Three Oregon Ducks Selected Early in NFL Draft Projection

CBS Sports mock draft has three Ducks going in the first two rounds

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:04am

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According to a recent CBS Sports mock draft, three Oregon Ducks players - tight end Kenyon Sadiq, safety Dillon Thieneman, and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon - are projected to be selected early in the upcoming NFL Draft. Sadiq is expected to be the first tight end taken, potentially going to the Los Angeles Rams at pick #13. Thieneman is projected to the Minnesota Vikings at #18, while Pregnon could land with the Houston Texans via the Washington Commanders at pick #38.

Why it matters

The Oregon Ducks are sending another strong contingent of talent to the NFL, continuing the program's reputation for developing top-tier professional prospects. This draft projection highlights the depth and quality of the Ducks' roster, with potential first-round picks at key positions like tight end, safety, and offensive line.

The details

Kenyon Sadiq is considered one of the best tight end prospects in the class due to his ability to get open and make plays downfield. The Rams, with their high-powered offense led by Matthew Stafford and star receivers, could be an ideal landing spot for Sadiq. Dillon Thieneman is a versatile defensive back who impressed at the NFL Combine, and the Vikings could plug him in to replace the recently-released Harrison Smith. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Pregnon is a talented offensive lineman who transferred to Oregon from USC and could help solidify the Texans' front five.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Kenyon Sadiq

An Oregon Ducks tight end who is projected to be the first player at his position selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Dillon Thieneman

An Oregon Ducks safety prospect who was a top performer at the 2026 NFL Combine and is expected to be a first-round pick.

Emmanuel Pregnon

An Oregon Ducks offensive lineman who transferred from USC and is projected to be selected in the second round of the NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Kenyon Sadiq would fit with the Rams because their biggest need at this moment is a tight end. He would be a starter nearly immediately and would have the chance to become a top player at the position quickly with his speed and vertical ability.”

— Josh Edwards, CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst

“Adding Thieneman could allow the Vikings to essentially replace one solid safety with another one.”

— Josh Edwards, CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst

“Starting with Pregnon would be great for building a base for this franchise to be able to make strides forward.”

— Josh Edwards, CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, where these three Oregon Ducks prospects will look to hear their names called early.

The takeaway

The Oregon Ducks continue to produce top NFL talent, with three players projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the upcoming draft. This highlights the program's ability to develop elite prospects at key positions like tight end, safety, and offensive line.