NFL Combine Recap: How Former Ducks Performed in Indianapolis

Oregon had seven players at the NFL Combine and a number of them turned in strong performances.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine was held in Indianapolis over the weekend as top prospects made another pitch to coaches and front offices with April's draft now less than two months away.

Oregon sent a strong group of seven players to the event, headlined by Heisman finalist quarterback Bo Nix, Troy Franklin and Rimington Trophy winner Jackson Powers-Johnson among others.

Find a full break down of their performances below.

QB Bo Nix

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.43/8
• Will become good starter within Two years
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 214 pounds
• Arm: 31 7/8"
• Hand: 10 1/8"
• 40-yard dash: Did not attempt
• 10-yard split: Did not attempt
• Vertical: Did not attempt
• Broad Jump: Did not attempt

Analysis: With Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye all electing not to throw, Nix jumped on the opportunity to let it rip in Indianapolis. His throws and workout mirrored the player we saw in Eugene over the last two years and he also shined in throwing the deep ball. While he didn't participate in the testing drills, scouts can turn on the tape and see he's a high-end athlete with both wheels and a great arm.

OL Jackson Powers-Johnson

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.34/8
• Will eventually be a plus starter
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 328 pounds
• Arm: 32 1/4"
• Hand: 9 7/8"
• 40-yard dash: Did not attempt
• 10-yard split: Did not attempt
• Vertical: 32"
• Broad jump: 8'8"
• 3-cone drill: Did not attempt
• 20-yard shuttle: Did not attempt
• Bench Press: 30 reps of 225 pounds

Analysis: Powers-Johnson was already viewed as the top center in the draft heading into the combine and his performance only solidified that thinking. Despite not doing all of the testing drills he still showcased his elite athleticism and physicality. 

If you're a Duck fan you already expected him to crush the interview sessions, which he did while talking about the "Jax Burger" he has in Eugene and the gospel choir course he took at Oregon.

WR Troy Franklin

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.4/8
• Will become good starter within two years
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 176 pounds
• Arm: 31 7/8"
• Hand: 8 3/4"
• 40-yard dash: 4.41
• 10-yard split: 1.61 
• Vertical: 39"
• Broad jump 10'4"
• 3-cone drill: 6.9 
• 20-yard shuttle: 4.31 
• Bench press: Did not attempt

Analysis: Franklin had a good day at the office and his 40-time was one of his greatest achievements in Indianapolis. He showcased his route running ability and also strong hands.

He was weaving a bit in his gauntlet drills, but only bobbled one pass during those two attempts. Even with such a loaded group of wide receivers, Franklin may have solidified himself as a late first round pick with his performance over the weekend.

DL Brandon Dorlus

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.16/8
• Good backup with the potential to develop into starter
• Height: 6'3"
• Weight: 284 pounds
• Arm: 33 1/4"
• Hand: 9 3/8"
• 40-yard dash: 4.85
• 10-yard split: 1.68
• Vertical: 30.5"
• Broad jump: 9'3"
• 3-cone drill: 7.43 
• 20-yard shuttle: 4.85

Analysis: Dorlus ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes of any defensive lineman at the combine, which was a great for him to start off his weekend. His athleticism and positional versatility have always been a calling card and going through drills alongside the best prospects seems to have elevated his stock.

CB Khyree Jackson

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.15/8
• Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter
• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 194 pounds
• Arm: 32 3/4"
• Hand: 9 1/4"
• 40-yard dash: 4.5 
• 10-yard split: 1.5 
• Vertical: 36.5"
• Broad: 11'1"
• 3-cone drill: Did not attempt
• 20-yard shuttle: Did not attempt
• Bench press: Did not attempt

Analysis: Jackson ran a strong 40-time given his size at 6'4", 194 pounds. He was one of the bigger defensive backs at the Combine and his blend of size and speed figure to intrigue some NFL scouts.

He was in the upper tier in the broad jump, but for whatever reason didn't do much of the on-field drills. We'll see if he can carry that momentum into Pro Day.

RB Bucky Irving

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 6.17/8
• Good backup with the potential to devleop into starter
• Height: 5'9"
• Weight: 192 pounds
• Arm: 29 1/2"
• Hand: 9 1/2"
• 40-yard dash: 4.55
• 10-yard dash: 1.54 seconds
• Vertical: 29.5"
• Broad jump: 9'7
• 3-cone drill: Did not attempt
• 20-yard shuttle: Did not attempt
• Bench press: Did not attempt

Analysis: The 40-yard dash is always a focus for skill players, but Irving's 4.55 shouldn't come as much of a surprise if you watched a lot of his tape.

He wasn't someone who excelled at blowing past defenses, but rather changing direction, breaking tackles and catching passes out of the backfield. He showcased his good hands and looked smooth in agility drills and running routes.

S Evan Williams

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• NFL.com Draft Grade: 5.8/8
• Average backup or special-teamer
• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 200 pounds
• Arm: 30 1/8"
• Hand: 10 1/8"
• 40-yard dash: 4.6
• 10-yard split: 1.55 
• Vertical: 40.5"
• Broad jump: 10'6"
• 3-cone drill: Did not attempt
• 20-yard shuttle: Did not attempt
• Bench press: Did not attempt

Analysis: Williams was impressive in the jumping drills at the Scouting Combine, particularly the vertical, as he hit the 40 inch mark. His 40 time was solid but not elite among defensive backs, which was about what was expected. 

He'll look to continue raising his stock at Oregon's Pro Day back in Eugene next week.

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