Oregon Football Extends Program Record of NFL Draft First-Round Picks With Bo Nix

The Oregon Ducks football team has has a player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft for five-years straight, extending a new record for the program.

Bri Amaranthus | Apr 25, 2024

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates a touchdown with / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Denver Broncos

The Oregon Ducks football team has now had a player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft for five-years straight, extending a new record for the program.

Quarterback Bo Nix was drafted No. 12-overall to the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's the first time ever Broncos coach Sean Payton drafted a quarterback in the first two rounds.

Former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert started this streak, when the Eugene-native was drafted in the first round, No. 6-overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. In 2021, Penei Sewell went to the Detroit Lions with the No. 7 pick. In 2022, the New York Giants drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5-overall pick. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez was the fourth consecutive player to go in the first round for the Ducks, when the New England Patriots drafted him No. 17-overall in 2023.

With Nix included, there are now 23 Ducks who have been NFL Draft first-round selections.

Nix also becomes the seventh Duck quarterback ever to be drafted in the first round, joining Justin Herbert (2020), Marcus Mariota (2015), Joey Harrington (2002), Akili Smith (1999), Chris Miller (1987) and George Shaw (1955).

The 2024 NFL Draft is in Detroit, Michigan. The first round concludes on Thursday, April 25. Coverage of the second and third rounds will start at 4 p.m. PT on Friday, April 26 while the fourth through seventh rounds will begin at 9 a.m. PT on Saturday, April 27.

More Ducks hoping to becoming ProDucks include: offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, wide receiver Troy Franklin, defensive end Brandon Dorlus, cornerback Khyree Jackson, running back Bucky Irving and safety Evan Williams.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning oozes excitement for his former stars.

"We love seeing guys reach their goals and aspirations,” Lanning said of Oregon’s prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. “… I think you'll continue to see more and more players drafted here at Oregon. As we continue to develop the roster and develop our players. Credit to them. They earned that opportunity to have that day that they can celebrate and we're really excited for those guys."

Published Apr 25, 2024

BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.