Utah Football’s Draft Nightmare? Mock Drafts Hint at Brutal Shutout for Utes and Cougars Alike
Could this be the year the NFL forgets Utah?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, mock drafts from analysts nationwide are painting a grim picture for both Utah and BYU — and the possibility of zero players hearing their names called is no longer just a nightmare scenario. It’s starting to feel real.
It would be a historic drought. For powerhouse programs with rich traditions and passionate fanbases, the idea of being completely shut out is unthinkable. Yet, the latest projections suggest just that: not a single Utah or BYU player cracking the seven-round mock drafts from ESPN, CBS Sports, or The Athletic.
How did we get here?
For Utah, it’s a shocking fall from grace. Just a few seasons ago, Kyle Whittingham’s defense was a factory for NFL talent. But with injuries, underwhelming performances, and draft-eligible players failing to shine under the national spotlight, the buzz has fizzled. For BYU, the post-Zach Wilson era hasn’t translated into pro-level star power, and their inconsistent 2024 campaign only added to the decline.
The implications are massive. No draftees means no spotlight on pro day, no headlines in April, no recruiting momentum. For programs that pride themselves on producing Sunday-ready talent, this would be a black eye — not just for the coaches, but for the culture itself.
Still, there’s hope for late-round surprises or undrafted free agent success stories. But the message from mock drafts is loud and clear: the national respect has faded, and the NFL scouts are looking elsewhere.
For Utah and BYU, the next few weeks are about redemption, reputation — and proving the critics wrong. Because if the draft door slams shut in 2025, it’s not just a bad look. It’s a full-blown identity crisis.
