The path to the 2025 NFL Draft officially starts this week at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Six members of Virginia Tech’s 2024 team are in Indianapolis looking to make an impression for the draft in April in Green Bay.
Some of the Hokies were on NFL scouts' radar even before the 2024 season, and they only strengthened their case and rose their stock with impressive performances throughout the season. Some players also impressed at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East/West Shrine Bowl practices and game. Here is a case for each former Hokies player to be drafted this year.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland: Competitiveness
The case could be made that edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland seriously had his stock drive up quickly this past season. He had 16 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles and recoveries. He had two strong years in Blacksburg after coming over from Florida.
His ability to get off the line of scrimmage quickly and his overall speed at his position should open some eyes to teams. He will be drafted, it’s just a matter of whether or not he can move up with a strong showing in the combine.
Dorian Strong: Gamer
If there is a team looking for cornerback depth, then Dorian Strong is their guy. He had a career-high 2024 season with 32 tackles, 20 solo and two picks, one shy of what he had in 2023. He had two in one game against Boston College.
He is projected to be a mid-round pick, but he can move up the board with teams. Strong can be a good run defender and is a good open-field tackler. He has the tools to be an effective NFL cornerback.
Aneas Peebles: Motivation
A transfer from Duke, Aeneas Peebles was a huge addition to the Virginia Tech defensive line for 2024. He solidified the line and is quick off the snap. His speed is underrated as we saw on Thursday when he ran the 40-yard dash at the combine.
His technique could use some polishing up, but there is no doubt that he’s motivated to play at the next level and he brings a tough competitiveness to the field that teams will love.
Jaylin Lane: Playmaker
One player who raised a lot of eyebrows at the Senior Bowl was Jaylin Lane. The speedy wide receiver stood out some days over some of the other top receivers in Mobile. He hauled in 38 catches for 466 yards and two touchdowns last season, but former offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen used him in gimmick plays and reverses. Lane finished with 116 yards rushing and two touchdowns on eight carries.
He returned punts for the Hokies in 2024 in place of the injured Tucker Holloway, even taking one back for a touchdown in Week 2 against Marshall. His speed and ability to break away from defenders is impressive, along with being a good route runner. He brings a lot to the table that teams would like with the little things.
Da’Quan Felton: Underrated playmaker
Another Hokies’ wide receiver at the combine, Da’Quan Felton, his numbers will not jump off the page at you. He had 32 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns, seeing a drop in his numbers from his first season in Blacksburg.
Regardless, when he was called upon, he made plays and has breakaway speed once he’s in the open field. He was someone who needs to work on route running, but if he gets that down, he can make some big explosive plays.
Bhayshul Tuten: Elusiveness
You can make the case that most running backs have some elusiveness, but Bhayshul Tuten’s was noticeable on nearly every play. His ability to break tackles and pick up extra yardage after first contact is what made him a special player for the Hokies.
He rushed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season and if there is one school who knows about his elusiveness, it’s Boston College when he gashed them for 266 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. He is someone who is seen as a potential draft riser with a solid combine.