With the NFL draft less than a month away, Colorado State appears to have several potential NFL picks in the near future.

These prospects include — but are not limited to — Tory Horton, Jack Howell, Jacob Gardner, Henry Blackburn and Avery Morrow.

Tory Horton draft projection: Round 3

While Horton did not have an ideal final season after returning for his senior year, he did have two back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. Horton is a lighter prospect, weighing 196 lbs at 6 feet, 3 inches tall. However, his playstyle works just fine with his frame. He has shifty routes and a solid catch radius ability. He can work in the slot with his clean route running ability but can also be a downfield target. 

Horton sustained a knee injury his final season as a Ram, which played a role in his draft stock drop. And after the NFL Combine and his own pro day, it is expected for Horton to be picked up in the mid-to-late third round. 

Jack Howell draft projection: Early Round 6

The 6-foot safety is a well-rounded defensive back who is able to drop into coverage and fly down on the run. His strong tackling ability makes him a reliable player. Howell was named a two-time All-Mountain West, First Team honor in 2022 and 2023 and led all defensive backs in the nation in tackles, with 108 in his sophomore year. He also led the Rams in tackles during his junior season with 114.

Howell became a team captain in 2023; however, he had a slight drop-off in production his senior season. He isn’t the most athletic — running a 4.63 40-yard dash at CSU’s pro day and putting up nine reps on the bench press — but he is one of those prospects where the film speaks for itself.

Howell played a crucial role in the Rams’ defense and contributed strongly, earning numerous awards and national recognition. He enrolled early and was a starter in several games as a first-year. Howell is ready to be a role player, mostly likely leading him to be picked up early in the sixth round.  

Jacob Gardner draft projection: Round 6 or 7

Gardner is a well-sized center, weighing 300 lbs at 6 feet, 4 inches. He was a team captain during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and earned an All-Mountain West, Second Team nod in 2023. Gardner was a vital piece to the Rams’ offensive line, which averaged nearly 400 offensive yards per game in his senior season and only allowed 14 sacks in 2024. His wingspan of 79 inches is on the shorter side, however, that shouldn’t be much of an issue given that he plays in the interior of the line.

Gardner provides great availability, as he has started every game of his college career and has the ability to move over to guard. The AP Third Team All-American Center is capable of being a third-stringer to a practice-squad player, so teams could pick him up in the sixth or seventh round.

Henry Blackburn draft projection: Round 7 or undrafted free agent

Blackburn had a strong college career and was a reliable safety. Not only was Blackburn reliable in making key plays in games, but he notably had a 23-yard returned interception against Nevada and picked up a pair of fumbles against Utah State and San Diego State in 2023. Blackburn earned an All-Mountain West, Honorable Mention in 2023 and was a team captain. In 2022, he ranked second on the team with pass breakups. His aggressive downfield play style makes him a necessity on crucial downs. Blackburn has a strong frame, weighing 205 lbs at 6 feet.

Blackburn can be a reliable practice-squad player and is ready for any roster elevations. Teams may also acquire him as a solid special teamer. With his demonstrated skill, this physical safety is projected for the seventh round or to be an undrafted free agent. 

Avery Morrow draft projection: Undrafted free agent tryout

Morrow was a breakout player during the Rams’ 2024 campaign, racking up over 1,000 yards rushing on 184 carries. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry this past season and ran a 4.55 at his CSU pro day. He has a strong frame and uses great leverage when squeezing extra yards out. He has good vision and thrives running between the tackles, alleviating his quarterback’s pressures in the passing game.

Although Morrow is a lower-profile running back, he has the potential to show during a tryout, given his strong finish to his college career. He may be a sneaky pick-up for any team needing a practice-squad running back. 

Overall, the Rams improved their record in 2024, finishing at 8-5. This was, in part, due to all of the aforementioned players returning for another year. They showcased their talents and are now set on waiting. Day one of the NFL draft kicks off April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Reach Aron Medrano at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @AronMedrano27.