The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Michael Heldman, EDGE
Heldman joined Central Michigan in 2021. He redshirted in 2021 then had a solid season in 2022 with seven tackles for loss and two sacks. In 2023, he tallied 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He improved in 2024 with six tackles for loss and four sacks. This season has been his best yet, as he has 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Heldman has decent size for an NFL edge rusher. His growth over the years is worth noting and his production this season should put him on the radar for NFL teams. He may not be drafted, but will likely get a chance to show himself at a camp.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Jordan Kwiatkowski, LB
Kwiatkowski was a freshman in 2022 for the Chippewas. He had 10 total tackles that season, as he played on special teams. His role increased in 2023, as he had 32 total tackles. As a starter in 2024, Kwiatkowski registered 96 total tackles and 14 total tackles. this season, he has racked up 109 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
He stands at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, which at least gives him a filled-out frame for his shorter size. Kwiatkowski has shown good pursuit and his experience on special teams could help him make an NFL roster down the road.
Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Caleb Tiernan, OT
Tiernan was a four-star recruit who joined Northwestern in 2021. He redshirted in 2021 before starting some of the time in 2022 at right tackle. Tiernan moved over to left tackle for the 2023 season and impressed. His stock rose in 2024, as he played left tackle and was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. In 2025, he was named Second Team All-Big Ten for his play.
He has good size for an NFL offensive tackle at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds. Tiernan moves well for his size, which helps and he is capable in pass protection. He can lose leverage and elevate his pad level too much. He has shown enough in college to be a solid draft prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Anto Saka, EDGE
Saka signed with Northwestern in 2022 and redshirted. In 2023, he totaled 13 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in limited playing time. His role grew in 2024, with Saka totaling 15 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This season, he totaled 13 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Saka has solid size for an NFL edge rusher. He has decent pass-rushing production over the three seasons he was on the field. Saka is still a redshirt junior and could return to school in order to build up his stock.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects: WR Griffin Wilde (6th-UFA), RB Cam Porter (6th-UFA *Injured), QB Preston Stone (UFA), CB Fred Davis (UFA)
Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content like NFL Draft Prospects in the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
