Michigan State’s Jack Velling is listed among the top 10 NFL tight end prospects

Jack Velling begins his junior season and first season at Michigan State after following head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State.

In his first two seasons at Oregon State, Velling caught a total of 35 passes for 719 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The 2023 All-Pac-12 Second Team honoree is considered a candidate to be a top tight end in college football and a high-ranking draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

In June, Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick listed the “10 Tight Ends to Know Before the 2025 NFL Draft,” and Velling was included.

Nick Shultz of On3 also made a list of the best tight ends for the 2025 NFL Draft ahead of the 2024 college football season. Velling was No. 8 on Shultz’s list, ahead of Iowa’s Luke Lachey and Georgia’s Ben Yurosek.

“Last year, Jonathan Smith had an impressive season at Oregon State to complete the rebuild,” Shultz said. “He will now prepare to take over Michigan State with several former Beavers by his side – including Jack Velling.”

Shultz also mentioned that “Velling was third on OSU’s roster with 438 receiving yards last season under Smith’s leadership. He was the No. 3 tight end to transfer this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings, and could play a big role in East Lansing with Aidan Chiles also headed to MSU.”

Velling is a player who can be very productive for a young quarterback like sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles. Both played together at Oregon State last season, so they developed good chemistry during practices and games.

A young quarterback always needs reliable weapons to be successful. Velling will definitely be Chiles’ first choice since the wide receiver room is not as reliable as it has been in years past. Velling will run quick slant and drag routes to give Chiles an easy throw, which will help his development, and he is also a big target in the red zone.

After this season, Velling has a chance to become the best tight end prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6’5″ and 240lb tight end is a great player for any team and should definitely be a first-round pick if he has a successful season.

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