Deion Sanders Jr., son of Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, aka Coach Prime, is giving off bold predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) Deion Sanders Jr. hyped up two under-the-radar college football stars as potential draft-day steals: Colorado’s Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester.
Deion Sanders Jr. Backs Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester for NFL Success
Both Colorado players may have flaws and might not be a finished product yet to set the NFL on fire, but their dynamic skill sets suggest they could emerge as hidden gems in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders, aka Bucky, tweeted on X: “Jimmy Horn Jr & LaJohntay Wester will be Top Tier Steals in the Draft this year.”
Jimmy Horn Jr & LaJohntay Wester will be Top Tier Steals in the Draft this year
— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) January 19, 2025
Horn, Colorado’s speedy wide receiver, kicked off the 2024 collegiate season against North Dakota State by racking up 198 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. He dealt with injuries at the business end of the season but ended up recording a decent season log of 441 yards and one touchdown.
Scouts rave about his elite straight-line speed, advanced route-running, and ability to create mismatches as a slot receiver. However, his lack of size (listed at 5’9″ and 170 pounds on Colorado’s website) and struggles against press coverage remain a concern in NFL circles. Horn will be looking to impress in the Shrine Bowl on Jan. 30 and the NFL Combine on Feb. 30 to send a message that he’s more than just a utility player.
Wester, on the other hand, has been a find since transferring to Colorado from Florida Atlantic. After dominating at FAU with 252 career receptions, 2,703 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns, Wester brought his talents to Boulder, Colo., offering his services to Coach Prime.
With his 931 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, Wester was instrumental in Colorado’s 9-4 run. His quick-twitch route-running and after-the-catch explosiveness make him a dangerous weapon in motion-heavy offenses. Wester’s size (5’11”, 172 pounds) is a concern, just like Horn’s raises durability concerns. However, his knack for finding soft spots in coverage and creating yards after contact sets him apart.
He’ll get serious interest from NFL franchises, with scouts seeing him as both a receiver and returner, a skill set perfectly suited to the NFL’s new kickoff rules. Bucky’s picks might sound like he’s backing his guys from Boulder, but the numbers don’t lie.
Horn’s ability to adjust mid-route and Wester’s vision and footwork make them legitimate NFL prospects. Horn could thrive in a system like Sean Payton’s with the Denver Broncos; Wester’s versatility screams special teams with slot-receiver upside.
Both players will likely not be a first- or second-day pick, pushing them to later rounds of the NFL Draft, but teams willing to bet on their potential might land two of the biggest steals of the year.