Three Oregon Ducks Targeted As NFL Breakout Candidates

Current Ducks Already Making Impact

There are nearly 50 current pro Oregon Ducks in the NFL, and several are already shaping roles on their respective teams. Justin Herbert and Bo Nix anchor the AFC West as the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos quarterbacks. Bucky Irving emerged as a solid rookie and now starts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. DeForest Buckner and Jevon Holland remain above‑average veterans on the defensive side. Rookies Kenyon Sadiq and Dillon Thieneman are just getting started.

The Athletic Highlights Three Potential Breakouts

The Athletic named three former Oregon standouts as breakout candidates for the 2026 season. Terrance Ferguson, a tight end with the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to become a strong third target behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. With elite athleticism and the ability to line up outside, Ferguson could see a substantial uptick in targets and production. Derrick Harmon, the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, already showed he can dominate when healthy. The 6‑4, 313‑pound first‑round pick limited the Steelers’ rushing yards to just over 90 per game when active, compared with an average of 166 when sidelined. Brandon Dorlus, a fourth‑round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, compiled 30 tackles and 8.5 sacks over two seasons, then erupted with six sacks and 22 quarterback pressures in his final eight games last year.

What They Need to Click in 2026

Ferguson will need the Rams to open their offensive system to rookies, giving him more than occasional looks. The Rams plan to lean on his versatility, so any trust from coach Sean McVay could be the catalyst for a breakout. Harmon must stay healthy to maintain the run‑stopping impact that made the Steelers’ defense drastically better. He also aims to add pass‑rush moves under new OLBs coach C.J. Ah You and improve beyond his three‑sack rookie season. Dorlus needs consistency; the Falcons added more interior help, which should free him to chase quarterbacks more often, but he must stay on the field and build on his late‑season surge.

Every year a handful of Ducks rise to prominence in the NFL, and if The Athletic’s predictions hold true, Ferguson, Harmon and Dorlus could become the next wave of former Oregon stars making their mark. Their progress will be watched closely by fans who have followed these players from the Ducks to the pros.