Jerry Mixon tabbed as sleeper NFL draft prospect

The 2025 season was a big step forward for Oregon Ducks linebacker Jerry Mixon , as he emerged as a reliable force alongside the team's leading tackler in Bryce Boettcher . Mixon's season, which culminated in 57 tackles and two interceptions, placed him on NFL draft radars for the 2027 class as a potential Day 3 prospect, according to ESPN's Jordan Reid .

\n But that's Mixon's draft grade if he were to not even play out his senior campaign this fall, where he'll be tasked with a much bigger role than a season ago. In 2026, Mixon will step into the role that Boettcher filled as the leader of the Ducks ' defense and potentially leading tackler.