturally translated into significant attention from NFL scouts, with several Ducks players making waves as potential picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Top Ducks Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently released his rankings of the top 100 NFL Draft prospects, with six Oregon players making the list. Notably, four of these prospects come from the offensive side of the ball, highlighting the team’s depth and talent in that area. One of the standout names is running back Jordan James, who has garnered widespread recognition in a highly competitive running back class.

Jordan James: A Rising Star

Jordan James, ranked No. 62, is one of the most generously ranked running backs in the draft class. In the 2024 season, James rushed for an impressive 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, establishing himself as Oregon’s lead back. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 210 pounds, the Nashville native possesses the skill set to secure a second or third-round selection, depending on team needs.

Several NFL teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns, are in need of a running back. The Cowboys, in particular, are expected to prioritize the position early in the draft after releasing Ezekiel Elliott and facing uncertainty with Rico Dowdle’s impending free agency. Given James’ skill set and potential, he could be an ideal fit for Dallas. Notably, the Cowboys were interested in hiring Oregon’s running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples and have already brought in wide receivers coach Junior Adams.

Derrick Harmon: A Dominant Defensive Force

Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is the highest-ranked Oregon prospect, sitting at No. 19. Harmon delivered a dominant season with 45 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. His ability to disrupt plays and his versatility on the defensive line make him a prime first-round candidate.

“Harmon is a player who can win in different ways. His lateral explosiveness forces blockers into tough situations, and his strong, crafty hands allow him to disengage effectively,” Brugler noted. While he needs to improve his consistency as a finisher, Harmon was arguably the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in college football this past season.

Josh Conerly Jr.: The Anchor of Oregon’s Offensive Line

Ranked at No. 31, offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. played a pivotal role in Oregon’s offensive success. As the leader of one of the best offensive lines in the country, he provided critical protection for quarterbacks Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel throughout his three years in Eugene.

“A quick, fluid mover, Conerly has the range to reach his landmarks laterally in pass protection, at the second level, and in the run game. While some aspects of his game remain underdeveloped, his ability to recover from tough positions is exceptional,” Brugler observed.

If both Harmon and Conerly Jr. are selected in the first round, it would mark the first time since 2015 that two Oregon players were drafted in the first round together, a feat last achieved by Marcus Mariota and Arik Armstead.

Additional Ducks Making the Cut

Beyond the top names, Oregon has several other promising prospects:

• Jordan Burch (No. 51) – Defensive lineman with 31 tackles and a forced fumble in 2024.
• Tez Johnson (No. 89) – Wide receiver known for his speed and agility, a reliable target for Oregon’s quarterbacks.
• Terrance Ferguson (No. 98) – Tight end who contributed significantly to Oregon’s passing attack.

Their inclusion in Brugler’s top 100 rankings underscores the depth and talent that defined Oregon’s 2024-25 roster.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft set to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Ducks have a chance to make history. The program’s record for most players selected in a single draft stands at eight, and with this talented class, that mark could very well be surpassed.

Oregon’s dominance in the 2024-25 season has not only solidified its place among college football’s elite but also positioned many of its players for success at the next level. As the draft approaches, the excitement surrounding these Ducks prospects will only continue to build.