Locals In The 2025 NFL Draft: Who Will Get Selected?

Apr 18, 2025, 1:07 PM

(Photos courtesy of Getty Images)

KSL Sports

GREEN BAY, Wisc. – The 2025 NFL Draft is coming up next week, and a handful of players with local ties are preparing to have their names called.

From the first round to the third day, at least five players who played college or high school football in Utah are projected to be picked.

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Locals In The 2025 NFL Draft

Jaxson Dart – Ole Miss QB – Former Corner Canyon Charger & Roy Royal

There is little debate on which prospect with local ties will go first in the 2025 draft. Teams always scramble to fill their quarterback room in the draft, and Dart is seen as a top-five, if not top-three, shot-caller in the class.

Some mocks have him going as high as ninth overall to the New Orleans Saints.

NFL Draft Projection: 1st round

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Jalen Royals – Utah State WR

Royals is a versatile wideout who can suit the needs of many NFL teams. He doesn’t particularly excel in one area, but he is more than serviceable in many. He ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and posted a 36-inch vertical at the combine.

The Saints, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears are among the teams in the market for a wide receiver.

NFL Draft Projection: 2nd to 3rd round

Jeffrey Bassa – Oregon LB – Former Kearns Cougar

There isn’t a real consensus on Bassa in the draft. Some think he could be a developmental starter from day one, while others peg him as a special-teams player out of the gates. He thrives in coverage and can make plays on the quarterback if he can quickly make it through the line.

Regardless, his stock is based on upside rather than day one playability. Detroit, Las Vegas, and Miami would be teams to watch on day three.

NFL Draft Projection: Late 3rd to 4th round

Tyler Batty – BYU DE

Many analysts describe Batty as more or less of a “tweener” who isn’t strong enough to be a power rusher and not quick enough to be a speed rusher. However, you can’t knock the hustle, and Batty has just that.

His effort and athletic upside make him a near-lock to be selected on day three. Watch out for Las Vegas, Chicago, and the New York Giants to show interest in the former Cougar.

NFL Draft Projection: 5th to 7th round

Junior Tafuna – Utah DT

Unlike Batty, Tafuna has a very clear role that he aims to take to the pros. It just isn’t clear if he is big or skilled enough to do so. His combine analysis pointed out that he is on the small side for his position and could struggle when faced with power swaps with NFL guards.

His rushing repertoire and athleticism are likely enough to hear his name called late in the draft, though.

NFL Draft Projection: 6th to 7th round

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Jackson Hawes – Yale & Georgia Tech TE – Former Highland Ram

As a 6-foot-4, 253-pound tight end, Hawes’ biggest strength is easy to pinpoint. Blocking. And that strength could carry him to a higher selection than some might expect. His pass-catching sample size is small, which may scare away some teams from selecting him.

Some mock drafts have him going as high as the fourth round. It is much more likely he will hear his name near the end of the third day.