We're entering the toughest stretch of Oregon's schedule, but analysts across the country are noticing two of the best players on Dan Lanning's team and looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft.
A pair of Ducks, defensive end Brandon Dorlus and wide receiver Troy Franklin were projected first-round picks in a recent ESPN NFL Mock Draft.
Here's what Jordan Reid had to say about Dorlus, who was projected to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 22 overall.
"I expect Dorlus to climb boards as we get closer to April. Every West Coast area scout I've talked to raves about him and the strides he's making this season (four sacks). Dorlus is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, but his combination of speed out of the starting blocks, active hands and disruption as a pass-rusher could make him a key part of Seattle's rotation early."
Franklin was the other Duck to land in the first round of Reid's mock draft, sneaking in at No. 32 to the Kansas City Chiefs. He's on pace to be the first Oregon wide receiver to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards since 2018.
Here's what Reid to say about one of the best wideouts in the Pac-12.
"The Chiefs have poured resources into finding young pass-catchers for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, including a second-round pick in April on Rashee Rice, the most consistent of Kansas City's receiver bunch. But the offense still lacks the explosive element that we've seen in past seasons. Franklin has caught a pass of 30 or more yards in six out of seven games this season. At 6-foot-3, 187 pounds, he's a long-striding three-level threat who can race past defenders, averaging 11.8 air yards per target."
Dorlus and Franklin are undoubtedly two of the best talents the Pac-12 has to offer and being selected in the first round would instill further confidence in Dan Lanning's defense, as well as Junior Adams as a top-tier developer at the wide receiver position.
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