Not enough people are talking about Tory Horton as a top receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, and this is why he could be a steal for a team on day two. Tory Horton is one of the top sleeper draft prospects at the wide receiver position in the 2025 NFL Draft. This in-depth scouting report explains what makes him special, and why he could be a steal in the draft. Tory Horton makes it look easy, getting in and out of his routes smoothly and working different parts of the field. He was highly productive at Colorado State and possesses several traits that suggest he can excel in the NFL.
Measurables:
6’2 1/2″
196 pounds
Overview and Film Analysis Of 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Tory Horton – A smooth route runner with soft hands.
Player Background:
Tory Horton was not a highly recruited player coming out of high school. He started his college career at the University of Nevada before transferring to Colorado State in December 2021. Other than Nevada, the University of Montana was the only school to offer him a scholarship.
From Nevada, Horton followed Jay Norvell to Colorado State and flourished in the Rams’ air raid offense. In 2022, his first season at Colorado State, Horton exploded onto the scene. He topped 1,000 yards and caught eight touchdowns in his first season at Colorado State. Horton did the same thing in 2023, recording more than 1,100 yards and snagging eight touchdowns. Those two productive seasons at Colorado State put him firmly on NFL scouts’ radars. The 2024 season was disappointing for Horton, with him battling a knee injury and playing only six games.
Scouts will look at his 2022 and 2023 tape, however, and see a player that has several traits that could make him a successful pro. Horton’s measurables, production, and intangibles should make him a sought-after prospect on day two of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
Horton is smooth getting in and out of his breaks. His route running is one of his best traits. When catching the ball, he uses his hands and plucks the ball out of the air. He has shown the ability to high point the ball and win contested catches over defenders. Horton shows a good sense for where he is on the field and made several toe-dragging catches at Colorado State.
Horton’s feel for the game is evident on tape and he shows the keen ability to find space in the defense. His ability to make guys miss was also evident on special teams, and Horton showed he can be a playmaker by returning three punts for touchdowns in his career. Horton has nice burst and can get upfield with the ball in his hands.
At the NFL Combine, Horton ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. He also posted a 37.5″ vertical, showing scouts that he has the speed and explosiveness to play at the next level. On top of the measurables, Horton displayed strong character by staying at Colorado State despite receiving heavy NIL deals to go elsewhere in 2024.
Players with Horton’s fluidity and playmaking ability tend to chart well at the next level. His game has shades of DeVonta Smith, with both players being smooth route runners and natural pass-catchers.
Weaknesses:
The injuries will be a question for Horton. Had he been healthy for the 2024 season, there’s a good chance Horton would be talked about as one of the top five receiver prospects in the 2025 class. He doesn’t have elite speed but can separate well in coverage and at the line.
Another knock that Horton is likely to receive is that he played in the Mountain West. Players at Power 5 programs tend to slide down draft boards because of the drop-off in talent. When Colorado State clashed against Colorado in 2023, however, Horton was one of the brightest stars and torched the Buffaloes.
Since many of Horton’s best games came against lesser programs, NFL teams will be watching Horton’s tape against teams like Colorado, Washington State, and Texas over the years to see how he fared against top competition.
Team Fits:
Los Angeles Rams
Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns
Prospect Grade:
Round 2
Film exposure:
Colorado
Utah State
Boise State
Player comp:
DeVonta Smith
Main Photo: [Logan Newell/The Coloradoan] – USA Today Sports