Kansas football stars impact 2025 NFL Draft with Jayhawks talent

Kansas football made its mark on the 2025 NFL Draft, with Devin Neal and Bryce Cabeldue both selected in the sixth round. Neal, the Jayhawks' all-time rushing leader, heads to the Saints, ready to learn from Alvin Kamara and bring his steady production to New Orleans. Cabeldue, after a strong Big 12 Pro Day, joins the Seahawks and will shift from college tackle to an NFL guard.

Mock drafts had earlier suggested as many as five Kansas players might be picked, highlighting the growing influence of KU talent. Meanwhile, undrafted Jayhawks like tight end Jared Casey earned rookie camp invites, showing the program's depth and NFL impact beyond just draft day.

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs as Baylor Bears safety Devin Lemear (20) pursues during the first half at McLane Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. By Chris Jones

NO. 1: WHERE KANSAS FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE PROJECTED TO LAND IN THE 2025 NFL DRAFT

The Jayhawks could have five different players picked in the NFL Draft. Here’s what the mock drafts say. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs for a long gain against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: WHY KANSAS’ DEVIN NEAL CALLED NFL DRAFT SELECTION BY SAINTS A ‘DREAM COME TRUE’

The New Orleans Saints selected former Kansas running back Devin Neal in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint was hit by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Kevin Knowles II during the 2023 Orange Bowl. By Jasen Vinlove

NO. 3: CHIEFS POST-DRAFT FREE AGENCY TRACKER: FORMER JAYHAWKS PLAYER GETS CAMP INVITE

Players from Villanova to Central Missouri to USC are coming to KC. We’re tracking who the Chiefs are signing as undrafted free agents or inviting to rookie minicamp. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

Kansas Jayhawks offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue (77) pauses before a snap during the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium on Sept. 10, 2022. By Ben Queen

NO. 4: KU LINEMAN BRYCE CABELDUE PICKED IN 2025 NFL DRAFT. WHAT POSITION WILL HE PLAY?

The Seattle Seahawks selected former Kansas offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue in the sixth round of the draft. | Published April 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shreyas Laddha

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.