The Oregon Ducks have become accustomed to losing players to the NFL in the past few years. They just lost 10 players to the 2025 draft and if the players currently in Eugene continue on this trajectory, then there is expected to be many more draft selections next year.
Among those players anticipated to be picked is Matayo Uiagalelei. The 5-star recruit possesses a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism to go along with elite pass rush skills. In his first real opportunity to play at Oregon last year, Uiagalelei proved why he is such a highly touted prospect with 10.5 sacks in just 13 games.
Even more impressive is the fact that over the final 10 games of the season there was only one game in which Uiagalelei did not record a sack. Combine that with the two fumbles he forced and the interception he caught, and you have all the makings of a potential NFL star.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus College believes that if Uiagalelei continues to develop at this rate then he could be a first-round pick next year.
The star pass rusher has all the intangibles and measurables it takes to be an elite NFL player; he will just need to sustain his dominant numbers.
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