After consecutive years of three or more former players being selected in the NFL Draft, Kansas State football has produced another class of pro prospects, including two headliners declaring as juniors.
Here is a look at the potential landing spots of former Wildcats in this year’s NFL Draft on April 24-26.
D.J. Giddens, RB, 6’1”, 212 lbs, Junction City, KS
Giddens proved to be one of the best running backs in college football this season. Just a junior, the K-State running back decided to forego his senior season in Manhattan and enter the NFL draft.
A back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher, he lacks top-end speed other backs may have in the draft but makes up for it with a mix of elusiveness and power, as he forced 69 missed tackles in his final season as a Wildcat. He also has shown to be a willing and capable pass catcher which should help bring up his value. However, a loaded 2025 running back draft class may hurt Giddens in the draft.
Round Prediction: Round 4-5
With lots of talented running backs and the value of the position declining, it may be likely that D.J. Giddens falls to Day 3 of the draft. However, if he impresses at the combine, at just 21 years old with NFL-ready size, we could see him move up some teams’ draft boards.
Potential Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders
Jacob Parrish, CB, 5’10”, 183 lbs, Olathe, KS
Parrish was K-State’s top corner for the past two seasons. Parrish also played valuable minutes in the Big 12 Championship during his freshman season, stepping in for injured players. Parrish is a lockdown, man-to-man type corner who is physical off-the-line, jamming receivers despite his small stature.
The Olathe North product showed a good ability to make plays on the ball in the air as he had four interceptions in his sophomore season. Parrish also played some punt returner this year in some punt-safe situations which could lead him to do so for an NFL team his rookie season.
Round Prediction: Round 5
Parrish may be overlooked because of his size in the early rounds of the draft. His quickness and willingness to tackle make him versatile and should add value to him as a prospect.
Potential Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers
Marques Sigle, S, 6’0”, 197 lbs, Omaha, NE
Sigle transferred to K-State from North Dakota State and spent two seasons as a Wildcat. Sigle shows good man-to-man coverage skills for safety with athleticism to provide help in the run defense. Sigle recorded three interceptions this season, including taking one back for a pick six. He will probably be used primarily as a free safety and a special teams guy in the NFL as he shows great speed and the ability to make tackles in space.
Round Prediction: UDFA
Sigle will likely need a strong performance at the combine to jump onto teams’ draft boards this year. If not, he should have plenty of teams interested in him after the draft as an undrafted free agent. To make the 53-man roster in the NFL, Sigle will need strong performances throughout training camp and the preseason.
Potential Team Fits: Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons
Will Howard, QB, 6’4”, 235 lbs, Downingtown, PA
Howard, K-State’s all-time leading touchdown passer, finished up his college career winning the national title at Ohio State this season. During his first four years, K-State fans got to see his growth from starting as a true freshman to leading the team to a Big 12 title in 2022. Howard has great size that NFL teams will salivate over in the draft process. He throws a very accurate ball at all levels — a necessity in the NFL. K-State fans may remember Howard’s mobility in his earlier years. While it is not as much a part of his game now, Howard can extend plays if needed in the NFL.
Round Prediction: Round 2
Howard has recently skyrocketed up draft boards after his big-time performances in the College Football Playoff. While Howard isn’t seen in the top tier of quarterbacks going in the first round, some teams won’t want to pass up on the opportunity to draft a championship-caliber quarterback in the second round which is why I believe he will be selected there.
Potential Team Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets
Brendan Mott, DE, 6’5”, 244 lbs, Iowa City, IA
Mott took a massive jump in his super senior season as he recorded 8.5 sacks, which was the most in the Big 12. Mott, the league’s defensive lineman of the year, has great length as a pass rusher which helps keep offensive lineman hands off of him, allowing him to get to the quarterback. Weighing 244 pounds, Mott will likely need to put on some more weight to help translate his game in the NFL.
Round Prediction: Round 7 or UDFA
Mott will be best used as a situational pass rusher in the NFL due to his smaller weight. The measurables for Mott will test really well at the combine and with him being the Big 12 leader in sacks, a team could want to take a chance on him to keep developing his potential as a pass rusher.
Potential Team Fits: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans
Easton Kilty, OT, 6’6”, 307 lbs, Stratford, WI
Kilty spent one year with K-State after transferring in from North Dakota and started all 13 games at left tackle for the Wildcats. Kilty may be one of the more underrated linemen in the draft as he has really good movement for someone his size. Kilty was second-team All-Big 12 this season, making the jump from FCS to power conference football easy. K-State has done well developing and putting offensive linemen into the NFL and Kilty appears to be next.
Round Prediction: Round 7 or UDFA
Kilty could get drafted because he does well in run-blocking and pass-blocking schemes. This versatility could allow him to play either guard or tackle at the next level if needed. With limited roster spots on teams, versatile linemen are important and Kilty could fit a team’s need up front.
