The 2025 NFL draft class got a bit better on Tuesday as it was announced that Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond is entering the draft instead of returning to the program. This is going to be interesting to see what this means for where he is chosen as well as what happens for the Longhorns going into next season. Let’s take a closer look at what this announcement means for all sides heading into the draft season.
Isaiah Bond Heading to the NFL Draft
Isaiah Bond has been one of the top wide receivers in college football in this draft class and had a bit of a down season in his first year with the Longhorns. Bond is actually not the first Longhorn receiver to declare for the draft as Matthew Golden also is in the draft class. He spent the first two years of his collegiate career with Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring. On his social media accounts, he posted a thank you to everyone who helped him along the way and announced his intention to enter the 2025 NFL draft.
“With extreme enthusiasm, I am officially declaring my intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Where football has led me, and where it will take me, is an absolute dream. To the team that I am soon to join, I can’t wait to make an impact on our future success and dominance in the National Football League. You will have the best of me, as we make history in THE GREATEST LEAGUE ON EARTH!!!!”
Bond was certainly an impact player when on the field as throughout his three seasons, he finished with 99 receptions for 1,428 yards (14.4 yards per catch) and 10 receiving touchdowns while adding five carries for 101 yards (20.2 yards per rush) and one rushing touchdown. He never had a season where he had more than 670 receiving yards or more than five touchdown receptions, leaving a bit on the table. The 5-foot-11 junior is expected to be one of the top receivers in this draft class.
Isaiah Bond is currently projected to be as high as a late first-round or early second-round selection in this year’s draft. It will be interesting to see how he does at the NFL Combine and if that is going to alter where and when he gets selected.
What teams are the best fit for Isaiah Bond?
There are going to be teams that are interested in Isaiah Bond for their team as the incoming rookie can be a nice asset to have. There are a few teams that are in a position to draft a wide receiver and have a glaring need. One team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, as they are going to need some offensive skill position players after being eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round this past weekend.
Another team that has a desperate need for a wide receiver is the New England Patriots. With a new coach in Mike Vrabel, getting quarterback Drake Maye some weapons in his second season in the NFL will certainly help him develop. This Patriots offense finished dead last with 176.1 passing yards per game and 30th with just 17.0 points per game. Getting a talented wide receiver who has played his college career against some of the toughest defensive backs in the SEC would certainly be an improvement for the roster going forward.
