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Well, hello there ATQ! This is a first look at the several Oregon players that have a realistic shot at being drafted in 2018. I'm sure there will be more that make names for themselves in the twists and turns of the 2017 college season. Who knows, there could be a surprise name or two that declare for the draft for whatever reason that they may have. Now onwards to the list!
1. Royce Freeman 5'11 231 RB Senior
Games watched: 2015 vs Washington State and 2016 vs Virginia
- Freeman is one of the best running backs in the 2018 class and could’ve gone early in the 2017 draft. The thing that I noticed the most are his elite vision and instincts. His strength is a major plus. Lateral agility and footwork are pluses. Not the fastest back but has more than enough acceleration to pull away from most defensive backs. The concerns that I have are the little injuries he has picked up and the workload. Round projection: Second
2. Tyrell Crosby 6'5 310 OT Senior
Games watched: 2016 vs Virginia and 2015 vs USC
- Crosby has the potential to rise up the boards as the top tackle prospect in the 2018 class. There are some excellent tackle prospects so this is no small matter. From the film that I watched, the lateral agility and ability to anchor down as a pass blocker is a huge plus. He mirrors the defender very easily and doesn't allow much to get by him. He made the wise decision to return for a senior season as 2016 was a total loss due to injury. Run blocking is where he needs minor fixing as he is not as locked on as one would expect. Round projection: Middle First to Early Second
3. Tyree Robinson 6'4 199 DB Senior
Games watched: 2016 vs Nebraska (#2)
- Robinson certainly fits the prototype for NFL defensive backs in the current generation. He's tall and lanky with above average speed. I question the instincts and football IQ though. Played both safety and corner before ultimately sticking at corner as an upperclassman. A bigger Desmond King if you will. Does he have the chops and speed to stick at CB at the next level? We shall see. A lesser freaky athlete than former UCONN DBs Byron Jones and Obi M. Round Projection: Second to Third
4. Charles Nelson 5'8 177 ATH Senior
Game watched: 2015 Highlights
- Nelson is the Ducks' answer for former Trojan and current Titan Adoree' Jackson. A versatile athlete that has played all over the field. A receiver by trade but has extensive experience as a safety along with being a special teams ace. I see him making onto an NFL roster due to his defensive potential. Didn't look terrible when pressed into safety duty as the other options were lacking in talent and/or injured. Could be a perfect utility type of offensive weapon for an innovative team (coughPatriotscough). I do have some serious questions about his size, however. Similar to former Cal standout athlete Khalfani Muhammad. Round Projection: Sixth to Seventh
5. Arrion Springs 5'11 205 CB Senior
- He needs a big senior year to get drafted at some point. If I had to rank cornerback prospects right now, he wouldn't even crack the top 15, much less top 20 for his efforts thus far. Inconsistently consistent. The former four star recruit hasn't yet lived up to the hype but apparently has turned a new leaf under the Taggart regime. Maybe the horrible 2016 year he had to endure was a wakeup call he needed. More athlete than corner. The tools are there, it's up to him and the coaches to right the ship. Round Projection: Seventh