Oregon Ducks have two first-round players in latest ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft

It's always a mystery when a player transfers to another school as to how well that player will do in his new environment.

In the case of Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks, their record in bringing in transfers and succeeding is overwhelmingly positive.

This time shouldn't be any different with new offensive lineman Isaiah World from Nevada and Dillon Thieneman from Purdue. So much in fact that in ESPN's first NFL mock draft for 2026, they have both World and Thieneman going in the first round.

According to ESPN writer Matt Miller, San Francisco at No. 23 would be the perfect landing spot for World.

"San Francisco passed on tackles in the 2025 draft, so that need still exists. World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential with his elite reach, elite agility, and experience," he said. "The 49ers need to get younger at core positions, and left tackle should be atop their wish list."

The Ducks acquired World to shore up their offensive line for the 2025 season, as that unit is expected to be on the younger side. It's essential to have a veteran such as World in the mix.

As for Thieneman, he was just too good to pass up for Oregon and the same could be true for Kansas City if this prediction holds up.

"The upcoming season will be key for young Chiefs safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who have each shown promise but haven't emerged as consistent starters," Miller said. "That could open the door for Kansas City to select Thieneman, who intercepted six passes at Purdue in 2023 and racked up 104 tackles last season. He transferred to Oregon, where he'll be able to play both deep and box safety in Dan Lanning's pro-style defense. His size (6-foot, 207 pounds) and playmaking instincts should allow him to thrive with the Ducks."

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: ESPN's latest NFL mock draft has two Ducks going in the first round