NFL Feedback: Virginia Tech is positioned for fruitful 2025 NFL Draft (2024)

Projection:Day 2 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Delane is the most well-regarded Virginia Tech prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1 inch, 180-pound Junior has played in 21 games, recording 17 starts, for 92 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 11 passes defensed in his two seasons in Blacksburg. Although he is just entering his third season, he will be eligible for the draft following the conclusion of the 2024 season, and is firmly on the radars of scouting sources. His projections have not wavered from a Day 2 selection with a source mentioning "They love him as a prospect." He is expected to turn pro, according to sources, with a good season at Virginia Tech next fall. Most feedback has mentioned him on the earlier-to-mid side of Day 2 with a low-end projection of late Day 2.

Projection:Day 2/3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Lane is the sleeper NFL prospect in the Virginia Tech wide receiver room. The 5-foot-10 inch, 192-pound Senior transferred to Virginia Tech in 2023 after spending 3 seasons at Middle Tennessee State University. Lane played in 12 games, recording 41 catches for 538 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also ran 14 times for 51 yards and returned 5 punts for 31 yards. He has been mentioned anywhere between mid Day 2 to early Day 3. Low end projections see him middle-to-late Day 3.He is expected to test well if invited to the combine and is viewed as a slot receiver at the next level. His versatility as a returner is also considered. He is expected to be one of the fastest Hokies in the 40-yard dash, and with the NFL utilizing smaller, speedy and versatile slot receivers, Lane could find himself in as a valuable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Projection:Day 2 / Day 3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Felton has the potential upside to move himself into a Day 2 selection with a solid season at Virginia Tech next fall. The 6-foot-5 inch, 213-pound Norfolk State Transfer started all 13 games in his first season in Maroon and Orange. He recorded 38 receptions for 667 yards and 8 touchdowns. Sources anticipate Felton to have a big season in 2024. Feedback has regarded him as an intriguing 'X' receiver that is expected to have a fast time in the 40-yard dash. Though he has largely projected as a Day 3 pick to this point in his evaluation, the belief is that Felton has upside that could firmly place him as a Day 2 pick.

Projection:Late Day 2/ Day 3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Strong's draft position has a larger range than most draft prospects. The 6-foot, 185-pound Senior was considered a late Day 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but opted to return to Virginia Tech for another season. In his career, Strong has played in 41 games, logging 32 starts. He has compiled 80 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions and 27 passes defensed. His 2023 season saw career highs in INTs (3) and passes defensed (11). According to feedback, there was a general consensus that scouts are looking for positional versatility out of Strong, specifically at nickel, where he could project in the NFL. He is expected to test well at the combine. If Strong is able to differentiate himself as a versatile player in the backend in 2024, scouting sources believe he could potentially rise into a Day 2 selection, though several sources believe Day 3 is more likely.

Projection:Day3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Tuten is highly considered as an NFL prospect after a successful first season in Blacksburg, Virginia. The NC A&T Transfer played in all 13 games, rushing 173 times for 863 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. He also added 27 receptions for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns with 19 kick returns for 550 yards (28.9 yards per return) and 2 touchdowns. On the high end, scouting sources believe Tuten could warrant an early Day 3 selection. The general projection currently has him as a mid-to-late Day 3 selection. Feedback has regarded the 2025 NFL Draft as a deep RB class and with teams preferring to draft prospects at the position in later rounds, it lines up for Tuten to find himself in a position similar to Khalil Herbert from a couple of seasons ago.

Projection:Day 3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, there is another surprise in the secondary for Virginia Tech. A bit of an off-the-radar name for the 2025 NFL Draft is Jalen Stroman, the younger brother of Greg Stroman. He is believed to have the upside of an early Day 3 pick. The 6-foot-1 inch, 195-pound rising Senior has played in 35 games, recording 7 career starts. He has compiled 106 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 4 passes defensed. The concern for Stroman has been his availability and experience. Many sources believe that with a big season next fall, Stroman could steadily rise up the prospect rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft and work his way into a early Day 3 selection.

