A breakout candidate pass rusher tops three 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Oregon's season opener
It's never too early to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. For college players, the mindset has to be to focus on the goals in front of you, and to let the future take care of itself. In the Oregon Ducks' opening game against the Idaho Vandals, the exposure to potential future draft prospects pretty […]
It's never too early to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. For college players, the mindset has to be to focus on the goals in front of you, and to let the future take care of itself.
In the Oregon Ducks' opening game against the Idaho Vandals, the exposure to potential future draft prospects pretty much resides on just one sideline. I could go on and on about plenty of talented players on this squad, so please know that there are more than just these three. I could mention almost half the roster. With that said, let's discuss some of the top Ducks draft targets to keep an eye on.
Evan Stewart, wide receiver
I'll start it off with the new transfer portal addition at wide receiver in Evan Stewart. He's a force. I'm hopeful that offensive coordinator Will Stein takes the opportunity of playing in front of the home crowd at Autzen Stadium and uses it to introduce Ducks fans to their new No. 1 wide receiver with some big splash plays.
Stewart has had a good career through his first two seasons at Texas A&M, totaling 1,163 receiving yards and six touchdowns between the two campaigns. Now lining up in one of the best offenses in the country and playing with an upgrade at quarterback with Dillon Gabriel, Stewart is primed for a massive breakout season.
He's explosive, a crisp route runner, and possesses elite body control and hands at the catch point. Keep an eye on Stewart as he looks to start his breakout in Week 1.
Jordan Burch, defensive end
Jordan Burch is a big, lengthy, explosive defensive end, and he's primed to become a household name as one of the best defensive ends in the country this year. Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti had this to say about Burch a few weeks ago:
"He's improved in a lot of different areas. Number one, just in terms of being more vocal, his leadership – I'm really proud of what he's been able to do this offseason," Tuioti said. "He's put on some weight – He was 285, he's like 298 now, just putting on some lean muscle, and got faster and stronger. I expect a real breakout season for him. He's been working really hard for it, he has high expectations for himself, and I think he's putting himself in position where he can put it all together and make it happen."
The Ducks will be relying on Burch to lead a stable of pass rushers that need to show up in a big way for Oregon to have a chance at pursuing their National Championship aspirations, and with a huge year, Burch's name will fly up 2025 NFL Draft boards.
Jabbar Muhammad, cornerback
The Ducks got a transfer addition in their secondary from their hated rival University of Washington, but Ducks fans won't hold that against Jabbar Muhammad when they learn what a lock-down corner he is.
Muhammad made life difficult for the Oregon wide receivers in their matchups last season. He'll will line up out wide and use his athleticism and incredibly sticky coverage to help limit opposing pass attacks. Last season, he registered 12 pass breakups, only two touchdowns, and had three interceptions. Ducks fans are going to get to know his name very quickly if they don't already know it.
Oregon Ducks vs Idaho Vandals game preview: Dan Lanning says Vandals “have an identity”
Get to know the Ducks first opponent.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
