Where questions lie with the Ducks are on the defensive side of the ball, especially after losing their two biggest sack-getters from last season to the NFL. I do my best to predict the two-deep depth chart for the Oregon defense, while also breaking down some of the key positions below.
Jordan Burch electing to return to the Oregon defense was monumental. At 6'5" 295 lbs with crazy athleticism, Burch is the truly athletic and versatile defensive end in Dan Lanning's defense that packed on 13 pounds of muscle this offseason. He was also featured in Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List . He's arguably the most talented defender on Oregon's roster this year. Blake Purchase, along with multiple other players like Ashton Porter or the names listed later at the JACK linebacker spot could also get reps rotating in at defensive end.
Lanning's defense also features a nose tackle to go along with a defensive tackle. Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon, both highly-coveted transfer portal additions, will provide Oregon with plenty of mass on the interior of the defensive line, which is extra important in their transition to the Big Ten Conference.
Linebackers
JACK Linebacker - Matayo Uiagalelei - Teitum Tuioti
MAC Linebacker - Jestin Jacobs - Jerry Mixon
MONEY Linebacker - Jeffrey Bassa - Devon Jackson
The linebacker position is anchored by two returning starters in Jeffrey Bassa at the MONEY linebacker spot, and Jestin Jacobs at the MAC (middle) lineback position. Bassa is a key and a leader to this defense, and is one of the best communicators on the team. Jacobs is a very interesting player that I'm counting on a big emergence from this year. He came on strong in the second half of the season last year, and he and Bassa seem to have great communication and chemistry on the field together. The two will patrol the middle of the field.
The JACK linebacker is a unique role. Coming from the term "JACK of all trades," this position is tasked with rushing the passer, setting the edge, playing in run support, and also dropping into pass protection. It requires length and athleticism, something that Matayo Uiagalelei posses in spades. Uiagalelei is a huge breakout candidate this year as someone that will make life difficult for offenses as he lines up opposite Burch.
Secondary
FCB Cornerback - Jabbar Muhammad - Sione Laulea
BCB Cornerback - Kam Alexander - Dontae Manning
Free Safety - Kobe Savage - Peyton Woodyard
Box Safety - Tysheem Johnson - Aaron Flowers
Star Safety/Nickel - Brandon Johnson - Nikko Reed
The secondary is full of new names, headlined by Jabbar Muhammad , who joined the Ducks from behind enemy lines, coming to Oregon from Washington. Muhammad will be locked in as the top cornerback, playing to the field side. His ability and athleticism makes him a fierce match for opposing wide receivers, and he was a thorn in the side of his new teammates last season. For now, I'm keeping Jahlil Florence off this last as he works his way back from injury. We'll see where he factors into things when he's healthy.
Safety will look different as well. Five of the seven safeties with the most snaps played last season have left. Tysheen Johnson returns to claim his spot as the starting Box safety, with newcomer Brandon Johnson, a Duke transfer, stealing the top spot in the difficult, but crucial, STAR safety position. The latter of the two Johnsons (which I'm sure won't get confusing at all on game days) has received rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike throughout fall camp.
Keep an eye on Peyton Woodyard. The Freshman transfer from Alabama is long, athletic, fluid, and played a similar system in high school. Assistant Defensive Coordinator Chris Hampton recently said he expects Woodyard to have a good season after detailing his fit in the system.
Oregon's defense is going to face tall tasks in their new conference home, but there's plenty of talent at all three levels to emerge as a strong unit.
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