Buffs Beat

Where Zarian McGill's NFL Draft Stock Stands After Strong Season At Colorado

Zarian McGill will enter the pre-NFL Draft process as an overlooked offensive lineman following a quietly impressive season with the Colorado Buffaloes.
Jack Carlough|
Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines during the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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Colorado Buffaloes

With plenty to prove following an All-Big 12 Conference snub, Zarian McGill will enter the pre-NFL Draft process as one of the most undervalued offensive linemen in the class.

The former Louisiana Tech transfer joined the Colorado Buffaloes prior to this past season and made an immediate impact in Boulder, starting at center in all 12 games. A catalyst for Colorado's improved offensive line play, McGill allowed only one sack, one quarterback hit and eight hurries.

Zarian McGill NFL Draft Season Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Deion Sanders Arden Walker Sincere Brown Louisiana Tech
Nov 8, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) runs out of the pocket during the third quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Even more, McGill graded out as the Big 12's 10th-best offensive lineman and the fourth-best center, according to CU. He played the most offensive snaps on the team (774) and was Pro Football Focus' Big 12 Center of the Week in Week 6.

Unfortunately for McGill, his lack of postseason recognition and Colorado's three-win season don't bode well for his draft stock. A strong pro day would help, but the 6-foot-2, 320-pounder center is likely headed toward an undrafted free-agent contract or a rookie mini-camp invite.

Zarian McGill Declares For NFL Draft

Zarian McGill NFL Draft Season Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Deion Sanders Arden Walker Sincere Brown Louisiana Tech
Nov 29, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Coming off a lengthy college career that included stops at Jones College, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech and Colorado, McGill formally declared for the 2026 NFL Draft earlier this month.

"I would like to say a special thank you to all my coaches, my brothers, athletic trainers, nutrition, equipment staff, advisors, counselors and instructors who always supported me and had my best interests along the way," McGill wrote on X. "Each of you have been a vital part of molding me into the man I am today.

"I would also like to acknowledge my family, friends, and fans that have supported me along my journey. You mean so much to me. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft."

McGill's dependability may be his best asset. Before starting in all 12 games at Colorado this past season, he played in all 12 games at Louisiana Tech in 2024 and started 24 games at Louisiana-Monroe from 2022-23.

If he tests well in the pre-draft process, a center-needy team may roll the dice on McGill with a Day 3 (rounds 5-7) pick.

MORE: Former Colorado Players Are Emerging as NFL Rookie Standouts

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MORE: Alabama Crimson Tide Emerges As Transfer Portal Fit For Elite Lineman

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Zarian McGill NFL Draft Season Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Deion Sanders Arden Walker Sincere Brown Louisiana Tech
Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After entering fall camp in a competition with Cooper Lovelace for the Buffs' starting center job, McGill's work ethic ultimately helped him earn the role, which he never relinquished.

"I knew it was gonna be a competition coming in, so I just tried to put my head down, go to work and stay consistent every day," McGill said last month. "I looked up and won a job, so I've been trying to stay consistent and come to work every day."

Three other standouts from coach Deion Sanders' 2025 Colorado team have so far declared for the 2026 NFL Draft: wide receiver Sincere Brown, defensive end Arden Walker and long snapper Kameron Hawkins.

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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