Insider notes on NC State's 2025 NFL Draft Class: Projections for Anthony Belton, David Vann, and more
Even though NCSU has never participated in the ACC Championship game and has not won a conference title since 1979, they have a history of placing players into the initial two days of the draft. That could happen in 2025 if the team’s top prospect plays to his potential.
NC State NFL Draft 2025 Preview
#1 Anthony Belton
Offensive tackle Anthony Belton is a bit of a tease; sometimes he plays like a world-beater, and other times he looks like an eggbeater.
He’s a large (6-foot-5.5, 350 pounds), athletic (4.90 seconds in the 40) blocker who shows a lot of skill in pass protection and effective blocking on the move.
Belton can be dominant when he blocks with proper fundamentals, yet there are times when Belton looks as though he’s playing on a sheet of ice, as he’s off balance and all over the place and gets beaten by lesser opponents.
Scouts graded Belton as a fringe first-round prospect entering the 2023 season, yet his season was highlighted by too much inconsistency. He chose to return for a second senior season, a wise move, but he is now graded as a late-rounder by those same scouts.
His upside is immense, but who knows which version of Belton will show up this season?
#2 Davin Vann
Davin Vann is another who chose to return to the Wolfpack for a second senior season. Vann is a high-revving defender who lines up at multiple positions on the line at NCSU, and he’s been a consistent playmaker.
The problem for Vann is the lack of size and growth potential, as he measures 6-foot-1.5, 270 pounds. That brings into question where he’ll play at the next level.
Can he line up as a three-technique tackle? Defensive end? Regardless, Vann is a good football player who’ll produce off the bench in the NFL.
#3 Aydan White
Senior Aydan White is a tough, aggressive cornerback with solid ball skills. He has not allowed a touchdown reception in the past two seasons and broke up 19 passes during that span. He has the skills and intellect to line up in dime packages on Sundays.
NC State 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline
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