Tory Horton, a wide receiver from Colorado State University, has emerged as a promising prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 185 pounds, Horton possesses an intriguing blend of size and skill that has caught the attention of NFL scouts.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tory Horton, Colorado State
College Career
Horton began his collegiate journey at Nevada, where he spent his first two seasons before transferring to Colorado State. His production exploded after the move, with back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023.
2022 Season: 71 receptions, 1,131 yards, 8 touchdowns
2023 Season: 96 receptions, 1,136 yards, 8 touchdowns
His impressive performances earned him First-Team All-Mountain West honors in both 2022 and 2023. Horton’s 2024 season was cut short due to a knee injury, limiting him to 26 receptions for 353 yards and 1 touchdown in partial play.
Strengths
Vertical Threat: Horton excels as a deep-ball receiver, showcasing tremendous vertical-ball tracking ability. His effectiveness in stacking defensive backs and winning on go-routes makes him a constant big-play threat.
Reliable Hands: With plucky hands and reliability at the catch point, Horton demonstrates the ability to secure catches in contested situations. This skill translates well to the NFL level, where tight windows are the norm.
Size and Speed Combination: At 6’3″, Horton has the height to be a mismatch for smaller defensive backs. Coupled with his effective vertical speed, he presents a challenging cover for defenders.
Productivity: Horton’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Colorado State demonstrate his ability to consistently produce at a high level. His 96 receptions in 2023 showcased his potential as a volume receiver.
Versatility: Beyond his receiving skills, Horton has shown the ability to contribute in other areas. He has experience as a punt returner, even scoring touchdowns on returns. Additionally, he’s attempted a few passes, adding an element of trick-play potential to his repertoire.
Areas for Improvement
Route Running: While effective on vertical routes, Horton’s route tree appears limited. Expanding his versatility as a route runner will be crucial for his success at the NFL level.
Release Package: Against physical press corners in the NFL, Horton may struggle to create separation off the line of scrimmage. Improving his release techniques will be essential.
Blocking: His physicality in the run game is described as modest. NFL teams value receivers who can contribute as blockers, so this is an area where Horton could improve.
Injury Concern: The knee injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely will need to be thoroughly evaluated by NFL medical staff.
Read More: Group of Five Prospects to Watch for in the 2025 Draft
NFL Projection
Horton projects as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, likely in the third round. His skill set and physical attributes suggest he could develop into a quality WR3 in an NFL offense, with the potential to grow into a more significant role.
Horton’s ability to stretch the field vertically makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add a deep threat to their receiving corps. His size and ball-tracking skills could make him particularly effective in the red zone.
Potential NFL Fits
Several teams could benefit from adding Horton to their receiver room. The Dallas Cowboys, picked as a potential landing spot in a recent mock draft, could use Horton to complement CeeDee Lamb and provide another weapon for Dak Prescott.
Other teams that might consider Horton include the Kansas City Chiefs, who could use his vertical threat ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities for Patrick Mahomes. The Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots are also teams that could benefit from adding a receiver with Horton’s skill set.
Conclusion
Tory Horton enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact as a deep threat and red-zone target. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills make him a valuable asset in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
While there are areas of his game that need refinement, particularly in route running and release techniques, Horton’s production at the collegiate level and his physical tools suggest he has the potential to develop into a solid NFL contributor.
As with any prospect coming off an injury, Horton’s medical evaluations will be crucial in determining his final draft position. However, if he can prove he’s healthy and continue to develop his skills, Tory Horton could become a valuable addition to an NFL receiving corps in the 2025 season and beyond.
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