Cal Haladay is a throwback. In an era of neon visors and designer cleats, he’s the guy playing Big Ten football without gloves, looking like he just stepped out of a 1985 practice film. But as the 2025 NFL Draft cycle heats up, scouts are looking past the "Boogeyman" nickname and the "old school" grit to figure out if he actually fits the modern professional game. It’s a complicated evaluation.
He has been the heartbeat of the Michigan State defense for what feels like a decade. Honestly, he’s one of those players you assume graduated three years ago but just keeps showing up on the Saturday broadcast. With over 300 career tackles and a knack for finding the end zone on defense, his resume is undeniably loud.
But the NFL is a different beast. Being a college tackling machine doesn't always translate to a Sunday roster spot.
Why the Cal Haladay NFL Draft Hype is Real (and Why It’s Quiet)
The weird thing about Haladay is the disparity between his production and his "buzz." You’ve got a guy who was a Freshman All-American and a multi-time All-Big Ten selection. He led the conference in tackles at one point. He’s tied for the most defensive touchdowns in Michigan State history.
On paper? That’s a lock. In reality? He's fighting the "undersized and slow" label that plagues productive college middle linebackers.
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NFL teams are obsessed with "traits." They want 6-foot-3 guys who run a 4.4 forty. Haladay is roughly 6-foot-1 and weighs about 235 pounds. He isn't going to blow anyone away at the Combine with his vertical jump or his 10-yard split.
However, scouts from teams like the Steelers, Ravens, or Lions—organizations that value "football players" over "track stars"—are definitely watching. They see a guy who understands leverage. They see someone who doesn't miss tackles in the hole.
The Coverage Problem
If you watch enough Spartan film, you’ll see the issue. Haladay is elite when the ball is in front of him. He’s a thumper. But when he has to turn his hips and run with a 220-pound tight end or a shifty slot receiver? It gets dicey.
Last season, he actually dropped about 15 pounds to specifically address this. He wanted to be faster. He wanted to show the cal haladay nfl draft scouts that he wasn't just a "downhill only" player.
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The results were mixed. He definitely moved better in Joe Rossi’s new defensive scheme, but the NFL is a league of mismatches. If a defensive coordinator thinks they can isolate a linebacker in space, they will do it every single play. Haladay has to prove he won't be a liability on third down.
What the Numbers Actually Tell Us
Let’s look at the raw data. In 2022, he had 120 tackles. That is an absurd number. In 2023, he backed it up with 91 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Iowa. By the time he finished his 2024 senior campaign, he was third in the nation in career tackles among active players.
- Tackling: A+ (He rarely misses).
- Instincts: Elite (He reads the guards better than almost anyone in the Big Ten).
- Speed: C- (This is the hurdle).
- Special Teams: A (This is how he makes a roster).
Most draft analysts see him as a late-round flyer or a high-priority undrafted free agent (UDFA). Basically, he’s a guy who will have to go to camp and beat out a veteran by being undeniable on kick coverage and punt returns.
The "Football IQ" Factor
There is a specific type of value Haladay brings that doesn't show up in a 40-yard dash. He was a chemistry major. He’s smart. On the field, he’s the guy getting everyone lined up. In the NFL, the "Mike" linebacker is the quarterback of the defense.
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If a team believes Haladay can master their playbook in a week and communicate adjustments under pressure, they’ll find a spot for him.
Think about guys like Josey Jewell or even T.J. Edwards. They weren't "athletes" by NFL standards. They were just always in the right spot. Haladay fits that mold. He’s a "coach's son" type of player (even if he isn't literally one).
Where Does He Get Drafted?
Realistically? We are looking at the 6th or 7th round, or the UDFA pool.
The cal haladay nfl draft story isn't about him being a superstar. It’s about him being a "pro’s pro." If he lands in a system that uses a lot of 4-3 looks and allows him to stay in the box, he could have a 10-year career. If he gets drafted by a team that asks their linebackers to play man coverage against Tyreek Hill? Well, that’s going to be a short career.
Actionable Scouting Insights
- Watch the Pro Day: His 20-yard shuttle and 3-cone drill will matter more than his 40. NFL teams need to see "short-area twitch."
- Special Teams Value: Any team drafting him is doing so with the expectation that he plays 20+ snaps a game on special teams immediately.
- Scheme Fit: Look for him to land with teams that have a "blue-collar" defensive identity. The AFC North is his natural habitat.
Haladay might not be the "Boogeyman" of the NFL, but he’s the kind of player who makes a roster and refuses to leave. He’s durable, he’s productive, and he doesn’t care about the optics. In a league that’s getting softer, a guy who refuses to wear gloves and loves hitting people still has a seat at the table.