JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - The calendar turning to April means the countdown is on to the NFL Draft.
A Red Wolf could be selected for the first time in 11 years. Arkansas State center Jacob Bayer is improving his draft stock. The Senior Bowl standout has a couple of top 30 visits. Bayer gets to travel to meet with NFL teams one on one.
He met with the Chargers and the Packers, the Vikings are on the itinerary next week.
Arkansas State center Jacob Bayer @iibayer will have a pre-draft visit with #Packers this week, per his agent, Rob Sheets @KRS3Sports. He visited Chargers today and will also visit with #Vikings.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) March 25, 2025
More than a few scouts and coaches were in Jonesboro in March to see Bayer at Pro Day. I asked the Texas native what he’s focusing on as the draft approaches.
“The biggest thing, a lot more O-line,” Bayer said. “Lot more positional stuff. The Pro Day stuff is really specific, so now we just focus on getting stronger, getting faster. And being able to move on the field a little better.”
Bayer is continuing an incredible comeback story. He tore his ACL in 2024 spring practice, an injury that usually ends a season for most players. Bayer missed only one game. He started in the final 12 games of the regular season plus the 68 Ventures Bowl. The All-Sun Belt selection returned to Mobile in January to compete in the 2025 Senior Bowl.
“Feedback wise, just kinda tips and tricks from guys that have been NFL coaches, that have played in the NFL for a long time,” Bayer said about his experience in Mobile. “So really just getting to learn from the best was the biggest thing. The level of competition was big. And just kinda put myself out there.”
ESPN released a 7-round mock draft on March 27th. They project Bayer to be selected in the 7th Round by the New Orleans Saints.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off April 24th on K8-ABC.
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