Tag: Gunnar Helm

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TE Gunnar Helm, Texas

Gunnar Helm is a project with upside

This three-star high school recruit out of Colorado committed to the University of Texas, where he played for four seasons, finally stepping up as a senior to become part of the passing attack. He saw minimal use as a receiver throughout his first three years but was active for at least 12 games in each year, operating as a blocker and depth.

His role as a receiver came into focus as a senior and his breakout game was in Week 2 against the Michigan Wolverines when he caught seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He would go on to produce seven more games with five or more carries, including the first round of the College Football Playoffs when he logged 77 yards and a score on six catches in the defeat of Clemson.

Height: 6-5
Weight: 241 pounds
40 time: 4.84 seconds

Helm turned in prototypical measurements at the NFL Combine, slightly slower than most but nearly all tight ends turned in 4.7 to 4.8 40-times. He’s another athlete who also excelled in basketball in high school. Helm may have been little used through his first three seasons with the Longhorns, but he became a reliable outlet for Quinn Ewers in 2024, including all three College Football Playoff games.

Gunnar Helm stats (2021-24)

*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)

Pros

  • Great hands that almost never drop a pass
  • Big target that is quarterback friendly
  • Solid blocker in pass protection
  • Red zone threat who comes down with contested catches
  • Smart receiver that can find the soft spots in a defense

Cons

  • Will need to expand route tree in the NFL
  • Speed adequate but no advantage
  • Could use further refinement as a run blocker
  • Would benefit from bulking up to face NFL defenders

Fantasy Outlook

Gunnar Helm may have a short resume with just the one season of high-level production, but he quickly became a valued part of the Longhorns’ passing game last season. He’s already shown the intelligence and athleticism to suggest he can contribute to any NFL team.

Helm is expected to be a potential late Day 2 pick and an early Day 3 selection at worst. But he will enter the NFL still needing development that may not pay dividends for another year or two down the road. His fantasy value for 2025 is unlikely to be much unless he falls to the right team and situation that provides first-year opportunities.

He’s most likely to end up as a No. 2 tight end for an NFL team but his pass-catching skills will keep him in the passing equation and his ceiling is yet unknown.

3 TEs the Rams could target on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft

In a strong class for tight ends, the Rams could target these three prospects on Day 2 of the draft

The Los Angeles Rams nearly traded up for Brock Bowers during the 2024 NFL draft. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and though the Rams’ rookie class was fantastic this past season, the offense didn’t receive much production from the tight end position; Bowers, meanwhile, went on to shatter rookie receiving records.

General manager Les Snead is entering the offseason needing to add a difference maker.

Snead could add a pass-catching tight end via a selection during the 2025 NFL draft. The Rams are scheduled to own two third-rounders (Nos. 90 and 100). We’ve identified three tight end prospects Snead could target in that range.

Mason Taylor, LSU

Mason Taylor was a big-time weapon for the LSU Tigers in 2024, finishing third on the team in receptions (55) and receiving yards (546). Taylor is an athletic pass catcher and well-rounded prospect who also doubles as an effective in-line blocker. That alignment versatility should appeal to Sean McVay throughout the pre-draft process. The general consensus among scouts was that he was the second-best tight end at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Elijah Arroyo, Miami

Few prospects improved their pre-draft stock at this year’s Senior Bowl like Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo did. The Frisco, Texas native created consistent separation at practice, displaying advanced route-running ability. Arroyo caught everything thrown his way, displaying the potential to be an elite pass catcher at the next level. The quick-footed pass-catcher hauled in 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns for the Hurricanes this past college football season.

Gunnar Helm, Texas

Gunnar Helm took advantage of Texas’ high-scoring offense this campaign by hauling in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. Helm might be the most sure-handed TE in this entire class, with occasional flashes of above-average athleticism. He’ll be the fifth or sixth tight end drafted in April.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Texas A&M hosts former Longhorns TE that’s in transfer portal

On Saturday, Texas A&M will welcome Amari Niblack to campus for a visit

As Texas A&M looks to bolster its offense, it is showing interest in a former Longhorns weapon. On Saturday, Texas A&M will welcome Amari Niblack to campus for a visit. The Florida native entered the transfer portal after one year with Texas.

