The story of Week 8 was that the highly anticipated matchup between the Georgia and Texas fell short of expectations. However, an exciting batch of 2025 NFL Draft Risers on the offensive side of the ball boosted their stock.
Week 8’s Offensive NFL Draft Risers Headlined By Explosive Wideouts
WR Darius Lassiter, BYU
The BYU Cougars have been one of the most fun-to-watch teams through the first eight weeks of the 2024 College Football Season. Their high-octane offense has propelled them to the top team in the Big 12 to go along with a 7-0 record. That undefeated record was threatened against the unranked Oregon State Beavers. Senior wide receiver Darius Lassiter delivered the clutch play of the game; catching a 40-yard touchdown within the last 10 seconds of regulation to take a 38-35 lead and keep BYU’s spotless season alive.
With that final grab, he matched his season-high single-game touchdown total and finished the contest with six catches for 129 yards. In his second year with the Cougars, Lassiter has racked up 450 yards and four touchdowns so far. These totals are already just 21 yards shy of his previous career high. After a late decision to return for his final year last spring, Lassiter has emerged as a consistent producer on the Cougars offense. He could hear his name called in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.
Potential Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons
WR Kaden Prather, Maryland
Kaden Prather’s breakout 2023 campaign solidified him as one of the Big 10’s most dangerous wide receivers. As a result, it put some NFL Scouts on notice. While his 2024 season has been largely overshadowed by the team’s star wideout Tai Felton, he certainly showed out in the Terrapins come-from-behind 29-28 victory over USC.
Prather put together his best game of the season against a struggling USC defense, snagging nine passes for 111 yards. He was a consistently available option for Terrapins quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. Prather also showcased impressive route running and technique at all three levels of the field. His quick burst and refined body control continuously pop on tape, and he could elevate himself into a legitimate WR prospect with a strong finish to his senior season.
Potential Team Fit: Baltimore Ravens
TE John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
The Wyoming Cowboys 2024 season has been a disappointing one, to say the least, sitting at just 1-6. One part of their team that has been anything but a disappointment is tight end John Michael Gyllenborg. After recovering from an injury that kept him out of the team’s first few matches, he has lived up to the “freak athlete” designation. That title has placed him on many draft followers’ watch lists.
Arguably the premier prospect out of this week’s NFL Draft Risers Gyllenborg enjoyed a steady three games to kick off his 2024 campaign. Despite the 24-14 loss against the San Jose State Spartans, he took his production to another level. Bringing in five passes for a whopping 137 yards and a score, he looked like every bit of an NFL tight end. His 63-yard touchdown toward the end of the game capped off his impressive night and should give NFL scouts plenty of game tape to look forward to.
Potential Team Fit: Philadelphia Eagles
OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
Being outside of the upper echelon of offensive tackles, Jalen Travis has suffered the same fate as many offensive linemen. The media coverage they get isn’t nearly at the level they deserve. That will likely change as the massive 6’7 340 pound tackle more than held his own.
Travis kept UCF Star Malachi Lawrence in check for most of the night. Quarterback Rocco Becht had plenty of space in the pocket. Travis’ draft stock took a hit during his underwhelming 2023 season. However, he has been quietly stringing together a couple of stout performances that could get him back into the spotlight.
Potential Team Fit: New England Patriots
Main Photo Courtesy of Tommy Gilligan – Imagn Images
