The Oregon Ducks continued their NFL draft success in 2026 with two players selected in the first round. Kenyon Sadiq went to the Jets at No. 16, and Dillon Thieneman was picked by the Bears at No. 25.
Key points
Kenyon Sadiq drafted by New York Jets at No. 16
Dillon Thieneman selected by Chicago Bears at No. 25
Seventh consecutive year Oregon players drafted in first round
Dan Lanning's role in maintaining the draft streak
Potential first-round candidates for 2027 NFL Draft
While the streak didn't start with Dan Lanning, he has done well to continue it and can use it to his advantage on the recruiting trail by selling incoming prospects on the opportunity to compete and be developed at a place that consistently sends players into the NFL.
So, who will be the guy next year? There are a lot of candidates for potential first-round picks, and ultimately, there could easily be more than one. Here are our best bets for current Ducks who could hear their name called in the first round of the 2027 NFL draft.
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Q&A
Which Oregon Ducks players were drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Kenyon Sadiq was selected by the New York Jets at No. 16, and Dillon Thieneman was picked by the Chicago Bears at No. 25.
How many consecutive years have Oregon Ducks players been drafted in the first round?
Oregon Ducks players have been drafted in the first round for seven consecutive years.
Who are the potential first-round picks for the Oregon Ducks in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Current candidates include quarterback Dante Moore, among others, who could be selected in the first round.
How has Dan Lanning contributed to the Oregon Ducks' NFL draft success?
Dan Lanning has continued the Ducks' streak of first-round draft picks, which helps in recruiting by showcasing player development.
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Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Had he not returned to Oregon for the 2026 season, there's a high likelihood that Dante Moore would have been a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft, especially considering that Ty Simpson went to the Los Angeles Rams with the No. 13 overall pick. He has the tools to be an NFL quarterback, and with another year of development at Oregon, there is a great chance that Moore ends up as an early first-round pick next year.
DT A'Mauri Washington
Oregon defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington, left, pressures Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive lineman A'Mauri Washington, left, pressures Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
A'Mauri Washington is another guy who turned down a first-round draft selection this year in order to return to Eugene for one more season. Many people expected him to declare for the draft this year, considering that he was expected to be among the first 32 names called, but he surprised everyone by returning to Eugene for another year. With a year even similar to what he had in 2025, Washington will undoubtedly be among the top defensive linemen off the board next year.
WR Evan Stewart
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 02: Evan Stewart #7 of the Oregon Ducks plays against the Michigan Wolverinesat Michigan Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 02: Evan Stewart #7 of the Oregon Ducks plays against the Michigan Wolverinesat Michigan Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
We know that the talent is there for Evan Stewart, but he has to prove himself this year, his final at the collegiate level. Ever since he came to college as a 5-star prospect, there have been expectations for him to eventually become a first-round pick. Can he live up to those expectations? I could see a world where he goes on to thrive alongside Dante Moore this year and hears his name called on Thursday night in 2027.
EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei
Aug 30, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) sacks Montana State Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson (8) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) sacks Montana State Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson (8) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Matayo Uiagalelei is a player who, a year ago, we were projecting to be in the first round conversation in the 2026 NFL Draft. He didn't quite have the production we were expecting last season, but he still is an elite player who can continue to develop and find a high ceiling in Oregon's defense. It would come as no surprise to me if Uiagalelei turns into a first-rounder next year.
TE Jamari Johnson
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 09: Jamari Johnson #9 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 09: Jamari Johnson #9 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Ducks just sent TE Kenyon Sadiq to the New York Jets in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, so could they send another TE to the league in 2027? It seems very likely. Johnson enters the 2026 season as one of the best tight ends in the nation, and with another productive year, he could hear his name called early.
S Koi Perich
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) catches the kickoff against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) catches the kickoff against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Much like how Jamari Johnson fits the Teitum Tuioti path, Koi Perich almost perfectly fits the Dillon Thieneman path. Thieneman transferred to Oregon for a year after starring at Purdue and grew into a first-round pick for the Chicago Bears. Perich now comes in from Minnesota and could use a season to put his name further on the map and become a first-round pick next year.
EDGE Teitum Tuioti
Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Teitum Tuioti (44) reacts after a sack against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Teitum Tuioti (44) reacts after a sack against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Teitum Tuioti ended up having the 2025 season that many expected Matayo Uiagalelei to have, and it could lead to both players going in the first round next year, much like how the Miami Hurricanes sent both Reuben Bain and Akheem Masidor in the first round on Thursday.
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