ESPN broadcaster Louis Riddick shares advice for draftees ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

WASHINGTON (7News) — The 2025 NFL Draft is on the clock.

7News Sports sat down with ESPN broadcaster and former NFL defensive back Louis Riddick, who reflected on his own draft experience when he entered the league in 1991.

"It's one of those where sometimes your dreams can smack you right in the face and everything is great, or sometimes it feels like you got punched in the gut and you feel like you kind of have to start over," Riddick said. "They all teach you something, and it taught me something. It kind of built my resolve and perseverance."

After a productive junior year at the University of Pittsburgh, Riddick was projected to fly off the board in the last first round or early in the second round. However, after returning to Pitt for his senior year, Riddick would go on to be drafted 248th overall in the ninth round by the San Francisco 49ers.

While Riddick can relate to prospects at both ends of the spectrum, he offers the same advice to any player lucky enough to get drafted into the NFL.

"Don't get too high, don't get too low because this is just the beginning of your journey," Riddick said. "It's an exhilarating rush, but quickly you need to transition to 'okay, how do I fit in here? What do I need to do?' because now, you're not in college anymore."

"You got to understand that the stakes go up and the game changes," Riddick added. "Now there are guys that are going to be 10, 11, 12, sometimes 15, 20 years older than you. These guys take this real seriously, and you need to approach it that way."

Riddick admits young draftees do need to take the blinders off once in a while and recognize how far they've come. Although they've just reached the pinnacle of the sport, he doesn't want players to forget it is still the same game they fell in love with at a young age.

"Look at your helmet, look at your practice jersey, look at the logos and the signage around the building, and take it all in," he said. "You're one of very few who ever got a chance to even put on a helmet, to even wear one of the colors of the 32 teams. That's special in and of itself, but then quickly get to work."