JUSTIN HERBERT: QB
STATS: 9/12, 102 yards passing, 1 TD, 0 INT
DRAFT STOCK: 1st Round
Justin Herbert definitely regressed as the 2018 season unfolded. He was seen as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate prior to the season and began the year looking like just that, however, the grind of PAC-12 play seemed to be a little too much for the junior quarterback as he appeared to run out of gas.
Herbert had a solid game against the Oregon State Beavers before being knocked out of the game with a right shoulder injury with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Herbert was seen reaching for his right shoulder and collarbone area after he was sacked on third down by Shemar Smith and Doug Taumoelau.
Justin Herbert is still one of the top five quarterbacks in college football, and may even be the best overall quarterback eligible for the 2019 NFL draft. However, with this being the first year where he had so much riding on him, and his performance dipping later in the year, Herbert could benefit by returning to Oregon for his senior year. He will ultimately make his final decision after the Ducks bowl game.
GRADE: A
JORDAN SCOTT: DT
STATS: 1-tackles, 0 solo-tackles,
DRAFT STOCK: Sophomore
This was a typical, good typical, game for sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Scott. Scott and the d-line were monsters at the point of attack, shedding blockers and disrupting the timing for the Oregon State running backs in the backfield.
The entire defense held the Beavers to 54 yards rushing, and that starts up front. Scott closed up holes in the A-gap (right in the middle) forcing the Beavers backs to bounce sideways into the arms of waiting defenders.
GRADE: B
JALEN JELKS: OLB
STATS: No Stats
DRAFT STOCK: 3rd Round
Although Jalen Jelks did not record a single statistical stat against the Beavers, he was still a force to be reckoned with. At 6’6 245 lbs, Jelks’ athleticism for his size makes it hard for offensive lineman to stay in front of him. He is quick, agile and shifty.
To make matters worse, because he’s so tall, he makes it extremely difficult for quarterbacks to throw the ball in his directions because he can jump up and knock the pass down. Jelks is a major part of the Oregon defense, and when he is engaged and attacking the quarterback, the Ducks have success.
GRADE: B
TROY DYE: LB
STATS: 6 total tackles, 3-solo tackles, 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 2 Deflections
DRAFT STOCK: 4th Round
Troy Dye is a beast. He is not your prototypical NFL middle linebacker, but for the Ducks he gets the job done. He uses his greatest weapon, his speed, to be everywhere on the field and make plays.
The most impressive aspect during the Civil War for Dye was his ability to disrupt the play in the backfield. He had 2 tackles for a loss, including a sack. He was a major part of the run defense, stepping up in the holes and stuffing run plays at the line of scrimmage.
Due to Dye’s speed, he was also great against the pass, batting down two passes to keep the Beavers offense in check.
Dye is not a conventional NFL middle linebacker, but his size and speed can be utilized as an outside linebacker for a team lacking speed and tackling. Look for Dye to be a major factor one last time in the Ducks bowl game.
GRADE: A