An in-depth look at the 16 Buffs making an appearance at Pro Day
This Friday, NFL scouts and general managers will be in Boulder for what promises to be the biggest Colorado Pro Day in program history. With two projected top-five picks in Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, all eyes will be on the Buffs when 16 total players showcase their skills at the next level. This will be must-watch content for Buffs fans as a new era of CU football talent takes center stage. Here’s a look at who’s participating and what’s at stake:
Offense
Shedeur Sanders
Quarterback
Projection: Top-5 pick
Outlook: Friday is a massive day for Shedeur, who opted out of NFL Combine drills to perform in a more controlled environment. His accuracy, timing and chemistry with his receivers will be key. If you’ve watched Shedeur over the last two seasons in Boulder, you know he is probably the most accurate passer in this draft class. Expect him to put on a literal show during throwing drills, dropping dime after dime to his receivers.
Travis Hunter
Wide Receiver and Cornerback
Projection: Top-5 pick
Outlook: Hunter has little to prove but may still participate in drills. Scouts are already enamored with his elite two-way ability. Any extra flashes he shows on Friday will only solidify his status as a generational talent ahead of the draft.
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Wide Receiver
Projection: High-End Day 3
Outlook: With limited tape from 2024 due to injury, Horn needs a strong showing on Friday. Scouts love his explosiveness and potential as a return specialist. He’ll be aiming to continue his strong showing from the NFL Combine, as the internet and pro scouts alike have had good things to say about Horn after his time in Indianapolis.
Will Sheppard
Wide Receiver
Projection: High-End Day 3
Outlook: Sheppard’s big frame and deep-ball skills are appealing. If he runs a good 40-yard dash and shows strong hands in drills, he could climb into Day 3 territory for receiver-needy teams. Since Sheppard didn’t get an invite to the NFL Combine, Friday’s Pro Day is pivotal to his draft stock. He’ll need to seize his opportunity to show out in front of NFL coaches and executives if he wants to hear his name called in Green Bay.
LaJohntay Wester
Wide Receiver
Projection: High-End Day 3
Outlook: Wester had a breakout year in Boulder, becoming Shedeur’s No. 2 target and CU’s primary chain-mover. His route running and short-area quickness are top-tier, but size concerns could drop him. After having an average performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Wester likely still has more to prove to NFL Scouts. An improved 40-yard dash and shuttle time will be key for him.
Justin Mayers
Offensive Line
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: Mayers had a steady presence on the offensive line late in the season, working into the rotation at guard and holding his own. After having limited playtime and tape during his one season in Boulder, Mayers will look to prove his strength and technique are NFL-caliber.
Kardell Thomas
Offensive Line
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: The transfer from Florida A&M didn’t see consistent reps for the Buffs this year, but could still intrigue teams with raw physical tools.
Defense
Shilo Sanders
Safety
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: After being left out of the NFL Combine, Shilo finally gets his shot here to wow league executives. Scouts like his toughness, but questions linger about speed, coverage and discipline. Shilo’s been working hard at improving ahead of pro day with Colorado’s strength and conditioning staff, so expect him to go all out. A strong 40-yard dashtime from the eldest Sanders brother on CU’s roster could change things.
Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig
Safety
Projection: Low-End Day 3
Outlook: Along with Will Sheppard, Silmon-Criag is one of two Buffaloes who should have been invited to the NFL Combine but wasn’t. Because of that, the vocal leader of the defense has a lot to prove. He’s got instincts and production, but if he can put up some good measurables to match that, it’ll put NFL teams on notice.
BJ Green II
Defensive End
Projection: Day 3
Outlook: On a defense that led the Big 12 in sacks, Green was CU’s most consistent pass rusher. He has put up more than enough tape during his time in Boulder and at Arizona State prior, but he’ll need good measurables if he wants to get drafted. Scouts want to see him bend and burst off the edge.
Shane Cokes
Defensive Tackle
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: Cokes had a quietly productive presence on the D-line, doing a lot of dirty work for the Buffs in the interior. If he shows out on Friday, he could catch on as a rotational or practice squad guy.
LaVonta Bentley
Linebacker
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: Bentley is a physical linebacker who brought leadership and energy to Colorado’s defense, along with being a key reason why the Buffs’ run defense improved so much from 2023. He’s showcased he can lay the iron when needed, but speed will be the key variable for him at Pro Day, so keep an eye out for his 40 time.
Chidozie Nwankwo
Defensive Tackle
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: Along with Cokes, Nwankwo was a key run-stopper in the middle for the Buffs. As a smaller guy for being a defensive lineman, scouts will likely focus on his agility and strength.
Travis Jay
Defensive Tackle
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: A raw athlete. His future would likely be on special teams unless he flashes elite testing numbers.
Herman Smith III
Safety
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: A true special teams hopeful. Pro day will be crucial to his shot at camp.
Special Teams
Mark Vassett
Punter
Projection: UDFA
Outlook: An elite punter who proved his worth during his two seasons in Boulder. NFL teams want to see the consistency and hang time in person.