This Oregon Ducks star has received a huge NFL prediction.
The Oregon Ducks just saw two of their players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman coming off the board.
The thing is, they could have had a lot more, but many of their top players decided to return to school for another year.
One of those stars was edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, who could end up establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the country next season.
In fact, Cooper Petagna of CBS Sports has predicted Uiagalelei to be selected by the Chicago Bears with the 17th overall pick in next year's NFL Draft.
"The younger brother of DJ Uiagalelei, Matayo has carved out his own path in Eugene as one of the most talented pass rushers in the country," Petagna wrote. "A former two-way standout at St. John Bosco, he pairs suddenness and athleticism with a dense frame, offering three-down versatility. While his motor can run hot and cold, the talent is undeniable."
Oregon Ducks edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei. Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images.It's obviously a very early mock draft, but there is absolutely a world in which Uiagalelei could be a mid first-round pick next year ... if not higher.
The 20-year-old began his collegiate career at Oregon in 2023 and logged 18 tackles and a couple of sacks during his freshman campaign. He then had a breakout season in Year 2, racking up 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and an interception.
Uiagalelei wasn't quite as dominant this past season, finishing with 34 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, but he was still good enough where he almost certainly would have been a Day 2 pick had he entered the draft.
The Bellflower, Ca. native decided to spend one more year with the Ducks to bolster his draft stock, so it was probably a good decision.
At 6-foot-5, 272 pounds, Uiaglalelei possesses tremendous size for the position, although his lack of elite speed and quickness means he may have to constantly play down on the line rather than standing up on the professional level.
Regardless, Uiagalelei is a powerful defender who could develop into a sack artist in the NFL, and he also is very strong against the run.
We'll see where the youngster lands next April.
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