The Oregon Ducks ran the table in the regular season last year, and finished with their best winning percentage since their very first season in 1916.
The Ducks met Big Ten foe Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs and lost, for their lone loss of the season.
However, the Ducks' 2024 team had tons of talent that led to their undefeated regular season, and many of those players are now in the NFL. Oregon had 10 players drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, and two undrafted free agents sign.
How Did The Ducks Fair in Their NFL Debuts?
Oregon didn't have many guys make their NFL debuts on Sunday, but had numerous draftees impress throughout training camp and preseason, and could see roles down the line.
Josh Conerly Jr.
The Washington Commanders drafted Conerly in the second round, and he earned a starting role along the offensive line. The Oregon product played 36 snaps and allowed the third-lowest pressure rate among rookies with at least 10 snaps.
Commanders Rookie OT Josh Conerly Jr in Preseason Week 1:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 9, 2025
🪖 14 Pass Block Snaps
🪖 One Pressure Allowed
🪖 77.7 Run Block Grade@oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/JEG3U81WWE
Conerly allowed one sack, zero quarterback hits and one total pressures in his NFL debut.
Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell
Burch was drafted in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals, and stood out in preseason. The Oregon edge rusher played 28 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps in his NFL debut.
Arizona Cardinals rookie OLB Jordan Burch this preseason:
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) August 25, 2025
4 Pressures, 1 Sack, 2 TFL
90.8🟦 OVR Grade, 90.5🟦 Pass Rush Grade
Strong, Violent & Relentless @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/EOkaHJnWR3
Burch earned three pressures, which was the second most among all rookies, and one tackle.
Caldwell was a third round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, and broke out in preseason as well. The Oregon defensive tackle played 25 defensive snaps and one special teams snap in his NFL debut.
Derrick Harmon, Terrance Ferguson, Jeffrey Bassa, Tez Johnson
Harmon was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but suffered an MCL sprain in preseason and will be out for the first few games of the season.
However, when he returns, Harmon is expected to play a large role on Pittsburgh's front four.
Ferguson was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams, and impressed coaches and media throughout camp but did not play in the opener.
Bassa was a fifth round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, and was praised by fellow Chiefs' linebacker Nick Bolton in training camp. However, Bassa is more of a depth and developmental piece for the Chiefs, and did not see action in the opener.
Nick Bolton on rookie #Chiefs LB Jeffrey Bassa:
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) August 11, 2025
“He’s off to a good start. The dude is a confident, high-IQ guy. I’m excited for what he has for us.” pic.twitter.com/f078X3d1A8
Johnson went undrafted and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. The former Ducks' leading receiver turned heads in preseason and earned eight snaps in his NFL debut.
Other Draftees to Watch
Running back Jordan James was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round, but has dealt with injuries throughout training camp and the preseason, and was not active on Sunday. However, James did return to 49ers' practice last week.
Offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius was drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round, and played well in camp. However, Cornelius was inactive in the Cowboys' opener.
Cornerback Nikko Reed and tight end Patrick Herbert both went undrafted but signed with the Chargers and Jaguars, respectively.