The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the CFP First Round: James Madison at Oregon.
Jacob Thomas, S
Thomas joined James Madison in 2022 and played sparingly. In 2023, his role grew and he totaled 54 tackles, six passes defended and one interception. For the 2024 season, he amassed 72 total tackles, three interceptions and three passes defended. This season, he has helped JMU make the playoff with 65 total tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended.
At 6-foot-1 and 216 pounds, Thomas has solid size for an NFL safety. He has proven to be able to come up near the line of scrimmage and make plays, making him more of a fit at strong safety. Thomas is a senior, but may be granted extra eligibiliy because of how little he played as a freshman. If he is able, he could go back to school to boost his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Trent Hendrick, LB
Hendrick also started his college career at James Madison in 2022. He played a bit as a freshman, registering 20 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Hendrick improved to 29 total tackles and one tackle for loss in 2023. His role increased in 2024, as he had 54 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. This season, he has tallied 96 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks.
He is a shorter linebacker at 6-foot, but has a filled-out frame at 234 pounds. Hendrick has proven to be good in pursuit and has even shown flashes of pass-rushing ability. His coverage abilities will be tested at the next level. Hendrick will likely go undrafted, but could make a roster as an undrafted free agent.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Dante Moore, QB
Moore was a highly-rated recruit who started his career at UCLA. He passed for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 53.5 percent completion. Following the season, he transferred to Oregon. In 2024, he backed up Dillon Gabriel and only passed for 49 yards. This season, he has lived up to a lot of his potential, passing for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions on 72.5 percent completion.
He stands at 6-foot-3, but will need to fill out his frame a bit more for the next level. Moore is a solid athlete who can avoid pressure in the pocket and make plays out of structure. He has a smooth, quick release, which helps him with short and intermediate throws. His arm strength won’t wow anyone, but he plays very efficient football. Moore has eligibility remaining, but his stock rising at the end of the season move him to put his name in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Kenyon Sadiq, TE
Sadiq joined with the Ducks in 2023. As a freshman, he played a little bit, delivering five catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. His playing time increased in 2024 and so too his production. In 2024, he hauled in 24 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Ducks get back to the CFP this year with 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq isn’t the biggest tight end and will need some improvements to make it as an in-line player at the next level. He is a great athlete for the position, with the ability to run good routes and pick up yards after the catch. Sadiq is poised to go in the first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei (1st-2nd), DL A’Mauri Washington (2nd-4th), OT Isaiah World (2nd-4th), IOL Emmanuel Pregnon (2nd-4th), S Dillon Thieneman (2nd-4th), IOL Iapani Laloulu (3rd-5th), DL Bear Alexander (4th-6th), OT Alex Harkey (6th-UFA), WR Evan Stewart (OUT 6th-UFA), LB Bryce Boettcher (6th-UFA), EDGE Teitum Tuioti (UFA), P Ross James (UFA), RB Noah Whittington (UFA), WR Malik Benson (UFA)
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