NFL Rookie Report: Former Oregon Ducks starred in their Hall of Fame Game debut for the Los Angeles Chargers
Two Oregon rookies made their NFL debut Thursday in the Hall of Fame Game and both players made quite the impression.
After seven long months without football, we can finally rejoice. With the Hall of Fame Game in the rearview, football season is finally here and it’s truly a beautiful thing. While we wait patiently for Oregon Duck football to return, it was fun to keep an eye out for a few former Ducks who were in action Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game.
Two Oregon Ducks rookies played in Thursday’s exhibition contest, and both played extremely well. Defensive Tackle Jamaree Caldwell and Cornerback Nikko Reed both saw snaps for the Chargers’ defense, and they reminded Duck fans just how talented they were after leaving for the NFL this past offseason. While it’s only one game, both players certainly helped their case in making the roster and earning a role come the regular season.
Let’s look at each player’s performance in their NFL Preseason debut.
Jamaree Caldwell, DL Chargers
The player I was most excited to watch was Caldwell, and he did not disappoint. Caldwell was drafted in the third round of this past year’s draft and was a player many in the draft community and across the league were excited about. He was only at Oregon for one season as he transferred from Houston to Eugene for his final year, but he made a significant impact in his brief time with the Ducks, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Honors.
Caldwell saw snaps in the first half of the Hall of Fame Game, and big #99 was easy to find. He finished the game with three solo tackles and one QB pressure. He aligned as a zero-tech and three-tech along the Chargers’ interior defensive line and made his presence felt in both phases. Caldwell was firm in the run game and was able to anchor down and hold his gap. He could shed blocks and locate the ball carrier routinely when the run came his way. In the passing game, he got upfield and pressured quarterback Kyle Allen but failed to bring the quarterback to the ground.
This game was an encouraging debut for the third-round pick, and the Chargers will be happy when they watch the tape. Caldwell being drafted so highly is almost all but guaranteed a roster spot, but with more games like this during the preseason, he could work his way into the rotation very early this season.
Nikko Reed, CB Chargers
Perhaps the story of the night, Reed, the former Oregon Duck corner, had a hell of a debut. Reed rotated in early in the first half for the Chargers and quickly began to make plays. He had two pass breakups on defense and a highlight reel interception in which he nearly returned for a touchdown. Reed also made a key tackle covering a kick on special teams.
While most football fans may be surprised by Reed’s performance, those following the Chargers’ training camp certainly aren’t. By all reports, Reed has been one of the best surprises throughout camp and is constantly making plays. He has quickly worked his way up the depth chart and looks like a player who will be very tough to cut – quite a feat for an undrafted free agent who didn’t even get an invite to the 2025 NFL Combine.
Those who watched Reed at Oregon know that talent was never the issue with Reed; it was just consistency. On one snap, Reed would mirror his receiver down the field, turn, locate the ball, and make an acrobatic interception with his elite ball skills. However, the very next snap, he would get burned on a double move. If Reed continues to stack solid reps and games, the Chargers may have found themselves a massive steal.
