FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kaden Prather
Kaden Prather (WR – Maryland)
6-foot-3 | 210 Pounds
Background
Kaden Prather was a four-star recruit who originally committed to West Virginia, where he spent two seasons. Played sparingly in his first season with the team (12-175-0) before stepping into a starting role where he posted a 52-501-3 (9.6) line. He then transferred to Maryland. Put together a 42-666-5 (15.9) line in 2023 before finishing his collegiate career with 56-624-4 (11.1) this past season.
Positives
Well-built three-year starter between two programs, with the size teams look for in a split end. Prather was asked to run routes to different levels of the field, including some — like whip/jerk routes — which are more typically associated with smaller receivers, showing good hip sink into the route stem. Primarily runs patterns like hitches, curls, ins, outs, the occasional screen/shallow and the occasional sideline shot off of an outside release.
Prather snaps off hitches and curls to provide easy completions underneath off-coverage. Presents a solid radius and can snatch the ball away from his frame on off-target throws. On sideline shots, flashes the body control, focus and strength to adjust to throws and come down with some difficult catches in tight coverage.
Possesses the frame, strength and high-pointing ability to work as a vertical threat in the red zone and near the goal line. Significantly cut down on drops this past year, with just one against 56 catches. No-nonsense runner after the catch with the strength and competitiveness to pick up a few extra yards. Gives good effort as a blocker and has the functional strength to overpower opposing cornerbacks.
Negatives
Game-to-game and year-to-year output has been relatively inconsistent. Prather has some build-up speed but is more of a possession type. Route trees at Maryland tended to be relatively simple. He will need to further diversify what he does. Releases at the line aren’t always the most efficient against press coverage. Not the most explosive player in and out of his stems, which may make it difficult for him to get consistent separation against man coverage.
Prather struggles to get defenders in his hip pocket when working down the sidelines and might be more of a back-shoulder option than a legitimate deep threat. Eyes can be late on some routes, turning separation into missed opportunities. Could be a little bit more aggressive about working back to the ball to keep defenders out of the play. Drops had been an issue before this season, with 13 against 106 catches coming into 2024. Caught just six out of 17 contested catches this year (35.3%), per Pro Football Focus (PFF), dropping his career rate to 44.7%.
Summary
A big, well-built split end who has the strength, focus and body control to function as a chain-moving West Coast possession receiver underneath the defense, with additional value near the goal line on patterns like fades.
While Prather isn’t the fastest, most explosive receiver, he can come down with contested catches, which could make him a good fit for teams with quarterbacks willing to give their guys chances to make a play. Probably more of a mid-to-late-round option.
Projection: Round 5/Round 6
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