Retour
At a time when the Oregon Ducks are potentially at rock bottom, falling to 4-3 on the season, former Ducks in the NFL are as strong as ever. Over 40 former Ducks took the field in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season, with a number of whom putting forth impressive performances.
Soon, when the 2027 NFL Draft occurs, a new set of Ducks will enter the league — and, despite Oregon's record, it could be a number approaching or even surpassing double figures. The entire defensive line returned to Oregon for one more run at a national title, and while those hopes have fallen by the wayside, both edge rushers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei have improved their draft stock this fall.
Also on the defensive side, Devon Jackson has finally broken out and begun to scratch the potential that comes with his 4.3 speed and impressive physical traits. Safety Koi Perich, despite a disappointing stint at Oregon, is still considered to have NFL-caliber traits.
Offensively, the question remains whether Dante Moore, who will not be back this fall, will officially enter the draft or return for another year. Wide receiver Evan Stewart, center Iapani Laloulu and tight end Jamari Johnson join him as potential draftees.
While those players are sure to play in the league soon enough, there were numerous pro Ducks who had big days in Week 7 in the NFL. Let's check out the most notable performances.
Bucky Irving is beginning to heat up. Two weeks after notching his career-high in rush yards, Irving carried the ball 24 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers’ 43-13 win over the Panthers. He also added one catch for four yards, finishing with 110 total yards and two scores on the day.
After enduring criticism for his early-season struggles, Bo Nix got back on track in Week 7. Taking on the Cardinals, Nix completed 15-of-29 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown, but it was his legs that was the story. Nix escaped the pocket and ran for a 62-yard touchdown, ultimately finishing with 73 yards on the ground in the Broncos’ 30-16 win.
Though the Packers lost on a last-second field goal, Evan Williams’ standout campaign continued. He notched nine tackles and a pass deflection that was nearly an interception in the 20-17 loss.
After a quiet couple of weeks, Dillon Thieneman was back to his usual stuff in Week 7, amassing eight tackles, half a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in the Bears’ 30-24 victory over the Patriots on Thursday Night Football.
Off to a bit of a quiet start to the year, Tez Johnson’s presence was felt against the Panthers. He caught two passes for 33 yards and a touchdown, helping the Buccaneers come away with a 43-13 win.
Deommodore Lenoir had one of the most active days of the season on Sunday, as he amassed six tackles, two of which solo, in the 49ers’ 29-20 loss to the Falcons.
Despite being floated in trade rumors in the wake of Colts general manager Chris Ballard’s firing and the team sitting at 2-5, DeForest Buckner had a productive day against the Vikings. He didn’t have a sack, but recorded five tackles in the 16-10 defeat.