Oregon’s football program has a history of putting players in the National Football League. Oregon has many productive players in the league who suit up on Sundays.
In this article, I talk about the top five players from Oregon in the NFL.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, many analysts didn’t believe Herbert could succeed in the NFL. Herbert has proved his doubters wrong and won offensive rookie of the year in 2020.
Herbert has a good size and a strong arm. These attributes have helped Herbert post 9,350 passing yards and 69 touchdowns. If Herbert continues to improve, he might be one of the best players from Oregon.
Deforest Buckner
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 12: Deforest Buckner #99 of the Indianapolis Colts jogs off the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 34-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Buckner is a monster who plays defensive tackle and his 6-7 frame makes him hard to block. Since entering the league in 2016, he has recorded 45 sacks, 243 tackles, and 5 forced fumbles. Simply put he is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.
Buckner’s impact has been felt in Indianapolis. Indy’s defense has benefited from having a strong presence up front. In 2021, Buckner helped Indianapolis record 33 takeaways.
Arik Armstead
Next on the list is Buckner’s former teammate Arik Armstead. Armstead is a long defensive end who has helped the 49ers be one of the best defenses in the NFL. Armstead has terrorized opposing quarterbacks and plays on a strong defensive line. Since 2015, Armstead has recorded 28.5 sacks, 154 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles.
Troy Hill
Troy Hill is an underrated defensive back who has played well in the NFL. Hill’s stats aren’t eye-popping because he only has 7 interceptions since 2015. However, Hill is a physical corner who has been a part of great defenses. In 2020, Hill was a part of a Rams defense that ranked number 1 in the NFL. Hill was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
Marcus Mariota
Mariota was one of the best college quarterbacks in the country. In Tennessee, Mariota had success and showed his versatility as a runner and passer. During the 2018 playoffs, Mariota brought the Titans back from a 21-3 hole and the Titans won 22-21. In the game, Mariota threw a pass and caught it for a touchdown.
Marcus spent the last couple of seasons in Las Vegas as a backup quarterback. Currently, Mariota is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and has an opportunity to prove he can play winning football. During his career, Mariota has recorded 13,437 passing yards and 77 touchdowns.