The NFL Draft is currently still going on, and Florida State only has defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr., who was selected by the New York Jets. While the Jets aren't the greatest franchise in the league, Jackson Jr. can prove himself on a team that is trying to change the narrative.
It is disappointing to see Florida State only have one draft pick so far, but that is the reality of having a 5-7 season in 2025. When the Seminoles defeated Alabama in the opener, fans were thinking that there would be plenty of draft picks on the squad, but they unfortunately limped to the finish line and didn't even make a bowl game.
With that said, this article isn't intended to be a kick in the face to Seminole fans because I believe that this program will be in a better spot in 2026. Head coach Mike Norvell has to prove the doubters wrong and get back on the right track.
Norvell and the Seminoles added several new pieces to the roster via the transfer portal and high school recruiting. I was most interested to see what they would do in the offensive and defensive trenches.
Florida State offensive lineman Chimdia Nwaiwu could make some noise in the 2027 NFL Draft if he plays well
The offensive line was a bright spot for the most part in 2025 for assistant coach Herb Hand and Florida State. However, they have to replace the entire starting unit since they were all seniors. This is a bummer that the Seminoles have to build that continuity once again, but that is the nature of the sport nowadays.
Florida State added plenty of transfers on the offensive line. The ones that get a ton of discussion are Purdue's Bradyn Joiner (projected center) and Auburn's Xavier Chaplin (projected left tackle). However, one piece that doesn't get the love that it deserves is Stephen F. Austin's Chimdia Nwaiwu, who is projected to compete for right tackle reps.
He started all 13 games for the Lumberjacks in 2025 at the right tackle position. Obviously, Bowling Green's Nate Pabst and redshirt sophomore Jonathan Daniels are also competing at right tackle, but Daniels could use another year of eligibility, and Pabst is versatile, also playing guard.
The redshirt junior has been raved about by head coach Mike Norvell as competing for the right tackle position. If he is successful, he could be an NFL draft pick like his brother (Oklahoma guard Febechi Nwaiwu).
The Houston Texans just selected Oklahoma OG Febechi Nwaiwu in the 4th round of the NFL Draft — the brother of Florida State OL Chimdia Nwaiwu.
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 25, 2026
It would be amazing to see Florida State offensive linemen getting selected in the NFL Draft. The last Seminole offensive lineman to be drafted was Rick Leonard back in 2018 to the New Orleans Saints. Given the program that Florida State is, that is very discouraging and needs to change quickly.
While I don't want to put the pressure on Nwaiwu, he has the potential to be successful.
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