5 Key Reasons Why Ball State RB Braedon Sloan Is A Sleeper Prospect In The 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked with high-profile running backs, but every year, a versatile, high-motor player from a smaller program emerges as a legitimate sleeper. As of December 16, 2025, one name gaining significant traction in the pre-draft process is Ball State Cardinals running back, Braedon Sloan, who brings a unique blend of receiving skills and red-zone power to the table. His journey, which includes a successful transfer from Eastern Kentucky, has prepared him for the rigors of the professional game, making him a compelling late-round or priority undrafted free agent (UDFA) target for NFL clubs looking for value.

Sloan’s draft profile is intriguing because he doesn't fit the mold of a traditional between-the-tackles runner; instead, he offers a dynamic, three-down skillset that is perfectly suited for the modern, pass-heavy NFL offense. His impressive athletic testing numbers, combined with a proven track record of production in both the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the FCS level, suggest he has the physical tools and football intelligence to carve out a long career as a key rotational back and special teams contributor.

Braedon Sloan: Complete College Football Biography and Profile

Braedon Sloan is a versatile running back prospect who entered the 2025 NFL Draft after a collegiate career that spanned two programs, showcasing his ability to adapt and produce at multiple levels of competition. His profile highlights a player with a strong build and a history of finding the end zone, particularly in goal-line situations.

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• Full Name: Braedon Sloan
• Position: Running Back (RB)
• College: Ball State University (MAC)
• Previous College: Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) (FCS)
• Hometown: Monticello, Kentucky
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 207 lbs
• NFL Draft Eligibility: 2025
• Key 2024 Season Stats (Ball State): 596 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing Touchdowns, 329 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving Touchdown
• Key 2023 Season Stats (Eastern Kentucky): 765 Rushing Yards, 10 Rushing Touchdowns (in 11 games)
• Total College Touchdowns: 15+ (Rushing/Receiving)

The Versatile Skillset: Why NFL Scouts Are Interested

NFL teams are increasingly prioritizing running backs who can contribute in the passing game, and this is where Braedon Sloan truly shines. His versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield is a significant selling point that elevates his draft stock beyond a typical Group of Five running back prospect.

A Proven Pass-Catcher and Red-Zone Threat

Sloan is not just a dump-off option; he has demonstrated the ability to run routes and secure the ball, evidenced by his 329 receiving yards during his senior campaign at Ball State. This strong pass-catching ability makes him a true three-down back, capable of staying on the field in obvious passing situations, which is a major benefit for an NFL offense. Furthermore, he is projected to excel after contact and score touchdowns in the red zone, a testament to his power and vision near the goal line.

His impressive 2023 season at Eastern Kentucky saw him punch in 10 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his reliable nose for the end zone. For a team needing a reliable, powerful back in short-yardage and goal-line packages, Sloan offers immediate utility.

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Athletic Testing and Measurables: The Pro Day Numbers

While Braedon Sloan did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, his performance at the Ball State Pro Day provided crucial athletic testing data that solidified his physical profile as an NFL-caliber player. His numbers suggest a well-rounded athlete with good strength and functional speed, even if he is not a top-tier speedster.

• 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.52 seconds
• Bench Press (225 lbs): 20 repetitions
• Vertical Jump: 33 1/2 inches
• Broad Jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.31 seconds
• 3-Cone Drill: 7.19 seconds

The 4.52-second 40-yard dash is a respectable time for a back of his build, demonstrating enough straight-line speed to be effective at the next level. More importantly, his 20 reps on the bench press are an elite number for a running back, showcasing the upper-body strength and power that translates directly to breaking tackles and excelling in pass protection—two non-negotiable skills for an NFL backup or rotational back.

The 2025 NFL Draft Projection and Fit

Current expert analysis places Braedon Sloan in the late-round draft range, most often projected as an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) priority signee. This projection is less a reflection of his talent and more a factor of the depth and competition in the 2025 running back class.

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His draft slot will likely be determined by which NFL teams value his specific skillset—a receiving back who can also handle short-yardage situations. Teams running zone-blocking schemes or those looking for a reliable third-down back will find his profile highly appealing. The ability to contribute immediately on special teams, a common requirement for late-round picks, will also be key to his final draft placement.

Potential NFL Role and LSI Entities

Sloan’s football journey from Eastern Kentucky to Ball State, and now to the NFL Draft, is a compelling narrative that underscores his determination. His experience in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) provided him with exposure to Power Five-level competition, which is valuable for scouts. His projected role in the NFL is likely as a rotational running back and a special teams contributor, particularly on coverage units, due to his size and motor. He possesses the necessary instincts and physical profile to succeed as a change-of-pace back who can spell the starter and provide a reliable target for a quarterback on check-downs, solidifying his value as a scat back with power.

The key for Sloan will be proving his durability and consistency against NFL defensive fronts, especially after suffering an ankle injury in October 2024. If he can demonstrate full health and maintain his high level of effort, he has the skill set necessary to not only make an NFL roster but to become a valuable asset in a running back committee.