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ESPN names three former Oregon standouts as their team's best rookie
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- ESPN names three former Oregon standouts as their team's best rookie
It's no secret that the Oregon Ducks ' program has sent a large number of players to the NFL, with a record ten players being drafted from Oregon during the 2025 NFL draft. That included two first-rounders in defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. , with both being named by ESPN as their team's Rookie of the Year .
Harmon was selected at No. 21 by the Pittsburgh Steeles and has made his impact felt when he's been healthy.
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"Harmon is the obvious choice," ESPN's Brooke Pryor wrote. "The rest of the Steelers ' draft class, which didn't include a second-round pick because of the DK Metcalf trade, hasn't had a big impact this season. Harmon, though, is the exception. He was named a starter from day one and has been a key run defender. In 10 games with the first-round pick in the lineup, the Steelers have allowed 87.9 rushing yards per game. Without Harmon, who has missed five games because of knee injuries, the Steelers have allowed 165.6."
The rookie's stats aren't gaudy, as he has just nine solo tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery, but Harmon's 6-foot-4, 313-pound frame has allowed him to create penetration on the interior of the defensive line, opening up opportunities for his teammates rushing off the edge. With Harmon now back from injury, the Steelers are in position to make the playoffs as they currently hold a 9-6 record.
Conerly's team, as he was selected 29th by the Washington Commanders , hasn't seen a similar type of luck. They're 4-11, as star quarterback Jayden Daniels has missed a number of games for various injuries.
Though the rookie tackle had a tough beginning to the season against top pass rushers in Brian Burns , Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby , he's settled in and been the most consistent Commander all season — literally, as he's been on the field for every snap from scrimmage this season, the only one on the team to do so.
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"Had some tough moments [early]," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said, "but ... I've been really impressed by the work ethic and just the mental toughness he's displayed."
Meanwhile, the next Duck that was taken in the draft was tight end Terrance Ferguson at No. 46. His stats also aren't gaudy, as he has nine catches for 177 yards a a pair of touchdowns, but he's emerged as a key player for the Los Angeles Rams down the stretch of the season.
Ferguson, a second-round pick, joined a crowded group of tight ends with the Rams," ESPN's Sarah Barshop wrote. "He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 3 and 4 but was active in Week 5 while starter Tyler Higbee was dealing with a hip injury. Since then, Ferguson has 9 catches for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has been especially important as the offense has found its identity in 13 personnel (three tight ends). 'He's going to be a hell of a player, and he's becoming a hell of a player before our eyes,' coach Sean McVay said earlier this month."
All three were excellent during their tenure at Oregon and have continued it on the big stage in the NFL, continuing to make Duck fans proud along the way.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Three former Ducks named their team's Rookie of the Year by ESPN
