Oregon: What NFL Scouts Think of the Defensive Line

The Oregon Ducks front seven should compare well with any team in the country for the upcoming season.

The Ducks had several players on the defensive line that could have entered the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, they chose to return to Eugene to better their craft before jumping to the league and help Oregon compete to win its first-ever national championship.

Oregon has a lot of speed on the edge with Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei. The pair have combined for 35 career sacks.

Offensive lines can't afford to double-team at the edge because of the sheer interior power Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington provide.

Jordan Reid of ESPN noted that NFL scouts are taking notice of all four of the Ducks starters on the defensive line. Washington has a chance to be a Day 1 pick in the 2027 draft, while his peers are getting Day 2 grades.

"Oregon's defense is keyed by a defensive line full of potential draft picks, led by defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington," Reid wrote. "Washington is a player who could have been drafted high in 2026 and is viewed as a top-40 player in the 2027 class. He'll be joined by Bear Alexander, who is currently receiving Day 2 grades.

"On the edge, Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti are one of the better tandems in the country. Both have received Day 2 grades, with Uiagalelei seen to have a higher ceiling at the next level."

Ohio State's defense was a behemoth last season with seven players taken in the 2026 draft. Arvell Reese was the only edge taken in the first round, though the Buckeyes had linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs taken on Day 1. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was taken in the second round.

The Ducks could have a better defensive line than that group overall, and that should pay dividends in the CFP. Oregon needs to have a solid pass rush to get after elite quarterbacks in the playoffs. 

In addition to the front seven, Oregon has a formidable secondary. The key to the Ducks winning the national championship will be how the defense plays, and the defensive line will give them a fighting chance.