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The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein believes Oregon redshirt sophomore QB Marcus Mariota should be mentioned in the discussion for the No. 1 pick in 2014.

Zierlein mentions the popular choices of Jadeveon Clowney and Teddy Bridgewater as well. Mariota's natural tools are outstanding and he fits the new generation of quarterback prospects, however, it is a realistic question to ask if he will continue to improve at a steady pace without Chip Kelly.
May 16 - 10:02 AM

Oregon junior De'Anthony Thomas ranks as Mel Kiper's top draft-eligible RB for the 2014 Draft.

"Is he a running back?" Kiper asks. "He's a little bit of everything, but he's a running back on my board because handing him the ball is the quickest way to get it to him, and getting him the ball is the most important thing... Thomas will never be a bulk-carry runner, and he doesn't have the route-running skills of a guy like Tavon Austin, who he might be compared to based on the burst." Oregon will likely be running a similar offense in 2013, but it will be interesting to see if anyone takes a step back after the school lost Chip Kelly to the NFL.
Source: ESPN
May 16 - 9:34 AM

Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Oregon redshirt sophomore QB Marcus Mariota has loads of upside but needs major development.

Specifically, that development needs to be in the form of mechanics and footwork as a thrower. "Mariota misses strike zone and forces WRs to adjust too much limiting their YAC," Weidl tweeted. "All can improve if able to balance platform in lower half. Mariota will be very appealing for ZR teams. Decisive facilitator. Also long strider that can ruin pursuit angles when reaching 2nd level."
May 15 - 12:21 PM

Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Oregon junior TE Colt Lyerla needs polish.

Weidl did have more positives than negatives for the Duck receiving tight end. "But man he has deep pool of talent that can be tapped into," Weidl added. "Big time athleticism/explosiveness on tape." Along with Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Lyerla will make noise as part of the junior tight end class.
May 14 - 9:04 AM

Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Oregon sophomore DE Arik Armstead is a name to keep an eye on.

"Raw but a grown man out there as a true freshman," Weidl writes. "Has a chance to be big time." Armstead is only a sophomore in 2013, so we will see him play college ball for at least two more season, but his 6'8/280 pound frame is very intriguing. The Ducks defense remains quite talented.
May 14 - 8:51 AM

Colts selected Oregon S John Boyett with the No. 192 overall pick.

Boyett (5-foot-10, 204) recorded 10 interceptions and seven tackles for loss as a three-year starter for Chip Kelly's Ducks before missing all but one game in 2012 following surgery to repair partial tears in both of his patellar tendons. Boyett was highly regarded pre-injury as a rugged tackler with some cover skills. He held a personal Pro Day on April 10. If Boyett's health cooperates, he could be a low-risk steal.
Apr 27 - 4:56 PM

Panthers selected Oregon RB Kenjon Barner with the No. 182 overall pick.

Barner (5-foot-9 1/4, 196) was the workhorse in Chip Kelly's 2012 offense, rushing 278 times for 1,767 yards (6.36 YPC) and 21 touchdowns. He added 20 catches for 256 yards (12.8 YPR) and two more scores. Despite his smallish stature, Barner falls forward and isn't a step-waster, also flashing an ability to run through arm tackles. He's more straight-linish than elusive and isn't going to make NFL defenders miss. Barner ran 4.52 at the Combine with a 1.60 ten-yard split. Perhaps he is being brought in as a kick returner, but Carolina adding another running back is somewhat comical.
Apr 27 - 4:23 PM

Bills selected Oregon LB Kiko Alonso with the No. 46 overall pick.

Alonso (6-3, 238) was arrested for DUI in February of 2010 and breaking into a home while drunk in May of 2011. He's since quit drinking, giving Alonso a chance at an NFL career. Alonso racked up 81 tackles -- 14 for a loss -- and four interceptions as a senior, also popping loose two fumbles. Highly physical with cover skills and adequate 4.74 speed, Alonso is a three-down inside linebacker prospect. He and Nigel Bradham should man the inside linebacker spots in DC Mike Pettine's 3-4 defense.
Apr 26 - 7:36 PM

Bears selected Oregon OL Kyle Long with the No. 20 overall pick.