During the 2024 campaign, Niblack hauled in five catches for 33 yards. He also averaged 6.6 yards a catch, with his longest reception of the season going for 20 yards. While it was a disappointing season for the former four-star recruit, he is not long removed from the best year of his college career.

Before joining the Longhorns, the talented junior flashed his potential with Alabama. In 2023, Niblack recorded a career-high 20 catches for 327 yards. He will be looking to prove that his production was no fluke as he hopes to join a program where he can be an important part of the game plan.

If Niblack were to join Texas A&M, he would have to compete for targets. Over the last few weeks, the Aggies have been busy in the transfer portal, adding tight ends such as Nate Boerkircher from Nebraska and Micah Riley from Auburn. That was partly due to the losses of Donovan Green and Jaden Platt to the transfer portal.

While the Aggies are full of talent, it will be interesting to see if they can convince Niblack that College Station is the place to be. He spent the 2024 campaign in Austin as the third tight end on the depth chart behind Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis. 

Broncos add WR and TE in 2025 NFL mock draft

PFF has the Broncos adding a WR and TE in this 2025 NFL mock draft.

As the season comes to a close, and the college football season wraps up with bowl games, NFL scouting departments are starting to formulate who their franchise should look at drafting in April. 

With the emergence of Denver Broncos star rookie quarterback Bo Nix, it would be ideal for the Broncos to build around their potential franchise cornerstone via the NFL draft or free agency during the offseason. 

With the 2025 NFL draft approaching, Pro Football Focus believes Denver could look into wide receiver Isaiah Bond and tight end Gunnar Helm from Texas as potential pieces to build around Nix and the Denver offense.

Here is PFF’s Gordon McGuinness commentary on Bond:

Adding more receiving help for Nix should be the Broncos’ top priority in 2025, and Bond has been productive enough over the past two seasons to be drafted just outside the top 20. He has averaged 1.90 yards per route run or better in 2023 and 2024 and has posted 16.1 yards per catch so far this season.

And here is McGuinness’ note on the Helm pick:

Helm would offer a safe pair of hands for Nix over the middle, not to mention is averaging 7.0 yards after the catch in 2024 so far. In his college career, he has dropped just two of the 70 catchable targets he has seen.

The Broncos currently hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL draft, which will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]

Gunnar Helm receives high praise from PFF College

The star tight end continued to be a central part of the passing game, earning national praise

During the first round of the college football playoffs, the Texas Longhorns continued to show why they are one of the best teams in the country. While everyone on the roster contributed, Gunnar Helm was one player who stood out. The star tight end continued to be a central part of the passing game, earning national praise.

Against Clemson, Helm led the Longhorns in receptions with six and receiving yards with 77. He was the only player with more than two catches and he frustrated the Tigers’ defense all afternoon. Due to his play, Helm earned an 85.4 rating from PFF College, which was the highest among tight ends in the first round.

As the Longhorns prepare to take on Arizona State, Helm’s latest acknowledgment is a continuation of what he has done this year. During the 2024 campaign he has been a human highlight reel, setting career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

When the Longhorns take on Arizona State on Wednesday, Helm will be a player the Sun Devils focus on. They will be looking to take away Quinn Ewers’s playmakers, a list Helm is at the top of. That shows how important the Colorado native has become.

If Helm can build on his last week’s success, another high rating could be on the horizon. When he is at his best, the Longhorns’ offense is hard to stop, and so far during the playoffs, he has done his part to help the Longhorns get closer to a national title.

Gunnar Helm leads Longhorns in win over Kentucky

In his best performance of the season, Helm showed how good he is

During the 2024 campaign, Gunnar Helm has been a reliable weapon for Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers. That continued over the weekend as the Longhorns’ talented tight end was a scoring machine. In his best performance of the season, Helm was a popular red zone target.

Against the Wildcats, Helm hauled in five receptions for 51 yards. The Englewood native averaged 10.2 yards a catch and found the end zone twice. While he finished second on the team in receiving yards, he was the only Longhorns player to record a receiving touchdown.

As Texas rolled to another conference win, Helm had his best game of the season, recording two touchdowns. This season, he has set career highs in receptions with 42, receiving yards with 544 and touchdowns with five. Regardless of who has been under center he has been a valuable piece.

