Oregon Ducks defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington absolutely stunned the college football world when he decided to return to Eugene for another season after the 2025 campaign, even though pretty much everyone had him pegged as a first-round lock for the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, as if that wasn't enough, The Athletic's Dane Brugler just dropped his 2027 NFL Draft preseason rankings, and Washington is officially listed as the No. 2 defensive tackle prospect in all of college football. This isn't just big for him, it's massive for the Ducks.
Washington Turned Down the NFL, And His Game Exploded
Dude, Washington was an absolute beast in his first year starting back in 2025. He truly impressed, climbing draft boards faster than you can say "sack," and all the chatter was about him being a sure-fire first-round pick. But Washington had other plans, opting to chase a national title with the Ducks, clearly hoping to boost his draft stock even further along the way. And boy, is it working! Coming in at No. 2 on Brugler's list, his explosive power is highlighted as one of his best traits. We're talking about a hulking presence at 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, right in the heart of that defense. But don't even *think* he's some slow-footed gap-filler. Nah, this guy is quick-footed, heavy-handed, and a nightmare for opposing offenses. Last season, he was consistently collapsing pockets and just ramming through pulling guards, playing a huge part in Oregon's 24th-ranked rushing defense. Brugler himself said Washington went from "unproven" to "asset" in 2025, and those flashes of talent are why he's already ranked as the top senior at his position.The Big Question Marks (And That Other Guy)
Here's the real talk, though: can Washington take that next step this season? Brugler's calling it out, asking if he can be a more impactful presence in his senior year. He finished 2025 with just 4.5 tackles for loss, and honestly, 1.5 of those came against FCS Montana State in the season opener. Now, the tape and his traits matter way more for NFL scouts than just raw stats, but his efficiency and consistency this coming season are what's going to determine if he's a slam-dunk top-25 pick or slides closer to a top-50 selection next April. But wait, there's more! Another huge reason Washington was so dominant in 2025 and is projected to tear it up again is the guy playing next to him: fellow defensive tackle Bear Alexander. Alexander also decided to return to Eugene after his first year as a Duck, and Brugler has *him* listed as the No. 3 defensive tackle among seniors. Seriously, how often do you see one team with two of the top defensive tackle talents in college football on the same roster? It's wild for the Ducks in 2026, and they are absolutely banking on this duo to lead them on a deep postseason run while vaulting both their draft stocks sky-high. Get ready for some serious D-line action this season, folks! With Washington and Alexander anchoring that front, Oregon is gearing up for a championship push, and every single snap is going to be under the microscope. You know NFL scouts will be glued to their screens, watching to see if Washington solidifies that top-25 spot.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.