Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond entered the pre-draft process with hopes of breaking the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Scouting Combine and emerging as a first-round pick. Instead, he ultimately went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There are a number of reasons for Bond’s fall. Some of these concerns revolve around on-field issues such as his collegiate production. However, there is also an off-the-field issue that has contributed to his slide.
Why Isaiah Bond Went Undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft
On April 10, 2025, Bond turned himself in to the Frisco (TX) Police Department as the Texas pass catcher had an outstanding warrant for sexual assault. He posted bond and was subsequently released by law enforcement.
Shortly after his release, Bond released a statement on social media about this matter. He categorically denied the allegations against him and said that he is cooperating with law enforcement officials during the investigation.
“Regarding the accusation made against me, I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself and prove the claims made, patently false,” Bond said in the statement. “I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation.
“Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review. I kindly request that all reserve judgment until the authorities provide a complete report based on truth and evidence.”
As mentioned, there are also concerns about Bond’s on-field performance if he can get past these allegations. His speed is a topic of debate — especially after declaring he would break the record for the fastest 40-time at the 2025 NFL Combine.
The 2025 NFL Draft prospect did run at the Combine, but he did not come close to the record. Bond ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, while the fastest time run was a 4.29 by Buffalo Bills first-round pick Maxwell Hairston.
Moreover, Bond was not the most productive receiver in college. In fact, he finished his collegiate career with fewer than 100 catches. He also finished with fewer than 1,500 career yards, and he managed just 10 touchdown receptions.
“Some wide receivers who are fast in a straight line can’t change directions all that well. That archetype certainly doesn’t apply to Bond, as he’s a dynamic runner with the ball in his hands who maintains his momentum and speed very well when changing direction,” Ian Cummings wrote in a report on the pass catcher.
“Concerns surrounding Bond include his average collegiate production, as he never really put up great numbers at either Alabama or Texas. He’s also a smaller receiver who’s skinny and lacks in the play strength department.”
The fact that there are concerns both on the field and off the field scared teams off and led to him being removed from draft boards. Now, Bond will have to earn his way onto a team as an undrafted free agent in order to prove his doubters wrong.