It is a weird time to be a Ducks fan. You’re watching the program transform into this absolute powerhouse under Dan Lanning, but every Sunday, the real show is happening in cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York. Honestly, if you look at the sheer number of oregon football players in nfl rosters right now, it’s getting hard to keep track. We aren't just talking about a couple of speedsters anymore. Oregon is officially an NFL factory.
Currently, there are roughly 49 active players from Oregon on NFL depth charts. That’s a massive jump from where things were ten years ago. It’s not just the "speed and space" guys either. We have centers, massive tackles, and defensive ends who look like they were built in a lab.
The Face of the Franchise (Literally)
Let’s talk about Justin Herbert. People love to argue about him. Is he elite? Is he just "stat-padding"? If you look at the 2025 season stats that just wrapped up, he threw for 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns. He finished 9th in passing yards and 7th in passing TDs across the entire league. That’s elite, period. He’s the anchor for the Chargers and the most visible Duck in the pros.
But he isn't alone in LA. You’ve got Jamaree Caldwell now with the Chargers too, a big body from the 2025 draft class (pick #86) who’s starting to find his rhythm.
Why the Trenches are Changing Everything
For a long time, the knock on Oregon was that they were "soft." Too much flash, not enough grit. Penei Sewell basically killed that narrative single-handedly. Watching him with the Detroit Lions is almost religious for some offensive line junkies. The guy is 25 years old and already a multi-time All-Pro. In the 2025 season, he started every game he played, anchoring a line that’s widely considered the best in football.
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Then you have the New York Giants. Kayvon Thibodeaux is... interesting. He’s a polarizing figure. In 2025, he put up 2.5 sacks in 10 games before dealing with some injury stuff, which felt like a step back from his 11.5-sack explosion in 2023. But the talent is undeniably there. He still logged 32 pressures. He’s the kind of player who can be invisible for three quarters and then win a game in the fourth.
The 2025 Draft Class: How They Fared
The 2025 draft was a record-breaker for the school. Ten Ducks got their names called. It felt like every time you turned on the TV, another guy from Eugene was holding up a jersey.
- Derrick Harmon (Steelers, Pick #21): He’s been a physical force. Pittsburgh loves him because he plays like a traditional "Steel Curtain" guy despite coming from a "finesse" school.
- Josh Conerly Jr. (Commanders, Pick #29): He’s been protecting Jayden Daniels, and honestly, that’s a tough job given how much that kid runs around.
- Terrance Ferguson (Rams, Pick #46): He ended up being the highest-drafted Oregon tight end since the 70s. He’s been a reliable safety valve for Matthew Stafford.
- Dillon Gabriel (Browns, Pick #94): It's been a bit of a "wait and see" situation in Cleveland, but he's shown flashes in relief duty.
And don’t forget the undrafted guys. Jabbar Muhammad and Patrick Herbert both ended up in Jacksonville. It’s basically "Oregon South" down there in Florida.
What’s Happening Right Now (January 2026)
We just got some massive news. Dante Moore, who everyone expected to be a top-5 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, just announced on SportsCenter that he’s staying at Oregon for another year. He wants that National Championship. This actually changes the landscape of the 2026 draft significantly.
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However, we are losing Kenyon Sadiq and Dillon Thieneman. Sadiq is the one to watch. Mock drafts have him going as high as No. 9 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Imagine Sadiq catching passes from Mahomes while Travis Kelce moves into that "mentor" role. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the AFC. Sadiq is 6'3", 245 pounds, and runs like a wideout. He’s exactly what the modern NFL wants in a tight end.
The "Ducks in the Pros" Identity Crisis
There’s this weird thing where people still think Oregon players are just "system" guys. But look at Christian Gonzalez in New England. Before his injury issues, he was arguably the best rookie corner in the league. Look at DeForest Buckner in Indianapolis—he’s been a cornerstone of that defense for years.
The variety of oregon football players in nfl roles is what’s most impressive. You have:
- Elite QBs (Herbert)
- Generational Tackles (Sewell)
- Shutdown Corners (Gonzalez)
- Hybrid Tight Ends (Sadiq, Ferguson)
How to Track Your Favorite Ducks
If you're trying to keep up with all these guys, it’s a full-time job. The best way is to follow the "Pro Ducks" social media accounts, but honestly, just checking the active rosters of the Lions, Chargers, and Giants will cover about 25% of the former roster.
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The trend isn't slowing down. With Dan Lanning recruiting at a top-3 level, the pipeline is only getting wider. We are seeing more defensive players—linebackers and safeties like Jeffrey Bassa (Chiefs) and Brandon Johnson (Eagles)—make rosters as special teams aces before moving into starting roles.
Key Takeaways for the 2026 Season
The "soft" label is dead. If you’re a scout, you’re looking at Oregon for size and speed now, not just trick plays. The 2026 NFL Draft will likely see Kenyon Sadiq become the next first-round superstar from Eugene.
Keep an eye on the waiver wires too. Guys like Tez Johnson (Buccaneers) and Jordan James (49ers) are in systems that love to use their specific skill sets. James, specifically, is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's zone-run scheme.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start watching Kenyon Sadiq's tape now. He’s going to be the "steal" or the "reach" of the first round depending on who you ask, but the talent is undeniable. You should also check out the official NFL transactions page every Tuesday; that's when the practice squad Ducks usually get their "elevated" status for the upcoming weekend games.
The presence of oregon football players in nfl games is no longer a novelty—it's the standard. Whether it's Herbert slinging it in SoFi or Sewell pancaking defenders in Detroit, the green and yellow footprint is everywhere.