Plenty of Hokies have gotten their names called on Saturday.
Running back Bhayshul Tuten was selected in Round 4 of the NFL draft and was the 104th pick. Tuten was a dual-threat running back for the Hokies. Measuring 5 feet 11 inches and 209 pounds, Tuten ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash- the fastest in the combine for backs.
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“Bhayshul has a quiet confidence about him that I absolutely love. He is an explosive athlete with a compact frame,” Brent Pry said. “He has elite straight-line speed but also runs with powerful legs and great contact balance which allows him to run through defenders. Bhayshul’s combine numbers were off the charts and he has tremendous upside at the next level.”
In his senior year, he averaged 6.3 yards per carry, totaled 15 touchdowns, and had a longest run of 83 yards. He amassed 3,600 rushing yards and 892 receiving yards in his career. He also scored two 90-plus-yard kick returns during his time with the Hokies.
Tuten will be the running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars along with Travis Hunter, a first-round pick who is already a great addition to their passing game. This creates an opportunity for Tuten to excel as a running back.
Just a few picks later, wide receiver Jaylin Lane was selected in the fourth round with pick No. 128 by the Washington Commanders.
Lane began his career at Middle Tennessee State before transferring to Virginia Tech in 2023. He had 41 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns as a senior.
“As good a football player as Jaylin is, he’s an even better person. Off the field, Jaylin is known for his humility, leadership, and genuine care for others,” Pry added. “He was named the Virginia College Football Humanitarian of the Year this past season for his outreach in the community. On the field, he is a versatile receiver who can stretch defenses. His speed helps him to get separation from defenders and he is productive after the catch. He is also a proven returner who will have an opportunity to earn touches in the NFL.”
The Commanders had an extremely successful 2024 season under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Lane could capitalize as a receiver and a returner for a growing Washington squad.
In the sixth round, the Buffalo Bills selected Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong. A Hokie for his entire college career, Strong recorded 112 tackles, 35 passes defended, 7 interceptions, and was a lethal and experienced weapon for the maroon and orange secondary.
“Dorian is the kind of player who loves to compete in coverage. He’s not only a highly skilled corner with exceptional physical traits—he’s the guy who will battle every play, contesting catches like it’s a personal challenge," said Pry. “He’s also a proven, reliable tackler and has a natural feel for the game with his field awareness. Dorian is a true technician that takes tremendous pride in his craft.”
The Bills took cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky in the first round and defensive back Jordan Hancock from Ohio State to provide a lot of depth for Buffalo.
Also in the sixth round with the 209th pick, Antwaun Powell Ryland was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Powell Ryland finished with 16 sacks and 19 tackles for loss this season as a Hokie and led the nation with 25 and a half sacks over the last two years. Philly’s edge room is in transition, so it may be the perfect time to make an impact.
“The thing I love about APR is his fierce, competitive spirit. He never backs down from a challenge, in practice or a game. APR is a technician with his hands. He plays with great leverage and pad level and is always around the ball. His exceptional instincts as a pass rusher make him a constant disruptor who excels at making impactful plays,” said Pry.
Another sixth-round pick, defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles was drafted to the Baltimore Ravens. Peebles had three sacks this season and was known for being a speedy pass rusher who pressured the QB. The Ravens have a need on the line, and Peebles will add depth to the room.
“The thing I love about APR is his fierce, competitive spirit. He never backs down from a challenge, in practice or a game. APR is a technician with his hands. He plays with great leverage and pad level and is always around the ball,” said Pry. “His exceptional instincts as a pass rusher make him a constant disruptor who excels at making impactful plays.”