Projection:Late Day 3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Antwaun Powell-Ryland (APR) is considered to be a late Day 3 selection in the next NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3 inch, 246-pound Florida Transfer had a monster first season at Virginia Tech recording 40 total tackles, 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, earning him Second Team All-ACC Honors. Verified measurables will be crucial for Powell-Ryland during next offseason's evaluations. He is being eyed at both Defensive Line and at Outside Linebacker at the next level. Sources mention wanting to see continued production against higher quality opponents. By NFL standards, APR may be undersized to play a traditional end in a 4-3 front, but many eye him as a potential candidate in the later rounds to pursue as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Projection:Late Day 3 Selection

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Virginia Tech has a QB that is beginning to be picked up on the radar of NFL scouts. After beginning the season as a back-up to Grant Wells, Drones eventually tookover as the starter, completing 166-of-285 passes (58.2%) for 2,084 yards, 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He also ran 166 times for 818 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 5 more touchdowns. The former Baylor transfer is expected to have a strong 2024 campaign with a full complement of returning players in Jaylin Lane, Da'Quan Felton, Ali Jennings, Stephen Gosnell, Nick Gallo and Bhayshul Tuten. If Drones has a very strong year, he is expected to consider making the jump to the NFL following the 2024 season. Feedback was divided about Drones. Several sources believe he has the ability to move himself firmly into a Day 3 selection with a strong season, while others believe he would benefit from a 2025 season to display improvements in his throwing mechanics. As of right now, Drones is being eyed as a late-round quarterback addition to a priority undrafted free agent.

Projection:Late Day 3 Selection/ UDFA

Analysis: Jenkins name came up a few times as a potential NFL prospect, while other sources did not have Jenkins on their radar. There is intrigue over his ability as a versatile player for the Hokies. The 6-foot-3 inch, 212 pound player has played both safety and linebacker in his time at Virginia Tech. He has played in 44 games, recording 22 starts, compiling 117 total tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 8 quarterback hurries. While he is not a sure-fire draft pick at this point in his evaluations, Jenkins has certainly popped up on the radar of a few scouts who view the linebacker as a worth-while risk in later rounds or as an undrafted free agent.

Projection:Late Day 3 Selection/UDFA

Analysis: Per scouting sources, Virginia Tech's starting Center Kaden Moore has been viewed as a late Day 3 selection or Undrafted Free Agent. The 6-foot-3 inch, 303-pound Redshirt Senior has played and started in 37 games in his career. From his redshirt freshman season to his redshirt sophom*ore season, Moore was the starting right guard for the Hokies for 24 games. Last season, Moore made the switch to Center, and started in all 13 games. Sources did not specify a position for Moore, but some view him as a draftable talent as an interior offensive lineman in next year's draft. Feedback largely regarded Moore as a priority free agent.

These are a collection of names that have been evaluated by sources, but were not issued a draftable grade. Many of which vary in terms of projected interest as undrafted free agents.

WR Ali Jennings - According to sources, the major concerns with Jennings revolve around his age and his injury history as a wide receiver. He is viewed as a priority free agent that is likely to make the roster.

DL Aeneas Peebles - One name I was surprised not to hearin the conversation as much was the talented defensive lineman, who has transferred from Duke to Virginia Tech. Sources believe he can work his way into a Day 3 Selection, but his is regarded as an UDFA at the time of writing this article.

LB Keli Lawson - Sources are intrigued by the physical and athletic traits that Lawson possesses, but he will need to keep improving on the gridiron in order to work his way into the NFL Draft conversation.

OL Xavier Chaplin - Feedback views the 6-foot-6 inch 323-pound offensive lineman as an intriguing prospect, but mainly sources believe that an additional season in 2025 would continue to help the left tackle rise up the draft boards ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

LB Sam Brumfield

TE Nick Gallo

DL Josh Fuga

P Peter Moore