Wildcats on the rise: Who could be K-State’s next NFL first-round pick?

The Kansas State football program has seen an increase in NFL Draft selections in recent years under head coach Chris Klieman, but only one has become a first-round pick.

In 2023, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was selected by his hometown Kansas City Chiefs with the final pick of the first day.

Anudike-Uzomah was coming off a Big 12 Championship and showcased youth and athleticism at a premium professional position.

Prior to that, the last first-round pick out of Kansas State was quarterback Josh Freeman in 2009, when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A handful of others have come close but didn’t crack that exclusive list.

So which current Cats have the best chance of changing that? There are some obvious names—but others might surprise you.

To start the list, the clear player with the best chance of becoming a first-round pick is budding superstar and face of the program, Avery Johnson.

Johnson has the pedigree, intangibles, and athleticism at his position to make scouts swoon. Beyond that, he also has a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, Matt Wells, who has already sent a quarterback to the NFL—Jordan Love. If Johnson has the type of season he’s capable of, he could quickly rise to the top of draft boards.

Beyond Johnson, things get interesting. Running backs Dylan Edwards and Joe Jackson boast elite speed and explosiveness, but may lack the ideal NFL size to justify early-round consideration. The same could be said for top returning receiver Jayce Brown, who appears draftable but may not have the physical traits to be selected in the first round.

On the interior, senior Uso Seumalo possesses the size at defensive tackle to draw attention—if he breaks out in a big way. His age, however, may give some teams pause.

Along the offensive line, several players show potential to be drafted, but a few young talents stand out as potential first-round picks if they develop as hoped in Manhattan. Tackles Gus Hawkins and Kaedin Massey were both highly rated prospects out of high school with the size and build to grow into dominant linemen.

Surprisingly, tight end may be a position with first-round potential. Players like Garrett Oakley and Brayden Loftin have the measurables and athleticism to attract NFL attention. With K-State continuing to emphasize the tight end in its offense, they'll each have opportunities to break out. Still, it's five-star recruit and incoming freshman Linkon Cure who may have the best long-term potential. He possesses the tools NFL scouts covet.

Defensively, the standout with a real chance to go in the first round next year is safety V.J. Payne. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection is reportedly the fastest player on the team and has shown a knack for big hits and being around the ball. If he rounds out his game and garners postseason honors, his draft stock could soar.

Lastly, it's a youth movement on defense, with several breakout candidates. Defensive ends Chiddi Obiazor, Jayshawn Ross, and Jordan Allen all have the size and explosiveness to become household names. Linebackers Austin Romaine and Asa Newsome, as well as defensive backs Donovan McIntosh and Zashon Rich, each possess the size-speed combination that will catch scouts' attention if they live up to their potential.

So who will it be? The betting favorite today is Avery Johnson—but don’t be surprised if someone else emerges to join that first-round fraternity.