Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – With the 2025 NFL Draft beginning Thursday, a plethora of Hokies are looking to hear their names called over three days of excitement in Green Bay. 17 Tech hopefuls, including a mix of both offensive and defensive standouts, are primed to contribute to their future squads after showing their skills on the gridiron during their college careers. Between high-flying wide receivers, warriors in the defensive trenches, and place-kicking specialists, Hokie fans should keep their eyes and ears peeled starting this Thursday.
Eight of the 17 Hokies who are in the running for draft consideration are on the offensive side of the action. Headlining the production is running back Bhayshul Tuten, who after setting group-best statistics in the 40-yard dash (4.32) and vertical jump (40.5”) at this year’s NFL Combine, is garnering national attention. Franchises that draft Tuten will undoubtedly feel the New Jersey native’s impact, as his combination of patience and downhill running can elevate the ground game of any team in the league.
Contributors to Tech’s air attack will also be featured at the 2025 NFL Draft. Quarterback Collin Schlee, who saw action in a series of contests this past fall, will look to take his combination of mobility and pinpoint passing to the pros. In his sole year as a commander of the Hokie offense, the Maryland native threw for three touchdowns, ran for two, and tallied over 400 yards in the air over ten games played.
A large amount of Virginia Tech’s “Bad Boyz” wide receiver room will hope to bring their game to the next level. Da’Quan Felton, Ali Jennings, Stephen Gosnell and Jaylin Lane all bring unique traits that can easily translate to offenses. Lane also doubles as a premier return specialist, bringing back 24 punts for 245 yards (10.2 average). His electrifying return touchdown against Marshall on Sep. 7 is just a taste of what Lane, who was named a PFF Top X-Factor prospect, can bring on Sundays.
The Hokies also bring a grouping of offensive and defensive linemen to the scene. Offensive linemen Parker Clements and Kaden Moore front the group, the latter ranking third amongst blocking Hokies according to Pro Football Focus (77.6).
Leading the charge amongst the defensive group is none another than Antwaun Powell-Ryland. A semifinalist for the Lombardi Trophy, Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Powell-Ryland posted two four-sack games and ended his redshirt senior campaign with 43 tackles. He also became Virginia Tech’s first player to surpass double-digit sacks in a season since 2005 with an FBS-third-best 16.
Joining Powell-Ryland along the defensive line are Aeneas Peebles, Josh Fuga, Cole Nelson and Wilfried Pene. Peebles, who spent his graduate student year as a Hokie, was the only FBS defensive tackle with pass rush grades that exceeded the elite 90-point threshold in each of the past two seasons. His quick feet, explosiveness in the interior, and high football intelligence make him a prospect teams could find in the third to fourth round, says ESPN’s Mel Kiper in the most recent Big Board.
Heads have been turning for the Tech draft class of defensive backs, comprised of Keonta Jenkins, Jaylen Jones, and powerhouse Dorian Strong. Strong, who was recognized as a Sleeper Prospect by PFF’s Max Chadwick, led the Hokie secondary in coverage ratings per PFF (75.0). The Maryland native brings an impressive set of skills that would benefit any defensive scheme that favors press coverage.
Additionally, punter Peter Moore will look to hear his name called this weekend. A three-time team captain, Moore is only one of two Tech punters in history to achieve more than 10,000 punting yards (A.J. Hughes) and has a pair of All-ACC Third Team selections on his resume (2021, 2024). His longevity at the position is also not to be ignored, as the 6-foot-1 punter played in 51 consecutive games to end his career.
The 2025 NFL Draft will serve as the culmination of hard work, dedication and passion that has served this year’s class of NFL Hokie hopefuls well. To stay updated on who gets their name called during the three-day event, be sure to follow through the Key Plays newsletter as teams get on the clock Thursday night!