2 Oregon Ducks picked in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

Two football players from the University of Oregon were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday.

With the 21st overall pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected former Ducks defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

“He has Steeler DNA,” head coach Mike Tomlin said.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Harmon spent three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon, where he blossomed into a disruptive force. Harmon was a second-team All-American last season while finishing with five sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss for the Ducks.

“We’ve got us a big man that’s capable of being significant for us in all circumstances,” Tomlin said. “And that’s what you want when you’re talking about the first round of the draft.”

Then with the 29th overall pick, the Washington Commanders selected former Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters said he and his staff were holding their breath hoping Conerly, “clearly the highest player on our board,” would still be there.

A 6-foot-5, 311-pounder from Seattle, Conerly started 14 games at left tackle for the Ducks as a junior last season. He said it “means the world” to get a chance to play in front of Daniels and try to keep him upright.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity just to get out there and block for one of the best,” Conerly said.

This is the fourth time in program history the Oregon Ducks have seen two players picked in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The last time it happened was in 2015, when quarterback Marcus Mariota went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 2 and the San Francisco 49ers picked defensive end Arik Armstead at No. 17.

This is the sixth year in a row that at least one former Duck was picked in the first round.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.