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What better recruiting tool is there for Mario Cristobal than saying that if you come to Oregon, you’ve got a pretty good chance to be a top-10 selection in the NFL draft?
We saw it last year with left tackle Penei Sewell getting selected with the No. 7 overall pick by the Detroit Lions, and the year before that, quarterback Justin Herbert went to the Los Angeles Chargers, who took the former Duck with the 6th pick.
Next year, it looks like the Ducks are going to strike again, with DE Kayvon Thibodeaux being pegged to get drafted with the No. 1 overall pick. In a new mock draft from Sports Illustrated, it is the Houston Texans who are being projected to have the first pick, and a generation defensive end is what they have their eyes on.
Most would want to mock a quarterback here but if the Texans do not identify one that is worth the first overall pick, they will go in another direction. Thibodeaux should be a quality pass rusher as a rookie, combining sacks with strong run defense.
As recruiting season heats up for the Ducks, it’s hard to think of a better argument to pitch to potential commits. Seeing the success of other top athletes who have come through Eugene has to be encouraging, with a top draft selection being the ultimate goal.
As the wheel turns, and more high-end recruits turn into star NFL players, the Oregon football program will continue to rise.
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