2025 NFL Draft prospects: An early look at where Iowa State players may land

It's never too early to start thinking about the 2025 NFL Draft, right?

There are a number of Iowa State players who could be selected in next year's draft. The Cyclones have a pair of defensive backs who could follow the blueprint T.J. Tampa has laid out for them, along with a handful of other draft candidates of the defensive side of the ball. On offense, a pair of wide receivers and an offensive lineman are poised to make waves with good seasons for the Cyclones.

Here are the six Cyclones who should be 2025 NFL Draft prospects:

Iowa State 2025 NFL Draft prospects

Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name

Jayden Higgins, WR, Senior

Transferring in from Eastern Kentucky, Higgins instantly made an impact for the Cyclones at wide receiver. In 13 games played and 12 starts, the Miami native had 53 receptions for nearly 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He earned Big 12 honorable-mention honors. At 6-foot-4, he's a great red-zone target and is a solid route runner for his height.

If he can replicate or improve upon his numbers from the 2023-24 numbers, his size will always pull the attention of scouts and could propel him up the draft board.

Jarrod Hufford, OL, Senior

Hufford, an offensive guard, will return for his sixth and final year of eligibility in 2024-25. Behind him, the Cyclone offense averaged 245 passing yards and 120 rushing yards per game. The Cyclones ranked 11th in the nation in fewest sacks allowed.

At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Hufford's size for the guard position is adequate for the next level and should draw the attention of NFL scouts.

Jaylin Noel, WR, Senior

Noel is a speedster and it shows. According to Iowa State, he was the first FBS player to have four 50+ yard receptions, two 50+ yard kick returns and two 30+ punt returns in one season. In 2023-24, Noel had 66 receptions, 820 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

He's a guy that you want to get the ball to in space and allow him to make special things happen. His change-of-direction ability is an asset in route-running and in shaking tackles for extra yardage. With increased production, he could be one to watch in the draft as a return man asset.

Joey Petersen, DE, Senior

Petersen had his first full year as a starter in 2023, tallying a team-high seven tackles for loss. The North Scott alum has NFL size at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. Should his production see an uptick, Petersen will be one to watch on NFL draft boards.

Darien Porter, DB, Senior

Porter has a chance to rise dramatically in his senior season. He played 12 games, with no starts. In limited action, he accumulated three pass breakups and 10 tackles. The coaching staff has a lot of praise for Porter, so how far he'll grow as a starter will be interesting to watch.

Myles Purchase, DB, Senior

With a team-high 15 pass breakups and ranking third with 56 tackles, Purchase thrived in his second year as a full-time starter. He has a lot of trust from the coaching staff, drawing starts as early as his freshman season. He should be an NFL player at cornerback following his senior season in Ames.

Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: An early look at where Iowa State players may land in 2025 NFL Draft