Longhorns tight end preparing for NFL Draft with SEC QB

Posted by author February 21, 2025 NFL

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Gunnar Helm turning to a former opponent to prepare for NFL Draft

As Gunnar Helm prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, he has turned to a former opponent for help. He is training with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. During the 2024 campaign, the two faced off on Oct. 26, when Texas beat Vanderbilt 27-24. Pavia is set to return to school for another year, but first, he is ensuring Helm is ready for the next step in his football career.

With the 2025 NFL Combine only weeks away, Helm is ranked as the fifth-best tight end. He is projected to be a third-round pick after the best season of his college career. In his last season as a Longhorn, Helm set career highs in catches with 60, receiving yards with 786, and touchdowns with seven. Helm was a reliable option in the passing game regardless of who was under center.

During his time in Austin, Helm battled through the highs and the lows until the program turned things around. His stock has been on the rise over the last few years as Steve Sarkisian has helped install a winning culture. He also reset the record books and holds the program record for most career catches by a tight end.

For many NFL teams who need help in the passing game, Helm will draw plenty of interest. He was one of the best at his position and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. The trophy is given annually to the nation’s best tight end.

Although the draft is still months away, Helm should be a name that continues to pop up on people’s radars. During the 2024 campaign, he showed he could handle a heavy workload, finishing with the highest number of in-line reps of any tight end. In a competitive SEC conference, he set himself apart.

Like many who have faced Helm, Pavia knows how good he is. He should have a reason to celebrate in a couple of months when Helm hears his name called and accomplishes a lifelong dream.