You can’t watch a Sunday afternoon game anymore without seeing a "Pro Duck" absolutely wrecking someone's game plan. It’s wild. A decade ago, Oregon was the "uniform school" with the flashy chrome helmets and the track-meet offense that critics said wouldn't translate to the pros.
Honestly? Those critics look pretty silly right now.
Eugene has quietly—well, maybe not so quietly—turned into one of the premier pipelines for the league. We’re not just talking about roster fillers. We are talking about franchise cornerstones. Whether it’s Justin Herbert slinging 50-yard strikes in LA or Penei Sewell moving grown men against their will in Detroit, the impact of NFL players from Oregon Ducks is basically unavoidable.
The Quarterback Standard: Herbert and Nix
It starts with the guys under center. For a long time, there was this weird narrative that Oregon quarterbacks were "system players." Then Justin Herbert showed up at the 2020 NFL Combine, threw a ball through a wall, and everyone realized the "system" was just holding him back.
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Herbert didn't just break the mold; he smashed it. He owns the record for the most passing touchdowns by a rookie (31) and became the first player ever to top 4,000 passing yards in each of his first three seasons. By January 2026, he’s firmly entrenched as a top-five talent in the league. He makes throws that don't even seem physically possible, yet he does it with the same calm he had back at Autzen Stadium.
Then you’ve got Bo Nix. People doubted him, too. They said he was too old, or he’d "peaked" in college. Fast forward to the end of his 2024 rookie campaign with the Denver Broncos, and the guy is a finalist for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He actually finished his first year with 29 passing touchdowns—the second-most by a rookie in history, trailing only his fellow Duck, Herbert. Seeing two Oregon guys at the top of that specific record book is kind of insane when you think about it.
The Trenches: Penei Sewell is Not Human
If you want to know why the Detroit Lions became a powerhouse, look no further than number 58. Penei Sewell is arguably the best offensive tackle in football right now. Period.
He was the youngest player to ever start an NFL game at left tackle, and since then, he’s been a brick wall. In 2023 and 2024, he was a first-team All-Pro. The Lions even gave him a $112 million extension because, frankly, how do you replace a guy who can pull like a guard and finish blocks like a defensive end?
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 335 lbs
- The Vibe: Pure dominance.
But it isn't just the offensive side. DeForest Buckner has been a model of consistency for the Indianapolis Colts for years. He’s the veteran presence that every young defensive line needs. Then you have Kayvon Thibodeaux with the Giants. While 2025 was a bit of a "down" year for him stats-wise due to some lingering wrist issues, he’s still the guy who can end a game with a single strip-sack. He’s got that "it" factor that you just can't coach.
The 2025 Draft Wave
The 2025 NFL Draft was another massive "I told you so" for Dan Lanning’s program. The Ducks sent a staggering number of players to the league, including two first-rounders.
Derrick Harmon went to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 21st overall. Mike Tomlin basically said the guy has "Steelers DNA," which is high praise for a defensive tackle known for being a disruptive force. Right behind him was Josh Conerly Jr., taken 29th by the Washington Commanders. The Commanders were desperate for someone to protect Jayden Daniels, and Conerly, a guy who started 14 games at left tackle for the Ducks, was the perfect fit.
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The depth didn't stop there. Terrance Ferguson went to the Rams in the second round, becoming Oregon's highest-drafted tight end in nearly 50 years. Then you had Jordan Burch (Cardinals), Jamaree Caldwell (Chargers), and Dillon Gabriel (Browns) all going in the third round. It was the first time in Oregon history they had six players taken in the first two days.
Secondary Stars and Shutdown Corners
We have to talk about Christian Gonzalez. The New England Patriots got an absolute steal with him at 17th overall back in 2023. After an injury cut his rookie year short, he came back in 2024 and 2025 like he’d never left.
By the end of the 2025 season, Gonzalez was named to his first Pro Bowl. He’s the type of corner who just erases a side of the field. He’s fluid, he’s fast, and he doesn’t panic when the ball is in the air. Watching him match up against the league's best receivers is like watching a chess match.
And don't sleep on Jevon Holland in Miami. He’s essentially the quarterback of that Dolphins secondary. He’s a ball hawk who can also come down into the box and hit you like a linebacker. He represents that "new breed" of safety—versatile, smart, and incredibly athletic.
Why the "Oregon Pedigree" Matters Now
There used to be a stigma. People thought Oregon players were products of a gimmicky system that used speed to hide flaws. That’s dead.
The current crop of NFL players from Oregon Ducks shows a different reality. These guys are physically ready. They are technically sound. More importantly, they are leaders. You see it with Sewell’s captaincy in Detroit and Herbert’s role in LA.
The transition to the Big Ten in 2024 actually helped this. Playing more physical, "pro-style" ball in college meant that guys like Harmon and Conerly didn't have as steep a learning curve when they hit NFL training camps. They were already used to the grind.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re looking to follow these Pro Ducks or even scout them for your dynasty fantasy leagues, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Trenches: Oregon is no longer just a "skill position" school. Their offensive and defensive linemen are some of the most pro-ready prospects coming out.
- Look for Versatility: Players like Jevon Holland and Christian Gonzalez succeed because they can play multiple roles. That’s a hallmark of the Lanning era.
- The "Bo Nix" Effect: Don't write off older prospects or transfer players from Eugene. The environment there is designed to polish them for immediate NFL impact.
- Track the 2026 Class: Keep an eye on names like Dante Moore and Jamari Johnson. The pipeline isn't slowing down; if anything, the talent level is actually increasing as the Ducks recruit more nationally.
The days of Oregon being a "flash in the pan" are over. They’ve built a sustainable machine that is consistently producing Sunday starters. Whether you love them or hate them, you have to respect the way they've taken over the league.
To stay updated on current Pro Ducks, you can follow the official #ProDucks tracker on the University of Oregon's athletic site or check the weekly NFL transaction wire, as former Ducks are frequently among the league's top-performing starters and rising stars.