Long (6-6, 313) is the son of Howie and brother of Chris. Kyle only started 11 games for the Ducks after playing baseball at Florida State and spending the 2010 and 2011 seasons at Saddleback Community College as a defensive and offensive lineman. Ideally suited to left guard, Long has relatively short arms (33 3/8") but is arguably the second most athletic interior offensive lineman in this draft, behind Jonathan Cooper. Long ran 4.94 at the Combine with a 1.68 ten-yard split and 28-inch vertical. Many suggested Long would be a second-round pick due to his inexperience at the position, but offensive lineman are in high demand during the first-round. Due to his natural athleticism and aggression, Long fits a variety of spots along the line.
Apr 25 - 10:31 PM

Dolphins selected Oregon DE/OLB Dion Jordan with the No. 3 overall pick.

The Dolphins traded up nine slots to draft Jordan, sending the Nos. 12 and 42 overall picks to the Raiders. Jordan (6--6, 248) was a versatile "Joker" in Chip Kelly's Ducks defenses, playing end and linebacker and covering slot receivers on passing downs. He tallied 29 career tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Jones ran like a receiver at the Combine, clearing forty yards in 4.6-flat with a 1.57 ten-yard split and 10-foot-2 broad jump. He's a highly explosive, fluid athlete whom Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris likens to former five-time Pro Bowler Julian Peterson. Jordan has also drawn comparisons to another former Miami sack artist, Jason Taylor. Look for the Dolphins to complete the trade for Chiefs LT Branden Albert Friday.
Apr 25 - 8:37 PM

Oregon G Kyle Long will go in the first-round, according to one "scouting boss" Si's Peter King spoke with.

The scouting exec noted Long is "strong enough to be a move-the-pile guard and quick enough to deflect edge rushers." Long is very new to the position, but his NFL bloodlines likely played a role in his natural aggression and athleticism. We still expect a second-round selection for the son of Howie.
Apr 22 - 12:01 PM

ESPN's Michael C. Wright reports Oregon LB Kiko Alonso visited the Chicago Bears.

"Reported to carry just 9.1 percent body, Alonso (6-3 3/8, 238 pounds) is an athletic and versatile player who can fit in multiple schemes because of his combination of size, speed and physicality," Wright wrote. "Because of his ability to cover, and rare explosiveness for his position, it's believed the Bears view Alonso as a true three-down linebacker -- at all three positions -- and a potential successor to Brian Urlacher; or at the very least, a key contributor on special teams."
Apr 17 - 6:21 PM

Oregon LB Kiko Alonso has worked out for the Atlanta Falcons.

Alonso is one of the most underrated players in this year's draft despite possessing the skill-set to be one of its most effective pro defenders. He runs well, is aggressive and quickly reads his keys. There are concerns with indiscipline and flexibility but our own Alen Dumonjic believes that they are not significant issues.
Apr 16 - 4:55 PM

Oregon LB Kiko Alonso is visiting the Saints on Tuesday.

Alonso is a fierce player, displaying a super aggressive mentality when closing on ball carriers or lead blockers near the line of scrimmage. There are issues, namely his tendency to get stuck in quick sand on play action, misdirection, and draws. However, as a straight-line player, Alonso can shut down plays before they get going.
Apr 16 - 10:29 AM

Oregon OLB Dion Jordan is visiting the Lions on Tuesday.

Jordan reminds us of former Lions strong side linebacker Julian Peterson thanks to his comfort in space and upside as a pass rusher. He is being listed as a pass rushing outside linebacker, but don't overlook Jordan's versatility to be an impact player on first and second down. We doubt he makes it out of the top four, with a likely selection at No. 2.
Apr 16 - 9:38 AM


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