Some NFL draftees on offense that I’m watching come draft day, especially days two and three.
I am keeping these players on offense in mind for this 2025 draft. The PK Watchlist features players that are a bit unheralded, but they have the production and may have the measurables to make some noise. They may not all have star potential, but they all could be starters or at least key situational members of a defensive unit, all for not much draft capital. Of course, a note of caution: there is always movement. Some of ‘em could move up the boards, which means they ain’t so unheralded. AND … some may not get much of a shot…
Brady Cook, 6-2, 215, QB, Missouri
I think that Jalen Milroe is so underrated, but it appears that he may go in the first round or early in the second, so he ain’t for the PK Watchlist. So I went with Brady Cook, who is WAY underrated, I think. Cook started four Bowl Games in four years for Missou. He was a three-team captain, the 2023 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and threw 365 straight passes without an interception. He is a plus athlete with a plus arm. I’ve been wrong about QBs a lot, but this guy is Day Three guy. I think he wins the Brock Purdy award. Like Purdy, Cook is experienced, athletic, strong-armed, tough leader. He may NOT be Purdy, but he has a chance. … I’ll leave that there.
LeQuint Allen, 6-0, 204, RB, Syracuse
Allen is what you are looking for in a undervalued running back. If he had a little more long speed, he would be a Day Two pick. I think he’s Day Three guy, but a VERY productive back. Two seasons over 1,000 yards and over 4.0 yards per carry. He also had 64 catches last year. (He can flex out at slot or wide and be very productive.) Very good pass blocker … which is very important to NFL teams that care about their quarterbacks, which are all of ‘em. Played special teams a couple of years ago. He is a tough runner, can make one cut and go, and should be a contributor right away.
Pat Bryant, 6-2, 204, WR, Illinois
I saw Bryant several times in 2023 and 2024, and he was effective against Big Ten cornerbacks. He only had one drop in 78 targets last year, and he was a first-down machine. He’s athletic, but he’s not overly fast. But his football smarts and technique made what speed he has seem more effective. He is a clutch performer. Bryant had three game-winning TD catches in 2024. He makes the most of his ability. Also, as befitting a Big Ten receiver, especially one who plays for Bret Bielema, Bryant is a good run blocker and downfield battler. He could develop into a No. 2 in the NFL.
Update: Bryant was was selected in the third round of the 2025 draft, 74th overall, by the Denver Broncos.
Keandre Lambert-Smith, 6-1, 190, WR, Auburn
Lambert-Smith is a burner, and was used that way at Auburn in 2024. He spent four years at Penn State, where in 2023 he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer. Last year, he made second-team All-SEC, with 50 catches for 19.6 yards per catch, one of the best marks in the nation. He turned in a 4.37 40 at the combine. He needs to work on his route running and strength, so that he can get open against press coverage in the NFL. But he has the speed and athletic ability to continue to improve, as he has for the last three years in college.
Chimere Dike, 6-1, 195, WR, Florida
Dike was at Wisconsin until last year, when he transferred to Florida and led the Gators in receptions. He has a long association with former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz, who also transferred to Florida. A 4.34 guy, Dike played both slot and outside equally last year, and he used his speed to great effect. He is someone who will need to really refine some of his technique. He has speed, but there will be some nuance that he will need to learn on the next level. Dike is another speed guy who will need to grow as an all-around wide receiver at the NFL level.
Luke Lachey, 6-6, 250, TE. Iowa
I watch Iowa a lot. A lot. I’ve seen the assessments of Lachey’s draft prospects. When I read draft prospects articles, I can be convinced, or at least understand the fact that these people see a lot more than I do. Anyway. Lachey? I think they are so, so totally wrong. All of ‘em. Let’s just say, the Iowa offense hasn’t been over the past several years an amazing passing machine. Lachey was THEIR NO. 1 OPTION. He played with what I would call below-average Big Ten quarterbacks. The dude can catch. Run a route. Block like an Iowa tight end. He’s GONNA BE GOOD. At least good.
Jack Nelson, 6-7, 318, OT, Wisconsin
Nelson is a four-year starter from a blue-chip program. He’s got the size, experience (three years as the starting left tackle), pedigree (his dad was a starter for Wisconsin who was drafted in the NFL), and skill to play on the next level. He projects as a swing tackle. He projects to me as a right tackle, a good run blocker who is an experienced in pass blocking. He did lead the conference in penalties a couple of years ago. The footwork needs to develop. But Nelson is a blueprint type late bloomer, playing top competition and improving year over year.
Carson Vinson, 6-6, 305, OT, Alabama A&M
The projections on Vinson are all over the place. A four-year starter at Alabama A&M, he was a First Team all-SWAC pick, as well as an honorable mention all FCS and HBCU pick. He has some experience against SEC teams (Vandy and Auburn), so there is tape of him against Power Four competition. And he did really well in the Senior Bowl and at the Combine. Vinson is athletic enough to be a left tackle in the NFL. He has a nice frame, and he could use a few years in the weight room to fill out a bit. But he loves football, is a hard worker, and is notable for his eagerness to be coached.
Connor Colby, 6-6, 309, OG, Iowa
An Iowa guard seems like a pretty safe bet for someone who can compete at the next level. Colby is experienced, with 50 starts. He was a Third-Team All-Big Ten performer in 2023 and First Team in 2024. I do like them Iowa linemen. … He is athletic and has good technique in both run blocking and pass blocking. He would be a fit for a zone blocking team. Colby needs to get stronger and will have to improve finishing. He needs to become more of a mauler. But he has a good foundation athletically to become a starting guard in the NFL.
Xavier Truss, 6-7, 309, OG, Georgia
Truss played guard and tackle at Georgia, but there’s a question as to whether he can be a tackle on the next level. But he started many games at guard. He is tall and well built, he has a ton of experience (42 starts at both guard and tackle), and he played against top-flight competition his entire career. He also played both right and left guard AND tackle positions. He is the blueprint for a developmental guard. If you need to put Truss in at either guard this season, he should be able to hold up. And he can be a backup at four positions to get you some depth.
Seth McLaughlin, 6-4, 304, C, Ohio State
This guy was named the CFB’s best center in 2024, winning the Rimington Trophy … and he missed the last six games with an Achilles tear. Mclaughlin started 25 games at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State his senior year. He is a true center, so he knows the subtleties of the position. McLaughlin also knows the ups and downs, and he was criticized at Bama for some bad snaps. Also, he missed the end of his senior year after the Achilles surgery in November. The injury will drop his draft status, and he may not be ready to go right away. But after a “redshirt” year, he could be a starting center in the NFL.
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