Sat Apr 26 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Indiana Hoosiers Football Poised to End NFL Draft Drought

**BLOOMINGTON, IN** – Indiana University’s football program is on the verge of ending a significant NFL Draft slump. After a three-year absence from the draft, and with no multiple selections in a single year since 2018, two Hoosiers—defensive tackle CJ West and quarterback Kurtis Rourke—are projected to be drafted this weekend.

This would mark a significant turnaround for the program. The last Hoosier to be drafted in the top three rounds was Dan Feeney in 2017.

Experts predict varying draft positions for both players. West is projected anywhere from the fourth to the fifth round, with some mocks placing him as high as the third round (No. 100 overall, per ESPN). His consistent explosiveness and ability to impact both run and pass defense are considered his strengths. (PFF ranks him as high as No. 71 overall).

Rourke, meanwhile, is projected as a late-round pick, potentially in the sixth or seventh round. His experience, build, and passing touch make him a likely backup quarterback prospect at the NFL level. (ESPN’s final mock draft has him going No. 227 to the San Francisco 49ers).

Regardless of their exact draft positions, the potential selection of both West and Rourke signifies a positive step for Indiana football and signals a resurgence in the program’s ability to produce NFL-caliber talent.

Read More