Is Tory Horton the Most Underrated WR in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Every NFL Draft cycle, we fall in love with the superstars. And let's be honest, the 2025 wide receiver class has its fair share of them. Names like Luther Burden III and Tetairoa McMillan are already penciled in as first-round locks, destined to become the new face of an NFL franchise. They dominate the headlines, the mock drafts, and the highlight reels.

But the true magic of the draft—the part that separates good GMs from great ones—happens on Day 2 and Day 3. It's about finding the players who slip through the cracks. The players who don't have the Power 5 pedigree or the freakish combine numbers but simply know how to play the game of football at an elite level.

Which brings us to Colorado State's Tory Horton. If you're looking for this year's Puka Nacua or Amon-Ra St. Brown—a player whose production and skill far outweigh their draft stock—Horton might just be your guy. So, let's dive in and ask the question: is Tory Horton the most underrated wide receiver in the entire draft?

The Production Machine from the Mountain West

First, let's talk numbers, because Horton's are impossible to ignore. After transferring from Nevada to follow his head coach Jay Norvell, Horton became the engine of the Colorado State offense. He wasn't just an option; for long stretches, he was the only option.

Consider his output:

• 2022: 71 receptions, 1,131 yards, 8 touchdowns
• 2023: 96 receptions, 1,136 yards, 8 touchdowns

That's back-to-back seasons of elite production despite being the focal point of every opposing defense's game plan. Week in and week out, everyone in the stadium knew where the ball was going, and Horton still delivered. His 31% target share in 2023 was one of the highest in the entire nation. This isn't a case of a player feasting as a secondary option; this is a player single-handedly carrying a passing attack.

The Film Doesn't Lie: What Makes Horton Special

Statistics are one thing, but they don't tell the whole story. To understand why Horton is such an intriguing prospect, you have to watch the tape. When you do, you see a player whose technical skill and football IQ are already at an NFL level.

Master of Nuance: Elite Route Running

Horton isn't a 4.3 speed demon who just runs past defenders. His game is built on craft, deception, and nuance. He understands how to attack a defensive back's leverage, using subtle head fakes, sharp footwork, and brilliant changes in tempo to create separation. He doesn't just run routes; he sells them.

Watch him on a simple comeback route. He'll accelerate hard, forcing the corner to open their hips and bail, then sink his own hips and snap back to the quarterback in a way that very few college receivers can. He's a technician who wins with intelligence, and that's a trait that translates directly to Sundays.

"My Ball" Mentality: Dominating the Catch Point

For a receiver who is listed at 6'2", Horton plays like he's 6'5" in contested situations. His ball skills are simply outstanding. He has a massive catch radius and consistently demonstrates the ability to high-point the football and secure it in traffic. His body control is phenomenal, allowing him to adjust to off-target throws and make acrobatic catches along the sideline look routine.

This is a crucial skill. In the NFL, windows are tighter and throws aren't always perfect. A quarterback needs to be able to trust his receiver to win 50/50 balls. Horton has proven time and again that he is that guy. He has a "my ball" mentality that you just can't teach.

More Than an Outside Threat: True Versatility

While he spent most of his time as an outside 'X' receiver for the Rams, Horton has the skill set to be a versatile weapon in an NFL offense. He's shown the ability to work effectively from the slot, using his route-running savvy to find soft spots in zone coverage.

On top of that, he brings legitimate value in the return game. He was a dangerous punt returner for Colorado State, showcasing his vision and elusiveness in the open field. That kind of special teams versatility is a golden ticket for earning a roster spot and getting on the field early in a player's career.

So, Why Isn't He Getting More Hype?

If he's this good, why is he consistently mocked as a Day 3 pick? There are a few classic reasons why players like Horton get overlooked.

1. Level of Competition: The Mountain West isn't the SEC. It's the most common knock against him, and it's a fair point to raise. However, we've seen countless receivers from non-Power 5 conferences—from Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington) to Davante Adams (Fresno State)—dominate in the NFL. Good players are good players, regardless of their helmet decal.
2. The Combine Conundrum: Horton is a good athlete, but he's not expected to be a "combine warrior." He likely won't run a sub-4.4 forty or post a record-breaking vertical jump. In a pre-draft process that often overvalues testing numbers, players whose game is built on skill and intelligence can sometimes see their stock fall unfairly.
3. Lost in a Stacked Class: The 2025 WR class is deep. With so much attention on the top-end talent, solid, reliable players like Horton often get lost in the shuffle until the draft gets closer.

NFL Projection and Pro Comparison

So what does Tory Horton project to be in the NFL? He has the tools to be an immediate contributor. In the right system, he could quickly become a reliable, high-volume WR2. His floor is that of a high-end WR3 who can move the chains and be a quarterback's best friend on third down.

A great pro comparison for him is Jakobi Meyers. Like Meyers, Horton isn't the most explosive athlete, but he wins with exceptional route running, reliable hands, and a high football IQ. They are both crafty players who understand how to get open and can be trusted to make the tough catch when it matters most.

The Verdict: A True Diamond in the Rough

So, back to our original question. Is Tory Horton the most underrated receiver in this draft? It's always a debate, but he has one of the strongest cases you can make.

He's a plug-and-play receiver with a proven track record of immense production, refined technical skills, and the versatility to contribute on special teams from day one. He checks every box except for the one labeled "hyped-up superstar."

While other teams are swinging for the fences in the first round, some smart organization is going to call Tory Horton's name on Day 2 or early Day 3. And when they do, they'll be getting one of the best value picks in the entire 2025 NFL Draft—a future starting receiver hiding in plain sight.