Another tight end is off the board at the 2025 NFL Draft. This time, it’s <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/gunnar-helm-47206/">Gunnar Helm</a> heading his name called. The former <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/">Texas Longhorns</a> star is going to the Tennessee Titans with the No. 120 overall pick in the fourth round. A big-time playmaker now gets his professional career underway.



Helm was a late developer at Texas under <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/coach/steve-sarkisian-132832/">Steve Sarkisian</a> but became an important part of the offense during the 2025 season. In 16 games, Helm caught 60 passes for 786 yards and seven touchdowns — all career highs. An incredible 13.1 yards per reception should translate well in the NFL.



There have been some hiccups in the draft process for Helm. A twisted ankle at the NFL Combine did not allow him to test as well as he wanted to. Helm ran a 4.85 in the 40-yard Dash, the drill where the injury was sustained. He still participated through every event in Indianapolis.



Even so, the goal of being drafted has been accomplished by Helm. A great example of the development Sarkisian has brought to the program, considering where the tight end ranked as a recrit.



Helm played high school football at Englewood (CO) <a href="https://www.on3.com/high-school/cherry-creek-englewood-co-6915/">Cherry Creek</a>, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 772 overall recruit in the <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/rankings/industry-player/football/2021/">2021 cycle</a>, according to the <a href="https://www.on3.com/news/on3-industry-ratings-rankings/">On3 Industry Ranking</a>, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.



This is the second consecutive year Texas has seen a tight end draft. Helm follows <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/jatavion-sanders-50698/">Ja’Tavion Sanders</a>, a fourth round pick of the Carolina Panthers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-nfl-draft-analysts-are-saying-about-gunnar-helm">What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Gunnar Helm</h2>



Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided a scouting report on Helm. He gave the Texas product a prospect grade of 6.1, projecting him as a “good backup player with the potential to develop into a starter.” Zierlein even provided a comparison, saying Helm is similar to <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/jake-ferguson-53463/">Jake Ferguson</a>, currently of the Dallas Cowboys.



“A combination tight end with good size and soft hands, Helm developed rapidly in the high-scoring Texas offense,” Zierlein <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/gunnar-helm/32004845-4c49-3059-9e89-11f76a704998">said</a>. “He is a capable route runner who can be used on all three levels but was allowed free releases and frequent open looks that he won’t see as a pro. His size, hands and feel for space make him a quarterback-friendly target capable of moving the sticks at opportune times. He’ll need to thicken his lowers and improve his hand usage to handle in-line blocking chores in the NFL. Helm projects as a future TE2 with three-down potential.”

Gunnar Helm

On3 NFL Draft

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Tennessee Titans select Gunnar Helm in 4th round of 2025 NFL Draft

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