Oregon quarterback Dante Moore made a big mistake by not coming out for this year's NFL Draft.
To stay in college or go to the NFL is the ultimate question for many of the top college football players every year, and in my opinion, I think that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore made the wrong decision about staying in college this year.
That said, a very logical connection could be drawn to the fact that he and his camp didn't want to land in New York, and while that is valid, I think that he made his path to the NFL a little bit tougher.
Moore was guaranteed to be the second quarterback off the board in this year's draft. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is going to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft this year and that is tough to debate. However, some critics have started to come out about just how talented Mendoza is leading up to the draft.
That leads me to believe that there would have at least been some conversation about Moore being the top selection in the draft. It likely would not have happened, but then the gap between Mendoza and the now second option, Alabama's Ty Simpson, is likely 20-plus spots.
© Matthew O'Haren | 2025 Sep 27 Moore would have very clearly been the No. 2 option at the position, but that would have come with the responsibility of turning a bad franchise around. Put that on top of the fact that the teams at the top of the first round that need quarterbacks are picks No. 2, 3, and 6.
That's the Jets, Cardinals, and the Browns. Not exactly model franchises. I hear that argument, and I present the counterpoint that next year's draft is going to be loaded with quarterback talent.
Arch Manning, CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, Jordan Maiava, LaNorris Sellers, and others will be competing for those picks at the top of the draft. Moore will have his work cut out for him to make his name.
To do that, he will need to light it up this year for the Ducks. If he puts together a great season, he will set himself up for a really positive draft position next year. If he slips up even a little bit next year, he will open up the door for a lot of conversation about his fit in the class.
This is one of the all-time sliding doors moments for a future NFL prospect who has dreams about being one of the great ones.
Ducks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Oregon Ducks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.