Montgomery Village, MD native and University of Maryland standout Kaden Prather was drafted with the 24th pick in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. The Terrapins wide receiver, a product of Germantown’s Northwest High School, brings a decorated college resume and hometown pride to the Buffalo.
Prather capped his senior season (2024-2025with consistent production, starting all 12 games and tallying 56 receptions for 624 yards and four touchdowns. His clutch performances included:
– A 25-yard touchdown on Maryland’s first offensive play against Penn State (Nov. 30).
– A career-high 111 receiving yards on nine catches vs. USC (Oct. 19), including a critical fourth-quarter two-point conversion.
– Five receptions for 76 yards against Rutgers (Nov. 16) and a season-best eight catches for 81 yards vs. Northwestern (Oct. 11).
His junior year (2024) further solidified his reputation as a dynamic playmaker. Starting 10 of 13 games, Prather recorded 42 receptions for 666 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a team-leading 15.9 yards per reception (4th in the Big Ten). Highlights included:
– A 57-yard reception in Maryland’s Music City Bowl win over Auburn.
– A 40-yard touchdown catch against Charlotte (Sept. 9), part of an 80-yard, four-reception game.
– Six receptions for 70 yards and a score vs. Illinois (Oct. 14).
Prather’s consistency earned him widespread acclaim:
– 2024 Phil Steele Preseason Second-Team All-Big Ten
– 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason Third-Team All-Big Ten
– 2023 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
– Named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List and Shrine Bowl 1000.
Before transferring to Maryland, Prather spent two seasons at West Virginia, appearing in 20 games with 64 receptions for 676 yards and three touchdowns. His 2022 campaign featured a standout performance against Baylor, where he posted eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.
A consensus four-star recruit and ESPN300 prospect, Prather starred at Northwest High School, earning 2019 Washington Post First Team All-Met honors. His high school pedigree laid the foundation for a collegiate career marked by big-play ability.
Career Highlights:
– Receiving Yards: 109 (West Virginia vs. Baylor, 2022)
– Receptions: 8 (2x, last vs. Baylor, 2022)
– Longest Reception: 57 yards (vs. Auburn, 2023)
– Touchdowns: 11 career TDs, including a 33-yard score at Indiana (2023).
As Prather vies for an NFL roster spot, his blend of local roots, collegiate production, and versatility positions him as a compelling prospect. Commanders fans will watch closely to see if the Maryland standout earns a chance to shine in the pros.
Statistics courtesy of Prather’s UMD bio.