Washington State High School Standouts in the 2025 NFL Draft
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 2: Josh Conerly Jr. #OL07 of Oregon runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
The 2025 NFL Draft showcased a remarkable influx of talent from Washington state high schools, with several local athletes making their mark on the professional football scene. Here’s an overview of standout players who attended high school in Washington and were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. Josh Conerly Jr. – Offensive Tackle
- High School: Rainier Beach High School, Seattle
- College: University of Oregon
- Drafted: 1st Round (29th overall), Washington Commanders
- Highlights: Conerly was a five-star recruit at Rainier Beach, excelling as both a running back and offensive lineman. He earned numerous honors, including All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl invitations, and was named Washington’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. At Oregon, he became a consensus All-American and was awarded the Anthony Muñoz Award in 2021. (Josh Conerly Jr.)
2. Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver
- High School: Steilacoom High School, Tacoma
- College: Ohio State University
- Drafted: 1st Round (19th overall), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Highlights: Egbuka concluded his college career as Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions. He was a two-time third-team All-Big Ten selection and played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship victory. (Emeka Egbuka)
3. Colston Loveland – Tight End
- High School: Gooding High School, Goldendale, WA
- College: University of Michigan
- Drafted: 1st Round (10th overall), Chicago Bears
- Highlights: Loveland was the first tight end selected in the 2025 draft. He was instrumental in Michigan’s 2023 national championship win and earned All-American honors in 2024. (Colston Loveland)
4. Carson Bruener – Linebacker
- High School: Redmond High School, Redmond
- College: University of Washington
- Drafted: 7th Round (226th overall), Pittsburgh Steelers
- Highlights: Bruener was a three-star recruit at Redmond and became a key defensive player for the Huskies. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and was known for his leadership and tackling prowess. (Carson Bruener)
5. Jackson Slater – Offensive Guard
- High School: Newport High School, Bellevue
- College: Sacramento State University
- Drafted: 5th Round (167th overall), Tennessee Titans
- Highlights: Slater was a three-star recruit at Newport and developed into a formidable offensive lineman at Sacramento State. His versatility and strength were key factors in his selection in the draft. (Jackson Slater)
These athletes exemplify the depth of talent emerging from Washington State high schools, underscoring the region’s growing influence in the NFL. Their journeys from local high schools to the professional ranks highlight the importance of strong developmental programs and the potential for future stars to emerge from the Pacific Northwest.
