Gunnar Helm 2025 NFL Draft: Texas TE Scouting Report

In this talented 2025 NFL Draft class, one player you need to know is Gunnar Helm. He’s a tight end out of Texas with great hands and is a threat in the red zone. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.

Gunnar Helm 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Helm arrived at Texas as a three-star recruit from Cherry Creek High School in Colorado. While there, he was a multi-sport athlete excelling in football and basketball. Initially a developmental prospect, Helm spent his first two seasons in a reserve role. He contributed primarily on special teams and as a blocker behind standout tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. However, his breakout came in 2024.

In 2025, he stepped into the TE1 role and delivered a record-setting season for a Texas tight end. In total, he finished with 60 receptions, 786 yards, and seven touchdowns. Helm’s growth trajectory showcases his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to maximize opportunity when given a larger role.

Furthermore, Helm possesses a well-proportioned frame at 6’5” and 241 pounds. More importantly, he brings the size and length NFL teams covet in a modern tight end. Additionally, his basketball background is evident in his fluidity and body control. However, he lacks elite top-end speed or explosiveness.

Overall, his functional strength is solid. Particularly, in his lower body, which helps his blocking and ability to absorb contact after the catch. While not a burner, Helm’s movement skills are smooth and efficient, allowing him to cover ground effectively in short-to-intermediate areas.

HT: 6050
WT: 241
HAND: 928
ARM: 3128
40: 4.84

Strengths

• Hands and Catch Radius: Helm’s most reliable asset is his soft, consistent hands. He rarely drops passes (only two recorded in his career) and excels at plucking the ball away from his frame. His large catch radius makes him a quarterback-friendly target, especially in traffic.
• Route Savvy: Despite a relatively simple route tree in college, Helm displays an advanced feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage. He uses subtle head fakes and shoulder leans to manipulate defenders, creating just enough separation to be effective.
• Red Zone Threat: At 6’5”, Helm leverages his size and basketball-honed leaping ability to win contested catches, particularly in the end zone. His seven touchdowns in 2024 highlight his knack for coming through in scoring situations.
• Football IQ: Helm’s ability to read defenses and adjust on the fly stands out. A notable example is his touchdown against Clemson in the 2024 playoffs, where he recognized an unfamiliar safety alignment and settled into the perfect spot for a score.
• Blocking Effort: While not a dominant blocker, Helm shows willingness and sound fundamentals in the run game. He engages with good pad level and extension, holding his own against linebackers and smaller edge defenders.

Areas for Improvement

• Blocking Technique and Power: Helm’s blocking is more functional than forceful. He struggles to sustain blocks against stronger defensive ends and lacks the leg drive to move defenders off the line consistently. His hand placement can widen, risking penalties at the next level.
• Athletic Ceiling: Helm’s speed and burst are average, limiting his ability to stretch the field vertically or generate significant yards after the catch. He’s more of a possession target than a dynamic playmaker.
• Route Diversity: Texas primarily utilized Helm on crossers, seams, and underneath routes. Expanding his route tree—particularly with more complex breaks and deep patterns—will be key to unlocking his full potential in the NFL.
• Physicality After Contact: While elusive for his size, Helm doesn’t consistently break tackles or power through defenders. Adding functional strength could elevate his effectiveness as a runner post-catch.

Conclusion

Overall, Helm’s journey from a three-star recruit to an All-SEC performer underscores his development and adaptability. No, he’s not the flashiest tight end in the 2025 class. However, his reliability, hands, and situational impact make him a safe bet to carve out an NFL role. Helm offers a plug-and-play option for a team needing a chain-mover with red-zone upside that could exceed expectations with the right fit.

Furthermore, Helm projects as a reliable TE2 with the potential to develop into a low-end starter in a 12-personnel (two tight end) system. Notably, his skill set aligns with a traditional “Y” tight end role, where he can contribute as a pass-catcher and situational blocker. Teams valuing possession receivers with red-zone upside will see immediate value. However, his lack of elite athleticism may cap his ceiling. With coaching and added strength, Helm could evolve into a three-down player akin to a Tyler Higbee or Jake Ferguson—dependable rather than spectacular.

Ultimately, Helm’s high floor as a pass-catcher, paired with his intangibles and growth potential, makes him a mid-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His NFL Combine performance was hampered by an ankle injury. However, his tape and football intelligence should outweigh athletic concerns for teams seeking a polished, ready-to-contribute tight end. Look for Helm to be a nice addition to any NFL team in the later rounds of the draft.

Round Grade: 4th Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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