Prior to the draft, Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm visits with the NFL team.
Texas Longhorns TE Gunnar Helm Visits with NFL Team Ahead of Draft: A Look at His Rising Draft Stock
As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon, college football players are preparing for the next big step in their careers. One player making headlines as he approaches the draft is Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm. Helm has caught the attention of multiple NFL teams due to his strong performances at Texas and his potential to contribute at the next level. Recent reports suggest that Helm is making his rounds to meet with NFL teams, looking to secure his place in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Helm’s journey to the NFL Draft has been marked by steady growth and impressive performances on the field. Known for his combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, he has become one of the top tight end prospects in the nation. His rise has also been helped by the increased importance of tight ends in modern NFL offenses. With teams looking for versatile players who can block as well as catch passes, Helm’s skills make him an appealing option in the upcoming draft.
In this article, we will explore Gunnar Helm’s college football career, his strengths and weaknesses as an NFL prospect, his potential fit with NFL teams, and the implications of his visits with various teams as he prepares for the draft. This piece will also delve into the importance of tight ends in today’s NFL, how they are evolving, and why players like Helm are in high demand.
Gunnar Helm: A Look Back at His College Career
Gunnar Helm’s journey to becoming a top tight end prospect started at the University of Texas, where he became an integral part of the Longhorns’ offense. While not initially a star player, Helm’s development throughout his college career has been impressive. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 250 pounds, Helm possesses the ideal frame for a modern tight end, and his physicality has allowed him to become a reliable asset both in the passing game and in the running game as a blocker.
Throughout his time at Texas, Helm has had the opportunity to learn under some of the best coaches in college football. His growth as a player was noticeable in his junior season, when he became a go-to target for Texas quarterbacks. His ability to stretch the field as a receiving tight end and his effectiveness in the run-blocking game earned him recognition as one of the top tight ends in the Big 12.
Despite sharing the field with other talented players, Helm consistently proved himself to be a playmaker. His route-running ability, combined with his natural hands, made him a target that defenders had to respect. Additionally, Helm demonstrated his value as a blocker in both the run and pass game, showcasing the all-around skill set that NFL teams covet in tight ends.
Helm’s development culminated in a senior season where he cemented himself as a top-tier tight end prospect. His statistics may not be as eye-popping as some of the other big-name players at the position, but his work ethic, reliability, and potential have made him a top target for teams in need of a versatile tight end.
The NFL Tight End Position: A Growing Need
Tight ends have long been an essential part of NFL offenses, but in recent years, the position has become even more important due to the evolution of the league’s offensive strategies. Gone are the days when tight ends were primarily used as blockers or as safety nets for quarterbacks on short routes. Today’s NFL offenses are increasingly reliant on tight ends who can stretch the field, make dynamic plays, and serve as mismatches against defenses.
With the rise of pass-heavy offenses, tight ends have become a critical part of the modern passing game. Tight ends like Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, and Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens have shown just how important the position can be in creating mismatches in the passing game. These players possess the size to overpower smaller defenders and the agility to outrun bigger linebackers and safeties, making them a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
As a result, NFL teams are constantly looking for tight ends who can serve as dual threats—able to contribute in both the blocking game and the passing game. This makes players like Gunnar Helm, who have the ability to both block effectively in the run game and contribute as reliable receiving options, highly valuable on draft boards.
Teams are also increasingly looking for tight ends who can create mismatches in the red zone. With their size and ability to make contested catches, tight ends are frequently used as reliable red-zone targets. Helm’s ability to be a threat in this area only increases his draft value.
Gunnar Helm’s NFL Potential: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Size and Athleticism: At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, Helm has the ideal size for an NFL tight end. He possesses the strength to block in-line against defensive linemen and the speed to stretch the field in the passing game. His ability to be a versatile player in both the run and pass game is a major asset.
- Blocking Ability: Helm’s blocking is one of his most appealing qualities. In the NFL, tight ends are often tasked with being a sixth lineman on running plays or helping to protect the quarterback in pass protection. Helm’s ability to block with physicality and precision gives him an edge over other tight end prospects who may be more focused on their receiving skills.
- Hands and Route Running: While Helm is known for his blocking ability, he is also a capable receiving tight end. His hands are reliable, and he has demonstrated the ability to make difficult catches in traffic. Helm also possesses good route-running skills for a player at his position, which allows him to create separation from defenders and be a consistent target in the passing game.
- Work Ethic and Coachability: Helm is a player who has consistently shown growth and improvement over his college career. NFL teams will appreciate his work ethic and his ability to take coaching and improve his game. This type of attitude is often a key factor in determining a player’s success at the next level.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Production: While Helm’s overall game is strong, his production during his college career has been somewhat inconsistent at times. He had moments of dominance but wasn’t always the top target in Texas’ offense, leading to some fluctuations in his statistical output. Some teams may wonder if his lack of consistent top-tier production will translate to the NFL.
- Speed and Separation: Though Helm is a good athlete for his size, he is not as fast as some of the more dynamic tight ends in the NFL. He can sometimes struggle to create separation from faster defenders, which could limit his impact as a downfield weapon at the next level. NFL teams will want to see how he fares against faster defenders in open-field situations.
- Strength as a Pass Blocker: While Helm is an excellent in-line blocker, his ability to pass block against elite NFL pass rushers will be an area of focus. Tight ends often have to help chip block for offensive linemen or provide protection for the quarterback on passing plays. Helm may need to continue refining his technique to be effective in this area at the pro level.
NFL Visits: A Chance to Impress
As the NFL Draft draws closer, Gunnar Helm has been making the rounds to visit with various NFL teams. These visits are a crucial part of the draft process, as they allow teams to get an up-close look at a player’s personality, work ethic, and ability to fit into their system. Helm’s visits are a sign that NFL teams are taking a serious interest in him and are evaluating how he could potentially contribute to their rosters.
During these visits, Helm will have the chance to demonstrate his skills, interact with coaches and staff, and potentially ease any concerns teams may have about his game. Teams will look closely at his physical traits, his tape, and his interviews, and use this information to determine whether he is a good fit for their offense. Given his well-rounded skill set, Helm is likely to draw significant attention from teams looking for a versatile tight end.
Possible Fit with NFL Teams
Several NFL teams may be interested in drafting Gunnar Helm due to his skill set. Teams that rely on multi-dimensional tight ends—those who can block effectively and contribute in the passing game—are likely to see Helm as an ideal addition. Additionally, teams that run zone-based blocking schemes or focus on utilizing tight ends in multiple roles within their offense could see Helm as a valuable asset.
Given the importance of tight ends in today’s NFL, Helm could be a fit for a wide range of teams looking to bolster their depth at the position. Whether he’s contributing immediately as a blocking tight end or growing into a key receiving option, Helm’s versatility makes him an attractive target for many teams in need of a reliable, well-rounded tight end.
Conclusion: Gunnar Helm’s Future in the NFL
As Gunnar Helm visits with NFL teams ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the excitement surrounding his future continues to build. Helm’s all-around game, combined with his physical attributes, makes him one of the top tight end prospects in this year’s class. While he may not have the flashy statistics of some of the other top prospects, Helm’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game will make him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a versatile tight end.
As teams continue to evaluate Helm’s fit within their offenses, it’s clear that he has the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. Whether he becomes an immediate starter or grows into a key contributor over time, Helm’s journey to the NFL is one that fans and analysts will be watching closely. The 2025 NFL Draft could very well be the beginning of a promising professional career for this Texas Longhorns standout.