With the playoffs inching closer, Helm should continue to be a popular target in the passing game. He has improved every year and proven that he is a player defenses must keep their eyes on at all times. His best play of the season is coming at the perfect time.

While the Longhorns don’t expect Helm to have multiple touchdowns every game against Kentucky, he was that guy when they needed him to be over the weekend. He will get to build on his stellar performance this weekend when Texas takes on Texas A&M.

Longhorns offense getting unexpected boost from Gunnar Helm

While the 2024 campaign is far from over, Helm is putting together the best season of his college career

Over the last few years, Gunnar Helm has been a steady presence in the Longhorns’ offense. In his senior year, the Colorado native has taken his game to a new level and has been a bright spot every week. While the 2024 campaign is far from over, Helm is putting together the best season of his college career.

Through four games, the Longhorns tight end has recorded 11 receptions for a career-high 197 yards. He has also added one touchdown catch to his resume, leaving him one short of matching his total from the 2023 campaign. In an offense full of explosive pieces, Helm has seen his targets increase and taken advantage of his opportunities.

While catching passes from Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, Helm is averaging a career-high 17.9 yards a catch. That is a decent bump from last year, as he averaged 13.7 yards. The increase has partly been due to speedsters such as Ryan Wingo and Isaiah Bond, who have drawn the focus of defensive coordinators.

With the first month of the season in the books, Helm ranks third on the team in catches and receiving yards. He is one of only three Longhorns players with more than ten receptions. His rise in production has been a welcome sign.

If Helm can keep up his current play, the Longhorns should be able to hold their own in the SEC. They have already shown they can put points on the board quickly while being backed by a very good defense. That combination could lead to a national championship.

Regardless of what this team accomplished, Helm is putting together a season he will never forget.

Early position outlook: Many fresh faces at tight end

Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley was one of Texas’ best pickups in the offseason.

The tight end position will have a much different look in 2022.

The Horns lost three-year starter, Cade Brewer, to graduation and his backup Jared Wiley to the transfer portal.

With Texas in need of experience at tight end, Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley decided to reunite with Steve Sarkisian in Austin.

Billingsley totaled 37 receptions for 559 yards and six touchdowns in his three years at Alabama. He will serve as the older guy in the room with lots of young, but unproven talent behind him.

Texas has a trio of sophomores who will compete for playing time this spring.

Gunnar Helm, probably the best blocker of the group, got the most playing time out of the three a season ago. Helm appeared in all 12 games, mostly on special teams.

Former five-star Ja’Tavion Sanders has one of the highest ceilings out of anyone on the roster. Sanders had a bit of trouble adjusting to the college game in his freshman season, but he will now have a full offseason with the program to develop his game.

Juan Davis is a guy Steve Sarkisian speaks very highly of. Davis only played in two games last season recording just one catch.

If Billingsley picks up where he left off in Tuscaloosa and the younger guys step up, tight end could be one of the best position groups on the roster.

Texas’ TE situation with Jared Wiley entering the transfer portal

Texas will need to replace both starting tight ends next season. Who will they look to?

Texas’ offense will look much different at the tight end position in 2022. Continue reading “Texas’ TE situation with Jared Wiley entering the transfer portal”

Texas Football: Six notes on the initial depth chart for Louisiana

Shortly after Steve Sarkisian’s press conference, the depth chart was released by Texas. Here are six notes on the initial three deep.

Steve Sarkisian’s first game week press conference was on Monday where Hudson Card was officially named the starting quarterback. Shortly after, the entire depth chart was released by Texas.

There were few surprises from the top to bottom. Since the Longhorns are returning a lot of talent from last season, many of the starters from last season will play similar roles.

Here is the full depth chart:

At the end of the day, the depth chart released could be completely different from what Sarkisian and his staff end up doing. In-game adjustments could be made based on matchups or a player could prove he has earned playing time throughout the practice week.

Until Saturday, all we have is a three-deep roster at all 29 positions listed. Sarkisian has proven via the quarterback battle he is going to play something closer to his chest.

Here are six notes on Texas’ initial depth chart for Saturday’s matchup against Louisiana: