Virginia Tech has a rich history of breeding NFL talent out of Blacksburg. This past April, Tech saw five Hokies get drafted into the NFL, with other rookies finding opportunities as undrafted free agents
The NFL season is coming up on its halfway point in a few weeks, so this is a great time to take a look and see how these rookie Hokies are doing so far this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten (Round 4, Pick 4)
It took three rounds and a few picks for the first Hokie to hear his name, and Bhayshul Tuten is very deserving of that title. Tuten, the 5’9” running back, found his way to Jacksonville as the Jaguars selected him early in the 4th round.
Through the first six weeks, Tuten has racked up 108 rushing yards on 27 carries. He also ran for his first and only career touchdown so far against Houston in week three. He has also worked as a kick returner some and has four kick returns for 116 yards.
He wasn’t drafted to be a starter for the Jaguars with that role belongs to former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr.. Meanwhile, Tuten has found himself to be a solid complimentary running back finding himself in more short yardage situations to showcase his tough running ability. He also earned enough trust from Jacksonville for them to feel comfortable trading young backup RB Tank Bigsby to Philadelphia.
Washington Commanders WR Jaylin Lane (Round 4, Pick 26)
Shortly after Tuten, the Commanders selected Jaylin Lane. Through Lane’s first six games he hasn’t lit up the stat sheet but has made impact plays.
Lane’s calling to start the season was his ability as a punt and kick returner, and his first career touchdown came from a 90-yard punt return in week three. He currently has returned 13 punts for 186 yards, averaging over 14 yards per punt return.
After week three, Jaylin Lane found himself more opportunities after injuries to the Commanders receiver room. So far, Lane has seven receptions for 82 receiving yards. He’s also been earning some starts as the Commanders work through some injuries in their WR room including to their top WR Terry McLaurin.
Lane will continue his impressive special team’s impact while he works into a bigger role as a receiver in Washington.
Buffalo Bills CB Dorian Strong (Round 6, Pick 1)
With the first pick of the 6th round, the first defensive Hokie heard his name called. Dorian Strong headed north as the Buffalo Bills selected him with the first pick in the 6th round.
Strong wasn’t guaranteed to make the initial 53-man roster but played well in the preseason to start the season on the roster. Through the first six weeks, he has recorded snaps in four games so far. The Bills have had to deal with a struggling defense and secondary, which has led to more snaps for Strong, where he had a solid showcasing.
Currently, Dorian Strong is on injured reserve with a neck injury and could miss significant time this season, but nothing is official.
EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland (Round 6, Pick 33)
In the late 6th round, Antwaun Powell-Ryland was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. Powell-Ryland did not make the initial 53-man roster following a solid preseason. Powell-Ryland has found himself on and off the Eagle’s practice squad.
The Eagles have been lacking pass-rushing presence, so they could give a chance to Powell-Ryland if things don’t improve soon.
Baltimore Ravens DT Aeneas Peebles (Round 6, Pick 34)
With the very next pick, the Baltimore Ravens selected Aeneas Peebles.
Peebles has found playing time in five games this season after making the initial roster as a late 6th-round pick, recording three tackles.
A rough start to the season for the Ravens could have the coaching staff more inclined to give opportunities to the younger guys, and Peebles could be one of those guys to benefit from that, especially given the injury issues that the Ravens are dealing with.
Undrafted Hokies
There are some undrafted Hokies who are currently on practice squads.
The Buffalo Bills currently hold two Hokies on the practice squad. Keonta Jenkins, a linebacker/safety hybrid, and Stephen Gosnell at WR. Gosnell showcased his talents during training camp to earn himself a practice squad spot. The Bills like Jenkins at linebacker over safety at the moment. Currently, Jenkins is dealing with an injury that is keeping him sidelined at practice.
Wide receiver Da’Quan Felton and defensive tackle Josh Fuga find themselves both on injured reserve for their respective teams. Felton inked a deal with the New York Giants, and Fuga is out west with the Los Angeles Chargers.
After a year of no Hokies getting drafted, the 2025 class has been making its mark in the NFL early on in their professional careers. Look to see more from this 2025 class the rest of the season.
