Oregon Football: 6 Predictions for the Ducks Who Entered the 2011 NFL Draft

With the draft now over, the Oregon Ducks had one player selected during the weekend. Unlike years past, this is a very unusual time to be an undrafted free agent because of the uncertainty of the upcoming season.  

While Oregon did not have a lot of top end talent, the list of undrafted players will be closely looked at once the lockout is lifted. Here is a look at the players who were draft eligible this year out of Oregon and some of the possible outcomes.

Casey Matthews Will Play This Year for the Eagles

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks looks on against the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Get

Casey Matthews was the sole player drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Oregon. Matthews was able to use this year's National Championship as a showcase for his skills and cashed it in with a spot on the Eagles draft board.  

Matthews comes from a strong NFL bloodline and offers a great deal to the Eagles. With his speed and ability to read plays, Matthews will end up getting on the field early in the year and playing throughout the season.

Jeff Maehl Will Be One of the First Undrafted Players Signed

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks catches a two-point conversion to tie the game late in the fourth quarter against Zac Etheridge #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoe

While Jeff Maehl had aspirations of being drafted by an NFL team, his name was never announced and he becomes part of the large pool of unsigned free agents.  

Maehl is a player that has continued to improve year in and year out and doesn't even seem to have reached his peak yet. Maehl is a fast wideout that has demonstrated the ability to make plays.  

Out of all the Duck free agents, Maehl will be the first to ink a deal. 

Brandon Bair Will Be on a Week 1 Roster

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 6: Defensive end Brandon Bair #88 of the Oregon Ducks looks over the offense as he stands at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Orego

While Brandon Bair did go undrafted this past weekend, I believe this is a player that various teams will take a second look at and someone will not only pick him up, but he will also end up making that team.  

Bair has a great football frame and is able to clog passing lanes when he gets his hands up. His size and speed will win over a general manager. 

Javes Lewis Is Already Regretting Leaving Early

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BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 3: Safety Javes Lewis #14 of the Oregon Ducks puts his helmet back on after a time out in the third quarter of the game against the Boise State Broncos on September 3, 2009 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game

When the list of Oregon players entering the NFL Draft came out, most people saw the names they expected to see, until they saw Javes Lewis.  

Lewis, a junior, was a solid player in Oregon's secondary. Many people believed that he would return for his senior year, develop and get ready for the NFL Draft. Even with an extra year, many projected he would be a late round pick in 2012.  

Instead of waiting another year, Lewis stunned all Duck fans and declared for the draft, but found himself undrafted. Lewis may end up being a player that plays in the UFL this year and hopes to turn that experience into a shot at playing in the NFL.

Kenny Rowe Will End Up Starting by the End of the Year

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Kenny Rowe #58 of the Oregon Ducks reacts during their game against the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jona

Kenny Rowe is another player that was not drafted but is certainly not out of opportunities. Rowe is an explosive end that capped off his final two years at Oregon by making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.  

If Rowe can use this time to increase his strength and maintain his speed, he will end up not only on an NFL roster, but will also be starting.

D.J. Davis Will Not End Up on a NFL Roster

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 06: Wide receiver D.J. Davis #10 of the Oregon Ducks heads down the field after making a reception in the third quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won

For as much as D.J. Davis meant to the Oregon football program, he may end up being the odd man out once the NFL season resumes.  

While Davis has a NFL-type body, he played in an offense that was run first and he also had to play second fiddle to Jeff Maehl throughout the last two years. Both of these factors played against him during the draft and will follow him into free agency.