Carver Willis Climbs NFL Draft Boards After Stellar Pro Day

Mississippi State linebacker Carver Willis has surged into first-round NFL Draft conversations following a dominant performance at his pro day this week. The 6'3", 245-pound defender ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and showcased elite agility drills that have scouts buzzing ahead of Thursday's draft in Detroit.

Willis, who led the SEC with 14.5 sacks last season, was initially projected as a mid-second round pick. His explosive testing numbers and polished film sessions with teams have now put him in contention for picks 20-32. The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens have all conducted private workouts with the All-American linebacker.

"Carver checked every box this offseason," said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. on Friday. "His combination of speed, power, and football IQ makes him one of the safest defensive picks in this class." Willis' rise comes at a time when NFL teams are prioritizing versatile linebackers who can pressure quarterbacks in today's pass-heavy offenses.

The Mississippi native has drawn comparisons to 49ers star Fred Warner for his sideline-to-sideline range. Willis credits his breakout senior season to adding 15 pounds of muscle while maintaining his 4.5 speed. "I wanted to show I could be an every-down linebacker at the next level," Willis told reporters after his pro day.

With the draft just three days away, multiple teams picking late in the first round have reportedly moved Willis into their top 30 prospect rankings. His draft stock has become one of the most discussed storylines as executives finalize their boards this weekend. The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night at 8 PM ET in Detroit.