The 2025 season was a big step forward for Oregon Ducks linebacker Jerry Mixon , as he emerged as a reliable force alongside the team's leading tackler in Bryce Boettcher . Mixon's season, which culminated in 57 tackles and two interceptions, placed him on NFL draft radars for the 2027 class as a potential Day 3 prospect, according to ESPN's Jordan Reid .
But that's Mixon's draft grade if he were to not even play out his senior campaign this fall, where he'll be tasked with a much bigger role than a season ago. In 2026, Mixon will step into the role that Boettcher filled as the leader of the Ducks ' defense and potentially leading tackler.
Ultimately, it should result in yet another breakout for the standout linebacker, as he combined for just eight tackles in his first two seasons at Oregon before emerging last year. While he's falling a bit under the radar, Reid didn't forget about the Ducks linebacker and tabbed Mixon as the program's top sleeper candidate to rise with a strong senior year.
"Mixon and Devon Jackson are seen as Day 3 picks at linebacker, with Mixon being mentioned by multiple scouts as a potential riser because of his instinctiveness and consistency in coverage."
The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder's instincts in the pass game were on full display last year, as he picked off a pair of passes despite not seeing many thrown his way. He was rock solid in overall coverage, impressing NFL scouts along the way.
But in 2026, Mixon will need to bring it all together: pass defense, physicality and tackling. If Mixon has a Boettcher-like season in which he led the Ducks with 136 tackles, it's not out of the realm of possibility for Mixon to garner early-round draft buzz.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Jerry Mixon tabbed as sleeper NFL draft prospect
