Longtime NFL Draft Insider drops bold 2025 projections for the Northwestern Wildcats ft. Xander Mueller

Despite a turbulent pre-season in which head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired midway through the summer, Northwestern went on to a winning season that included defeating Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

This is a program that gets a lot from a little and, except for rare occasions, has players drafted primarily in the late rounds.

Northwestern Wildcats' NFL Draft 2025 Preview

#1 Xander Mueller

Linebacker Xander Mueller has the best, and possibly only, opportunity to be drafted off this roster next year.

Xander Mueller - NCAA Football

He’s smart, tough as nails, and does a great job against the run. The problem for Mueller is that he’s not expected to test well before the draft, which could push him out of the seven rounds.

#2 A.J. Henning

Likewise, receiver A.J. Henning is short, not fast, though he’s a really good football player who makes a lot of difficult receptions. He also has the potential to double as a punt returner, which could make him attractive as the draft is closing out.

A.J. Henning - NCAA Football

Northwestern's 2025 NFL Draft Projections by Tony Pauline

Northwestern Pro Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Yr	#
3.23	FA	ILB	Xander Mueller	5Sr	34
3.09	FA	WR	A.J. Henning	5Sr	8
3.02	FA	RB	Cam Porter	5Sr	4
2.90	FA	S	Coco Azema	6Sr	0
2.81	FA	WR	Bryce Kirtz	6Sr	17