Apr 23, 2025 - News
California leads NFL's top picks as one SD school keeps producing stars
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California has produced more number one overall NFL draft picks than any state.
Catch-up quick: Of the 12 selections who played high school ball in California, one hailed from San Diego.
- The San Francisco 49ers took Alex Smith with the top pick in 2005, after the Helix Charter High product's standout career at the University of Utah.
Between the lines: Smith's high school teammate, Heisman Trophy-winner Reggie Bush, was drafted with the second pick a year later, surprising analysts who ranked Bush as the draft's best.
State of play: Yet another Helix High product is expected to go in this year's first round, too.
- Josh Simmons is considered one of the top-ranked offensive linemen in the draft.
- Simmons grew up in San Diego and started his NCAA career at SDSU before transferring to Ohio State and winning the national championship this year.
Fun fact: Simmons wasn't the only player on the 2020 Helix team who won a national championship.
- QB Tyler Buchner started his career at Notre Dame, transferred to Alabama, then transferred back to Notre Dame, where won a ring — as a midfielder for the school's lacrosse team.
How to watch: The 2025 draft starts Thursady at 5pm. You can watch on ESPN, ABC or NFL Network.