Oregon Ducks Shine on NFL All-Rookie Team

The Oregon Ducks have proved their dominance in the NFL by having three standout players named to the Pro Football Focus NFL All-Rookie Team. This recognition affirms their strength, especially as they outperformed traditional heavyweights like the Georgia Bulldogs. Alongside top contenders such as Florida State and LSU, the Ducks are showcasing their football prowess on a national scale.

Bucky Irving in action this season.

Oregon’s Rising Stars

The three Ducks—Bucky Irving, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Evan Williams—demonstrated extraordinary talent during their inaugural NFL seasons. Competing against players from established programs like Georgia, the Ducks’ trio has claimed a prestigious spot on the All-Rookie roster.

This achievement emphasizes Oregon’s consistent ability to nurture and produce professional-grade talent, bridging the gap between college football and the NFL.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, a force on the line.

Jackson Powers-Johnson: A Legendary Debut

Drafted as the 44th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson Powers-Johnson, a formidable offensive lineman, made quite an entrance into the NFL. At 6-feet-3-inches and weighing 328 pounds, his presence on the field speaks volumes about his capabilities. His career got off to a phenomenal start, having won the Rimington Trophy for being the best center in college football, alongside honors such as being a unanimous All-American and a first-team All-Pac-12 selection.

Powers-Johnson wasted no time in silencing pre-draft injury concerns, seamlessly stepping into the starting left guard position for the Raiders. Logging over 350 snaps, his impressive performance earned him a noteworthy PFF grade of 66.4, marking him as a top rookie in his position.

Bucky Irving leaving defenders in his wake.

Bucky Irving: The Rising Star

Bucky Irving, who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected as the sixth running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as a powerhouse in his rookie year. Remarkably, he became the highest-graded rookie at the running back position, wrapping up the season ranked fourth overall among all running backs.

Irving’s numbers are nothing short of impressive. He rushed for 1,122 yards on 207 carries and scored eight touchdowns. Additionally, his ability to catch passes made him a versatile weapon for Tampa Bay—capturing 47 receptions for 392 yards.

His contributions were pivotal in pushing the Buccaneers towards playoff dreams, as evidenced by his record-setting performance in their wildcard game against the Washington Commanders, where he outshined previous rookie records by collecting 77 rushing yards in a single postseason game.

Evan Williams generating big plays.

Evan Williams: The Defensive Dynamite

Evan Williams, a fourth-round pick for the Green Bay Packers, demonstrated his defensive skills throughout the season. Despite battling injuries that limited his appearances, he started six games and showcased his talent with 31 solo tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble, among other highlights.

The Packers achieved an impressive 7-0 record when Williams played 30 or more snaps, underlining his status as a game-changer. His ability to make crucial plays was evident, particularly during memorable moments like his interception against the Colts and a formidable forced fumble on the Cardinals.

Near Miss for the Fifth Duck

The Ducks came agonizingly close to having a fourth representative on the All-Rookie team with Bo Nix, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Although he demonstrated stellar play in his historic season, he narrowly lost out to Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels for the final spot.

Bo Nix showcasing his skills.

Conclusion: Ducks Soar Beyond College

The accomplishments of Powers-Johnson, Irving, and Williams underline the Oregon Ducks’ ability to prepare players for success in the NFL. These athletes not only excelled in their inaugural seasons but have also affirmed that the Ducks’ legacy endures far beyond college football. Their presence on the Pro Football Focus NFL All-Rookie Team is a testament to Oregon’s relentless commitment to producing top-tier talent for the professional stage.