Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications
By Bennett Conlin
The 2024 NFL Draft came and went, and for the fourth consecutive draft, no JMU players were selected. Could that streak come to an end in 2025?
It’s quite possible, as the Dukes have a highly talented roster with hopes of making the College Football Playoff. Here’s a way-too-early look at JMU’s players with the best chance to hear their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jacob Dobbs, LB
The Holy Cross transfer checks a lot of boxes scouts look for in a draft pick.
First, Dobbs produces on the field. He’s recorded 432 tackles during his college career, including a pair of 100+ tackle seasons. He didn’t just show up at the FCS level and compete, but rather he dominated the Patriot League. He’s a two-time conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Secondly, Dobbs checks important athletic boxes. He’s not the tallest guy in the world at 6-feet-tall, but he weighs in around 235-240 lbs, a size that fits the NFL. He was also listed on The Athletic’s Freak List last season, with a vertical jump near 39 inches, a 40-yard dash a hair below 4.6 seconds, and a squat max near 600 lbs. He should test quite well, if he receive invites to pre-NFL Draft events.
Finally, Dobbs is viewed by just about everyone he runs shoulders with as a high-character person and leader. He’s viewed as a locker-room positive, which should help him impress scouts.
As of April 29, 2024, I believe Dobbs has the best chance of any JMU player of being drafted in 2025.
Cam Ross, WR
Ross doesn’t have crazy measurables (5’10 and 180 lbs), but he produced at UConn. He has over 1,000 career receiving yards despite battling injuries while playing with the Huskies.
Given JMU’s inexperience at wide receiver, Ross might be the team’s go-to target in 2024. If Ross stays healthy for a full season as JMU’s No. 1 wide receiver, he could be a late-round draft pick.
His potential draft stock would largely depend on pre-draft testing, as the 40-yard dash is critical for wide receivers hoping to sneak into the draft. If Ross puts up a great season and runs well, it’s possible he’s a draft pick.
Ross also has a background on special teams, returning kickoffs and punts. That only adds to the possibility he could earn a draft spot. That’s experience Reggie Brown, who was recently signed to an undrafted free agent deal, didn’t have during his JMU days.
Ayo Adeyi, RB
The former North Texas running back has an impressive combination of speed and power, running for over 1,000 yards last season. He’s averaged more than seven yards per carry in each of the last two seasons.
If Adeyi puts up another season with similar yards per carry averages, he could become a late-round running back prospect. His college workload isn’t alarming either, as he’s never carried the ball more than 143 times in a season.
A healthy Adeyi coming off three highly productive seasons at the Group of Five level could reasonably generate NFL interest.
Dylan Morris, QB
On paper, the 2025 NFL Draft class has questions at quarterback. Given the importance of the position, it’s possible Morris impresses scouts with a stellar final collegiate season and earns a draft spot as a late-round prospect.
He’ll need to limit interceptions, which he struggled with at Washington, if he wants any chance of being drafted. Still, JMU’s recent history suggests Morris could end the season with an efficient year and NFL consideration.
It helps that his Washington teammates all speak highly of Morris’ character and leadership.
Other JMU names to watch
Ryan Hanson, P – Hanson was a weapon in 2023, earning Second Team All-Sun Belt honors. Hanson had 29 of his 59 punts downed inside the 20, with only two touchbacks. He’s adept at pinning teams inside their own territory. If he showcases enough power in his leg – he only had two punts over 50 yards – Hanson has the tools to play professionally.
Omarion Dollison, WR – Dollison barely touched the ball in 2023, but he’s here for an obvious reason: speed. Few guys in the Sun Belt run as fast as Dollison. If he’s used more heavily in the offense and produces consistently, Dollison has the speed to attract NFL interest.
Tyshawn Wyatt, OL – Any of JMU’s starting veteran offensive linemen could theoretically earn an NFL look, but I’ll put Wyatt on the list headlining the bunch. At 6’4 and 315 lbs, Wyatt has tremendous size. He’s been a starter for multiple seasons, playing both tackle and guard. If he has a dominant 2024 season, Wyatt has the physical tools to demand NFL interest.
Terrence Spence, DB – Spence, a possible starter for JMU in the secondary, also has six career blocked kicks from his time at Holy Cross. NFL teams love looking at special teams starters in the late rounds of the draft. Should Spence start at defensive back for JMU and continue to play excellent special teams, he might warrant consideration.
Former Dukes with pro potential
The 2025 NFL Draft could be a huge year for former Dukes in the NFL Draft.
Antwane Wells Jr., who is now at Ole Miss, could become a first-round pick if he stays healthy. He was a top receiver in the SEC when healthy at South Carolina, and Ole Miss’ offense is expected to be among the most dangerous in the country in 2024. If Wells stays healthy, he’s all but a lock to get drafted in 2025.
Elsewhere, the Dukes have numerous names to monitor at Indiana. Nick Kidwell, James Carpenter, Jailin Walker, Aiden Fisher, Tyler Stephens, Zach Horton, and Elijah Sarratt will all be draft eligible.
Sarratt is a particularly interesting guy to monitor, as he had major interest in the transfer portal. If Sarratt plays at an All-Big Ten level, could the junior make the leap to the NFL? It’s possible, given his size and sure hands.
Additionally, Jordan McCloud enters the 2024 season as the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year. If he shines at Texas State, he could become a late-round prospect. McCloud isn’t the biggest guy in the world, but neither is Morris. While Morris might have the bigger arm, McCloud is more dynamic as a rusher.
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