Where Does Tory Horton Fit in the Commanders’ Receiving Corps?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Tory Horton, WR
School: Colorado State | Conference: Mountain West
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6’1” / 187 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd-5th Round

Player Comparison: Dyami Brown

College Statistics

Player Overview

With a brother that played football and a sister that plays professional volleyball, Tory Horton would not be outdone as an athlete. In his hometown of Fresno, Horton played football, basketball, and baseball. On the gridiron, he stood out as a wide receiver, defensive back, and punt returner. As a three-star recruit, Horton only received offers from Northern Colorado, Montana, and Nevada.

Horton enrolled at Nevada and played two seasons for the Wolfpack before entering the transfer portal. Colorado State showed interest and Horton ended up a Ram. Horton topped 1,000 yards his first two season in Fort Collins and looked like a 2024 NFL Draft candidate, but he returned for one more season of college football. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury during this season that ended his career a few yards shy of the Mountain West Conference record.

Strengths

• Long arms give him a large catch radius
• Suddenness off the line helps him beat press coverage
• Strong, confident hands
• Elusive runner that can get yards after catch
• Long-strider with fantastic top speed
• Special teams value as a punt returner
• Team captain

Weaknesses

• Slight build leads to questions of overall play strength
• Saw a lot of free releases from the slot or off coverage
• Ran a limited route tree
• Could polish his route running with fakes and improved footwork
• Suffered season-ending knee injury

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

Terry McLaurin has cemented himself as an all-time franchise receiver, but the rest of the receiving corps is more questions than answers. Dyami Brown played great during the playoffs but was relatively quiet the rest of season. It sounds like he would like to test free agency this offseason. Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, Jamison Crowder, and K.J. Osborn are also free agents. Luke McCaffrey - the forgotten Commander - flashed potential, but needs to produce more in his sophomore season.

A healthy Tory Horton could add an enticing skillset to the Commanders. He would bring speed to the receiving corps along with some run after the catch ability. Right now, he looks to be mostly a slot receiver that would play a role similar to Dyami Brown or Olamide Zaccheaus. If he can improve his releases to beat press coverage consistently and refine his route running, he might become a reliable WR2.