Devy Diamonds: Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Colorado State
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Horton was a three-star prospect out of Washington Union High School in Fresno, California. He originally committed to Nevada in 2019. However, in December of 2021, he would transfer to Colorado State.
During his freshman season, he saw only 32 targets while having 20 receptions. He had less than 350 receiving yards, but he did have five touchdowns. His average depth of target at the time was nearly 16 yards.
He redshirted his freshman season and during his second campaign, he nearly doubled all his stats. In his redshirt freshman season, Horton caught 52 of 66 targets. The 78.8 percent reception rate was 16 percent better than his previous season. Additionally, Horton had 659 yards and another five total touchdowns.
His third season would be his first at Colorado State, however, it became his breakout season. Horton did see a dip in completion percentage when targeted. On the positive side of that, he saw an increase in targets and receptions. He caught 71 passes of 109 targets for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. This season we started to see more of his playmaking abilities once the ball was in his hands. Of the 1,131 receiving yards, 415 yards came after the catch. On a bad note, he had eight drops this season and only caught eight of 18 contested catches.
In his second season with Colorado State, he improved on all avenues. His targets went up to 134. Of those targets, he caught 96 passes which helped raise his reception rate to above 70 percent again. Plus, of his 1,144 yards, 575 yards came after the catch. He caught eight touchdowns this season. Horton became a little more physical too winning eight of 14 contested catches. Those drop passes were an issue the season before and he became better in concentration while bringing in the ball by only dropping four passes this season. Additionally, we saw a little more elusiveness from him as he had 21 missed tackles forced.
Through two games this season Horton only has eight receptions. The benefit, his eight receptions are from only 11 targets. He has 96 yards with zero touchdowns. Last week, he obtained a groin strain that may result in him sitting this week, or at least not being 100 percent. However, he hopes he can play to replicate his game against Colorado last season. In that game, he had one of his best performances. Horton had 16 receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns, one of them being a rushing touchdown. Check back in at the end of the season to see how the injury affected his abilities.
Strengths:
- Route Running. Horton is a polished route runner, with the ability to create separation through sharp cuts and precise timing. His footwork and understanding of defensive coverage allow him to get open consistently.
- Yards After Catch. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands after the catch. Horton has the agility and vision to navigate through defenses, often turning short receptions into significant gains. His elusiveness in the open field adds a dynamic element to his game.
- Versatility. Horton can line up at various positions on the field, whether outside or in the slot. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in different offensive schemes, allowing him to exploit mismatches against a variety of defenders.
- Speed. Possessing good straight-line speed, Horton can stretch the field and take the top off defenses. His speed forces defensive backs to respect his deep-threat ability, which opens up opportunities for him on shorter routes.
- Body Control. Horton exhibits excellent body control, especially when making catches near the sideline or adjusting to poorly thrown balls. He can contort his body to make difficult receptions, maintaining balance and control in tight situations.
Areas of Improvement
- Physicality Against Press Coverage. Horton sometimes struggles against physical corners who use press coverage to disrupt his routes. He can be knocked off his route early in the play, which affects his timing and ability to get open quickly.
- Blocking. While not a major part of his game, Horton’s blocking ability is an area that needs improvement. He is not as effective in engaging and sustaining blocks on running plays, which can limit his impact in the run game.
- Consistency. There are times when Horton disappears in games, particularly against tougher defenses. He needs to improve his consistency in making an impact every week, regardless of the opponent.
- Size and Strength. Horton’s frame is on the leaner side, which can be a disadvantage when battling bigger, more physical defenders. His lack of elite size and strength may limit his effectiveness in contested situations against NFL-level competition.
- Route Tree. While a solid route runner, Horton could benefit from expanding his route tree. He tends to excel at certain routes but needs to develop a more diverse range of patterns to become a more complete receiver, particularly at the next level.
- Concentration. He sometimes lets the pressure get the best of him causing him to drop passes. Horton needs to follow through the catch to the ground.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: Day Three Prospect
Personal Projected Draft Capital: Day Two Prospect
Ideal Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys
Horton could be an intriguing day-two draft target for the Dallas Cowboys. The assumption is that they will address the running back position in the first round. Given the dynamic nature of the Cowboys’ offense under Dak Prescott, Horton’s potential as a versatile receiver would be an asset. Whether selected in the second or third round, Horton’s ability to operate underneath makes him an ideal complement to Dallas’ current wide receiver corps. Horton could learn from veteran Brandin Cooks and eventually take over in that role. On the other hand, should Cooks not be on the roster, Horton has the talent to step in as the WR2 opposite of CeeDee Lamb, giving the Cowboys another playmaker who can create mismatches.
One area that makes Horton particularly appealing is his versatility. Standing around six feet tall but weighing under 190 pounds, Horton would likely have to prove his worth on special teams early in his career. This would allow him to gain valuable experience on the field while the Cowboys work on building him up for an offensive role. His speed, athleticism, and sharp route-running skills make him an ideal candidate for special teams duties, such as punt and kick returns, where his playmaking ability could shine. This approach would allow him to gradually adjust to the NFL while contributing in meaningful ways. He has shown flashes of explosiveness at Colorado State, proving he can turn short catches into big gains. By adding Horton to the mix, Dallas would be giving their quarterback another dynamic weapon capable of shifting the momentum of a game at any moment.
Fantasy Impact
At the college level, Horton is expected to continue being Colorado State’s top receiver as the season progresses. He has shown tremendous potential with his ability to make big plays and rack up yards. This season, it is important to monitor Horton’s groin injury, a strain that could affect his overall performance. While he is a strong WR1 for Colorado State, his fantasy value may take a hit if the injury persists.
On a pro level, Horton has the skill set to contribute in various offensive schemes as a versatile wide receiver. His speed, route-running, and ability to play both in the slot and outside make him an appealing weapon for NFL teams. Although his upside is that of a WR2 in the right offense, he will likely start his career as a WR3 due to his size and the transition to the next level. If given the right opportunity and proper development, Horton could evolve into a dynamic playmaker who provides solid fantasy value in deeper leagues.
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