Draft Prospects Put On a Show at Pro Day

EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon's 2026 NFL Draft prospects participated in their Pro Day workout Tuesday in the Moshofsky Center, a chance to make one last public case for selection in April's draft, and to soak up the experience of practicing on their collegiate turf.

Linebacker Bryce Boettcher worked out for pro scouts at the same facilities where he cheered on the Ducks as a young kid. Receiver Malik Benson, defensive back Jadon Canady and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon but a bow on their single full years in Eugene, in which they blossomed as pro prospects. And a couple of projected first-round picks, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and defensive back Dillon Thieneman, had a chance to enhance the statements they made at the NFL Scouting Combine last month.

In all, 15 Ducks from the 2025 team worked out for scouts Tuesday; Thieneman opted not to do drills, while offensive lineman Isaiah World and running back Noah Whittington continue to rehab from the season. Several role players from recent UO teams, like long snapper Luke Basso, kicker Andrew Boyle, punter Ross James and offensive lineman Charlie Pickard, took the chance to introduce themselves to the pro scouts on hand, who represented 31 teams and included position coaches, directors of college scouting and at least one general manager.

And a handful of players who transferred to Oregon had the chance to show the development they enjoyed while in Eugene — not just Benson, Canady and Pregnon but offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, receiver Gary Bryant Jr., punter James Ferguson-Reynolds, offensive lineman Alex Harkey, defensive back Theran Johnson and kicker Atticus Sappington.

Lanning Pregnon Pro Day

"I already miss all those connections and bonds that I've made with everybody here," Pregnon said. "It was only a year, but it was a year well spent. Honestly, I'm just grateful for everything. When I initially arrived, the guys took me in. They helped me with that process, in terms of developing, knowing the scheme, knowing the city and stuff like that. So I'm forever grateful for everybody that helped curate such an elite environment that allowed us to have so much success."

Pregnon was one of Oregon's combine participants who looked to bolster his case Tuesday. Another was Sadiq, who, like Thieneman, was one of the breakout stars of the combine, with his 4.39 40-yard dash, but who opted to take the field again Tuesday in Eugene.

"Obviously got to do some position drills out there," said Sadiq, who was limited by a leg injury for much of last season. "So one, just being explosive on the pad blocking, also just getting to run some routes fully healthy again — it feels really nice to get out there and just run pain-free."

Boettcher Broad Jump Pro Day

Boettcher and Canady also followed up combine appearances with Pro Day performances, doubling back to do many of the same drills as they did in Indianapolis. For Boettcher, it was a chance to soak up one last performance on his home turf in Eugene.

"It's pretty cool to end it with the Pro Day in a fashion like this," Boettcher said. "You know, it's a little bittersweet. I'm sad to be going, but excited for the next chapter."

Canady hoped to demonstrate his versatility, as a guy who could play both corner spots, either safety position or nickel, the role he starred in with the Ducks last season.

Canady 40 Pro Day

"The more you know, the better off you are," Canady said. "So I think me playing all five will help me stay on a team, and find a role, whether it's starting, special teams, backup or whatnot. But I think playing all five will help me find a role on a team."

Few guys Tuesday seemed to be having more fun than Benson. As he flashed his elite speed running deep routes in position drills, he often had a wide smile on his face at the end of a route.

"Just fulfilling all my dreams with the combine and being out here one last time with the guys, I really just want to have that smile on my face, show that gratitude," said Benson, who transferred to Oregon from Florida State a year ago. "Because last year, I was really sad, just thinking, I wish I would have had that. But then, you know, everything happened for a reason. So to get another opportunity, and just being able to come out here and do this, why would I not have a smile on my face?"