Texas’ Leading Pass-Catcher Gunnar Helm Makes NFL Draft Decision
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, players face crucial decisions that can shape their future in the sport. For many players, the decision to turn professional is one of the most significant crossroads of their careers. For some, the allure of the NFL and the chance to pursue a lifelong dream of playing at the highest level is undeniable. This is especially true for athletes who have demonstrated exceptional talent and production during their college careers. One such player who has recently made waves in the college football world is Gunnar Helm, the leading pass-catcher for the University of Texas Longhorns.
Helm, a tight end who became one of the standout players on an offense that showed significant promise in 2024, has long been considered a potential NFL prospect. Known for his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, Helm has steadily increased his stock over the course of his career at Texas. Now, after a stellar season where he emerged as one of the top weapons in the Longhorns’ offense, Helm has made the decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.
This decision has sent ripples through both Texas football and the broader college football world. As one of the top pass-catchers in the nation, Helm’s entry into the draft is expected to have a significant impact on the Texas football program and will shape the future of the tight end position in the NFL. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Gunnar Helm’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft, his rise to prominence at Texas, his prospects in the professional league, and the potential implications for both Texas and the NFL.
1. Gunnar Helm’s Rise to Prominence at Texas
Gunnar Helm’s journey to college football success is a story of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to improving year after year. A native of North Carolina, Helm originally made his mark as a high school standout in both football and basketball. His athleticism and versatility caught the attention of several college programs, but it was the University of Texas that ultimately secured his commitment.
When Helm arrived in Austin, he was immediately noticed for his combination of size and agility. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 250 pounds, he possessed the ideal frame for a modern tight end, capable of being a force in both the passing game and the running game as a blocker. His versatility allowed him to line up both as a traditional tight end and in more spread-out formations, making him a difficult matchup for defenses.
During his first few years at Texas, Helm’s role on the team was gradually expanded. Initially, he served as a backup option in a loaded tight end room, but as the season progressed, it became clear that Helm had the potential to be much more than just a supporting player. By his sophomore year, Helm was firmly entrenched as a key part of the Longhorns’ offensive game plan. His ability to stretch the field with his size and athleticism made him a valuable asset in both the short and deep passing game.
Helm’s breakout moment came during the 2024 season when he emerged as Texas’ leading pass-catcher, registering over 700 receiving yards and scoring several touchdowns. His knack for making difficult catches in critical situations, particularly in the red zone, set him apart from other tight ends in the nation. Helm’s development as a reliable and dynamic weapon in Texas’ offense led to widespread recognition, not just in the state of Texas, but nationally as well.
As his production continued to increase, so did the attention from NFL scouts. His ability to block effectively in the run game while being a legitimate threat in the passing game made him an ideal candidate for the professional ranks, where versatility is key. By the time Helm had finished his junior season, his draft stock was on the rise, with many experts considering him a potential top-tier tight end prospect for the upcoming draft.
2. Gunnar Helm’s Decision to Declare for the NFL Draft
Gunnar Helm’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft came as no surprise to those who had been closely following his career. While some players choose to stay an extra year in college to further develop their skills and improve their draft prospects, Helm’s decision was based on several factors. Chief among them was his belief that he had accomplished what he set out to do at Texas and that the time had come for him to take the next step in his football journey.
After a standout junior season in which he proved himself as Texas’ top pass-catcher, Helm was faced with the difficult decision of whether to return for his senior year or to enter the draft. The decision was not made lightly, as staying another year could have allowed Helm to further solidify his place as one of the top tight ends in college football. However, with his stock at an all-time high and with the chance to pursue his professional dreams, Helm ultimately decided that the time was right for him to make the jump to the NFL.
His decision was also influenced by the potential opportunities awaiting him in the professional ranks. NFL teams are increasingly placing value on versatile tight ends who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. Helm’s ability to block effectively in both traditional and spread offenses, combined with his ability to run precise routes and make contested catches, made him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a well-rounded player at the position. Helm’s decision to declare for the draft not only opened the door to these opportunities but also gave him the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage in football.
Additionally, Helm’s decision may have been influenced by the desire to support his family financially. While college athletes are now able to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the financial incentives of the NFL — particularly with first-round prospects — are hard to ignore. Declaring for the draft offered Helm the opportunity to begin his professional career and potentially secure a lucrative contract, one that could change his and his family’s financial future.
3. Helm’s NFL Draft Prospects
As one of the top tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Gunnar Helm enters the process with a high level of anticipation. While there are a few other standout tight ends in the class, Helm’s blend of size, athleticism, and production makes him a compelling prospect for NFL teams. Here are a few key aspects of Helm’s game that have made him a potential first-round or second-round pick:
1. Size and Athleticism
At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Helm has the ideal physical attributes for an NFL tight end. His height and wingspan give him the ability to go up and grab passes in traffic, while his weight allows him to be a formidable presence as a blocker. Additionally, Helm possesses excellent agility for a player of his size, with the ability to run smooth routes and make plays after the catch. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup for defenders, whether it’s linebackers trying to cover him in the passing game or defensive linemen attempting to shed his blocks in the running game.
2. Versatility
One of the things that sets Helm apart from other tight end prospects is his versatility. At Texas, Helm was used in a variety of roles, from a traditional tight end lining up next to the tackle to a flex tight end who could be split out wide or in the slot. His ability to play in multiple positions gives him the flexibility to fit into a wide range of offensive systems, making him an attractive option for NFL teams that run a variety of schemes. In today’s NFL, versatility is a prized commodity, and Helm’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game only increases his draft stock.
3. Production and Reliability
Helm’s production over the past few seasons at Texas has been exceptional. He was Texas’ leading pass-catcher in 2024 and was consistently a reliable target for quarterbacks in key situations. His ability to make difficult catches, particularly in the red zone, is one of his strongest traits. As a pass-catching tight end, Helm has proven that he can be a go-to option in critical moments, making him a valuable asset for an NFL offense looking for a dependable and skilled tight end.
4. Blocking Ability
While Helm is primarily known for his receiving ability, his blocking is also a key asset. NFL teams place a premium on tight ends who can contribute in both the passing and running games, and Helm’s ability to block in a variety of schemes makes him an all-around threat. His size and technique allow him to be an effective blocker on both the line of scrimmage and as a lead blocker in the running game.
4. Impact on Texas and the NFL
Helm’s decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft marks the end of an era for the Texas Longhorns. As the team’s leading pass-catcher in 2024, Helm’s departure leaves a significant void in the offensive lineup. Texas will need to find a new player to step up and fill the role that Helm has vacated, which will be no easy task. Helm’s presence on the field provided a security blanket for the Longhorns’ quarterbacks and gave them a reliable target in critical moments. Without him, Texas will have to find new ways to generate offense and find a player capable of assuming his responsibilities.
For the NFL, Helm’s decision brings attention to the increasing value of versatile tight ends in the modern game. As the NFL continues to evolve, teams are looking for players who can not only block but also serve as dynamic receiving threats. Helm’s ability to contribute in both areas makes him an ideal candidate for this role, and his potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL is high.
Conclusion
Gunnar Helm’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is a significant moment in both his career and the world of college football. After a standout season in 2024, Helm has established himself as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation, with a combination of size, athleticism, versatility, and production that make him an appealing option for NFL teams. While his departure leaves a void for Texas, it opens the door for Helm to pursue his professional dreams and potentially change the course of his life and career. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Helm, who has the potential to be a standout tight end in the next generation of NFL stars.
