2025 NFL Draft Recap: Where Did Local Prospects Land?
Apr 26, 2025, 6:02 PM | Updated: 6:03 pm
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, Wisc. – The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books. Five prospects with ties to the state of Utah were selected across the 257 picks over three days.
Here’s where each player landed — and the situation they’ll step into as they begin their professional careers.
The 2025 #NFLDraft is over. Who were the biggest winners and losers?
Also, what do you think about the landing spots for all of the local prospects? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Xho51UUyUH
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 26, 2025
Locals In The 2025 NFL Draft
Jaxson Dart – Former Roy & Corner Canyon QB – New York Giants
Selection: No. 25 overall pick in the 1st round
The only player with local ties taken in the first two days of the draft was Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
After the Giants selected Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick in the draft, they traded back into the first round to select Dart at 25th.
Dart won’t be the day one starter. However, he will have the opportunity to learn from veteran QB Russell Wilson and eventually play in an offense that will allow him to thrive in the passing game and on the ground.
RELATED: Jaxson Dart Drafted By Giants, Breaking Down His Fit In New York
The New York Giants select former @CCHSFOOTBALL_ QB Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft!#LocalsInTheNFL #NFLDraft #NFL #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/xchAaOOU3P
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 25, 2025
Jalen Royals – Utah State WR – Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: No. 133 overall pick in the 4th round
On day three, Royals became the first local college athlete to be taken off the board.
As a speedy do-it-all receiver, the former Aggie will fit perfectly in the Chiefs’ offense and alongside Patrick Mahomes. Looking at Kansas City’s receiver room, the Royals will likely see opportunity very early on and have true wide receiver No. 1 upside.
It is a great home for Royals and was a great value pick for KC.
RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Select Jalen Royals In 2025 NFL Draft
The Kansas City Chiefs select @USUFootball WR Jalen Royals with the No. 133 overall pick in the NFL Draft! #LocalsInTheNFL #AggiesAllTheWay #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/UHkmE1ZDxB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 26, 2025
Jeffrey Bassa – Former Kearns LB – Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: No. 156 overall pick in the 5th round
The Chiefs weren’t done with locals there, though. A round later, they picked Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa.
The former Kearns Cougar is a bit of a project, but he can also definitely make an impact in his rookie campaign. Bassa thrives in coverage and can make plays on the quarterback if he quickly makes it through the line. If he doesn’t see any defensive snaps in 2025, he will see action on special teams.
Kansas City has some quality, proven linebackers. But no stars. If the chips fall the right way, Bassa could become a true Pro Bowl-level playmaker in the middle of the field.
RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Select Jeffrey Bassa In 2025 NFL Draft
The Kansas City Chiefs select former Kearns High School standout LB Jeffrey Bassa with the No. 156 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft! #LocalsInTheNFL #NFLDraft #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/D5bSPDUPrt
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 26, 2025
Jackson Hawes – Former Highland TE – Buffalo Bills
Selection: No. 173 overall pick in the 5th round
The next selection came before the end of the fifth round, and it was a bit of a surprise. Not because of the selection, but because of its timing.
Hawes was projected as a 7th-round guy, if not an undrafted free agent. But the Bills picked him up at No. 173 overall.
As a 6-foot-4, 253-pound tight end, Hawes’ biggest strength is easy to pinpoint. Blocking. And he excels in that role. He will join Dalton Kincaid in the Buffalo tight end room as players with local ties.
RELATED: Buffalo Bills Select Jackson Hawes In 2025 NFL Draft
The Buffalo Bills select Highland High School TE Jackson Hawes with the No. 173 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft! #LocalsInTheNFL #NFLDraft #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/NBNGaEjs0y
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 26, 2025
Caleb Lohner – Utah TE – Denver Broncos
Selection: No. 241 overall pick in the 7th round
That selection wasn’t nearly as surprising as what came at the end of the draft. Lohner has just one season of college football experience, but that and the physical tools were enough for Denver to take a shot in the seventh round.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and over 250 pounds with a basketball background, Lohner is the ultimate red zone threat. His four receptions for 54 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 prove that.
Everything points to him taking that same role with the Broncos if he finds his way to the field.
RELATED: Denver Broncos Select Caleb Lohner In 2025 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos select @Utah_Football TE Caleb Lohner with the No. 241 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft! #LocalsInTheNFL #GoUtes #BroncosCountry #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/5I38q4aNWD
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 26, 2025
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
