Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about KADEN WETJEN:
Iowa | Hometown: Williamsburg, IA | HT: 5092 | WT: 194 | 40 time: 4.47 | Hand: 0812 | Arm: 3000 | Wing: 7200
A record-setting return specialist. Two-time Jett Award winner and a 2025 first-team All-American and All-Big 10 honoree. Has multiple return touchdowns each of the past two seasons and has hit pay dirt multiple times over the span as both a kick and punt returner. Was rarely used as a traditional wide receiver over his career. Of his 23 career catches, only eight of them have come a yard or further from the line of scrimmage. Only one was more than ten yards downfield (which was in 2024). He was used as a gadget-weapon who often showed up in the screen game and occasionally as a rusher. Will primarily be viewed as a returner-only but there are traits to his game that can be tried out in the slot to further enhance his value. Rapid footwork with a strong, thick lower body keeps him fast and sudden in tight areas. Ability to accelerate and change direction assertively allows him to take advantage of the smallest of creases. Vision is a weapon. Cutback lanes are easy for him to locate. Contact balance and tenacity show up as a ball carrier. Has shown abrupt breaks out of his stem as a route runner. Quality technique as a pass catcher on the move with quick transition north after he brings it in. Lack of experience as a receiver may lengthen the runway he needs. Was rarely finding himself downfield running traditional routes. Strength in contested situations was nearly untested. Lacks a big enough wingspan. Can be beat up by press coverage.
2025 Stats: 2 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD, 21-563 PR, 26.8 avg, 3 TD, 16-476 KOR, 29.8 avg, 1 TD. OSR:35/41. VJ-35.5, SS-4.45. Draft projection: 7th round/PFA