Predictions For Mountaineers’ Fates In Upcoming NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night, where 257 players’ dreams of becoming an NFL player will come true after all the hard work in the collegiate ranks.

Over the past two NFL drafts, there’s only been one West Virginia player taken each year, and this year could be the same.

The Mountaineers have produced NFL-level talent, but recently, there haven’t been too many WVU players selected.

There’s only really one player that’ll be guaranteed taken in this year’s draft, offensive lineman Wyatt Milum, with a couple having the potential to sneak in the later rounds.

It’s not surprising there is a low number of projected Mountaineers drafted, since they didn’t have the best season last year, and there was a coaching turnover. Rich Rodriguez produced over 10 NFL Draft picks in his first tenure at West Virginia, so maybe there’ll be an increase of WVU players drafted in the years to come.

Here are predictions of where West Virginia players might land.

Wyatt Milum, offensive line

Prediction: No. 81 overall (Round 3) to the Cincinnati Bengals

Wyatt Milum has been projected as a third-round pick in this year’s draft at guard by multiple NFL Draft experts.

His versatility to play all of the positions on the offensive line will draw attention from NFL front offices and boost his draft stock this year. But, with the shorter 32 1/8-inch arm length, he might only see action as a guard.

Being taken in the third round, Milum won’t be a Day 1 starter for most teams, but will have a chance to become a backup this year.

Milum has a lot of experience after playing 32 games over four seasons. He didn’t allow a sack in his final three seasons and was All-Big 12 Conference second team.

There are a lot of teams that could use a boost to the offensive line in this year’s draft. Experts have the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins as possible suitors to add Milum in the third round, but the Cincinnati Bengals have a pick between the two and could use a guard also.

Cincinnati’s offensive line allowed the fourth-most sacks in the NFL last year, so they could use some help, or at least depth at the position. Milum provides a versatile lineman who can play anywhere on the line for the Bengals.

Sean Martin, defensive tackle

Prediction: Undrafted

Defensive tackle Sean Martin is the only other WVU player who has a chance to be drafted, but it’s unlikely.

ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid listed Martin as the 275th-best prospect in this year’s draft. There are 257 picks in this year’s draft, so Martin being selected would be a reach for teams, according to Reid.

Martin showed production with 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and 23 tackles in 2024. He’s consistent, too, playing every game in four out of five years.

There are a lot of teams that could use interior defensive line help, and Martin could find a spot on a roster, but it might come in undrafted free agency instead of being drafted. This year’s draft is deep at defensive line, so it’ll be harder for Martin to hear his name called.

Some teams he could sign with or be drafted by are the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. All three teams need defensive line depth.

Austin Brinkman, long snapper

Prediction: Undrafted

Austin Brinkman is another name that’s most likely going to find a spot on a roster through undrafted free agency.

Brinkman is arguably one of the best long snappers in this year’s class, but the need is scarce.

There have been 13 long snappers drafted since 1981. Todd Thomas was the first selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. The most recent was in 2021, where there were two selections in the sixth round.

Brinkman will find a spot on a roster, but it won’t be through the draft.

Others to keep an eye on:

Kole Taylor, tight end

Prediction: Undrafted

Aubrey Burks, safety

Prediction: Undrafted

Garret Greene, quarterback/wide receiver

Prediction: Undrafted

Fatorma Mulbah, defensive line

Prediction: Undrafted