AI: The landscape of how NFL front offices value concussed players is actively shifting as medical baselines and scouting protocols have tightened. [1]

A major test case for this scenario is unfolding right now with Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore. Widely projected as a potential top first-round pick, Moore suffered a severe concussion from a late hit against USC on September 26, 2026.

On October 26, 2026, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning officially announced that Moore will miss the rest of the season. Because Moore was previously viewed as a top-3 to top-10 lock, draft analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have already adjusted his stock to No. 25 overall on active big boards. How early Moore is selected in the upcoming NFL Draft will serve as the most modern benchmark for how teams weigh late-season collegiate concussions against elite potential. [1, 2]

According to AI, which knows more than I do, there is a huge salary difference between being the 3rd overall pick in the NFL draft as a QB compared to the 25th pick. If the all-knowing AI is correct, it may behoove Dante to come back next fall. AI Overview

The pay difference between the 3rd and 25th overall NFL draft picks is roughly $31.8 million in total 4-year contract value, or about $7.95 million more per year for the 3rd overall pick. [1]

Draft Slot	Total 4-Year Contract Value	Average Annual Value (AAV)	Year 1 Cap Number (Approx.)
No. 3 Overall	~$50.54 million	~$12.63 million	~$9.19 million
No. 25 Overall	~$18.76 million	~$4.69 million	(Lower proportional scale)
Difference	~$31.78 million	~$7.94 million/year	—

4 minutes ago, Jeff Gilligan said:

According to AI, which knows more than I do, there is a huge salary difference between being the 3rd overall pick in the NFL draft as a QB compared to the 25th pick. If the all-knowing AI is correct, it may behoove Dante to come back next fall. AI Overview

The pay difference between the 3rd and 25th overall NFL draft picks is roughly $31.8 million in total 4-year contract value, or about $7.95 million more per year for the 3rd overall pick. [1]

Draft Slot	Total 4-Year Contract Value	Average Annual Value (AAV)	Year 1 Cap Number (Approx.)
No. 3 Overall	~$50.54 million	~$12.63 million	~$9.19 million
No. 25 Overall	~$18.76 million	~$4.69 million	(Lower proportional scale)
Difference	~$31.78 million	~$7.94 million/year	—

The first 18 mil is like 20 time more important than the next 30 mil. The extra money gets so irrelevant so quick. It's way more important to get a chance to play on a good team.

Sure is a lot ugly comments on Non-Ducks message boards from people who know nothing about his medical condition, including recent reports of Dante having recurring vision issues.

If Dante has to miss the rest of the season for medical reasons, I would be very hesitant to draft him on the first few rounds, if I were an NFL team. That is a long time to miss and underscores the severity of the injury.

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by OregonDucks

Obviously, Dante’s health has to come first and I wouldn’t want to play with Oregon’s O-line with these offensive coaches.

Maybe it’ll be a blessing for Dante long-term, as he is more likely to go to a good team that will not feel pressure to rush him to play as a rookie and he’ll be able to learn and develop behind a veteran QB.

Edited 4 hours ago4 hr by OregonDucks

10 hours ago, Solar said:

The first 18 mil is like 20 time more important than the next 30 mil. The extra money gets so irrelevant so quick. It's way more important to get a chance to play on a good team.

True, but a few million to play another year at Oregon and then get the bigger amount a year later would be a nice path as well.

The punishment for deliberately hitting QBs and other key players to cause injury is not large enough. The only thing keeping deliberately injuring a QB from becoming common appears to be fear of retaliation on the field. This is the second year (that I can remember) the Ducks had their season derailed by a deliberately caused QB injury. The Trojans have to be greeting the Ducks QB troubles with glee. Players are looking at this as a successful strategy.