No Wildcats were selected in the NFL Draft, but a few will have a chance to prove themselves
Northwestern was the only Big Ten school without a single player taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Out of all Power 4 teams, Northwestern was one of seven that didn’t get announced, alongside Baylor, BYU, Duke, Houston, Mississippi State and Wake Forest. However, there are some Wildcats from the 2024 season that have found new homes. Here is where each undrafted Northwestern player has landed.
A.J. Henning —> Miami Dolphins
The first Wildcat to sign an undrafted free agent deal after the draft, WR A.J. Henning signed with the Miami Dolphins. Henning will have to earn a roster spot, but he projects to be a special-teamer which could help him make the 53. Henning originally made his name in college as a return man. With blazing 4.40 40-yard dash speed, Henning could even see action in a Tyreek Hill-esque role. It does help Henning’s case that he and Hill are almost identical in size: both are 5-foot-10 and weigh just over 190 pounds.
Marshall Lang —> Seattle Seahawks
TE Marshall Lang was the next Wildcat to get a UDFA deal. Lang signed a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, but he will have an uphill battle to earn a roster spot. Seattle drafted two tight ends this year: Elijah Arroyo out of Miami and Robbie Ouzts out of Alabama. Lang specializes in being a blocking tight end, so he could end up on the 53 or as a practice squad elevation during the season. He’s likely to be utilized most in jumbo sets, so he does have value to Seattle depending on the vision of head coach Mike MacDonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Coco Azema —> New York Giants
This one is a bit different. While Henning and Lang both were signed as UDFA’s, safety Coco Azema got a rookie minicamp invitation. Azema will be going to New York to try and prove to head coach Brian Daboll that he deserves a shot after going undrafted and unsigned as a free agent.
Thomas Gordon —> Chicago Bears
Thomas Gordon received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Chicago Bears. Gordon won’t need to venture far from Evanston as he goes to try and prove himself to new Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Xander Mueller —> Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders
Xander Mueller got two rookie minicamp invitations: one from the Green Bay Packers, the other from the Washington Commanders. Washington is holding its rookie minicamp from May 8—11. Green Bay will likely host its own around a similar time.