Three underrated prospects to watch at UNLV’s pro day

Former UNLV Rebels will have their opportunity to show that they belong at the NFL level.

On March 24, UNLV hosts their annual Pro Day. For former Rebels heading into the 2025 Draft, the Pro Day represents their best and last chance to impress NFL scouts. This year represents a tremendous opportunity, as all 32 NFL teams are confirmed to have some form of representation at the event, compared to 18 teams being present in 2024.

While wide receiver Ricky White and linebacker Jackson Woodard are hoping to build off of their performances at the NFL Combine, here are three other Rebels participating in the event worth keeping an eye on.

Johnathan Baldwin, DB

It is reasonable to assume that, outside of White and Woodard, Baldwin stands out as the Rebel most likely to stick at the NFL level.

Baldwin offers an impressive mix of size, positional versatility and ball skills that the NFL covets. Standing at six feet and weighing in at 185 pounds, Baldwin fits the size threshold for what scouts want to see at the professional level. While he primarily served as UNLV’s slot corner, Baldwin also offers value as a safety if teams prefer that.

This season, Baldwin emerged as one of the primary playmakers on the Rebels defense. He put together career highs in tackles for loss (nine), sacks (three and a half), interceptions (three) and passes defended (11). If his athletic performance matches with what is visible on tape, Baldwin could start making a late push for a draft pick, or at least land on several radars as a priority undrafted free agent.

Cameron Oliver, CB

While Oliver is coming off somewhat of a down year, he still showcased the same ball skills in 2024 that earned him some love in the scouting community.

Standing at six-foot-one, Oliver offers the size teams look for in a boundary cornerback. He also recorded three interceptions in 2024, marking the third straight season he reached that milestone. Oliver also defended a career-high ten passes, so his coverage skills have not diminished at all.

A strong showing at the Pro Day would go a long way towards rebuilding Oliver’s stock. The positional drills should be no issue, so where it will really matter for him is in the athletic portion. If he puts together strong numbers, Oliver can push for a spot as a long-term project for a team hoping to add depth.

Tiger Shanks, OT/OG

More than just a shoo-in for the All-Name Team, Shanks is far and away the top offensive lineman out of the Mountain West.

Standing at an imposing six-foot-five and weighing in at 325 pounds, Shanks has gone from a three-star recruit to the most prolific offensive lineman in school history. Allowing only one sack on over 410 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus, Shanks earned first-team All-Mountain West honors for the second straight year. His status as a four-year starter also means he has plenty of experience to lean on, furthering his appeal to NFL teams.

Oddly enough, it will not just be the NFL that pays attention to his Pro Day numbers. A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Shanks is projected as a potential first-round pick in the Canadian Football League Draft if he does not get selected. With a strong performance and the possibility of joining another league looming, a NFL team could be willing to put in a late-round flier on Shanks.