NFL Combine: 3 Texas A&M players land invites

The Texas A&M Aggies had three players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. The short list was made up of two defensive backs and a running back.

Two of the former Aggies should be higher selections in the draft come April. Both should go within the first two rounds of the draft, based on projections. The third is almost a lock to be drafted within the mid rounds of the draft.

While it was a down year on-the-field for Texas A&M, the school produced some NFL talent.

Now, it’s up to the players themselves to stand out during the combine prior to the draft.

Texas A&M Aggies invited to NFL Scouting Combine

Devon Achane, RB (2-3 round projection)

Antonio Johnson, DB (1-2 round projection)

Jaylon Jones, DB (2-4 round projection)

Devon Achane appeared in 30 total games in his three seasons in College Station. At the running back position, Achane accumulated 2,376 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 369 carries. He averaged 6.4 yards per rush in his career and 79.2 yards per game. His junior season, he averaged 110.2 rushing yards per game. 

Achane also had 65 receptions for 554 yards and five touchdowns through the passing game. As a return specialist on kickoffs, he returned 20 kicks for 613 total yards with two touchdowns. Achane has two career returns of 95+ yards.

Antonio Johnson appeared in 28 total games in his three seasons for Texas A&M, starting over 20 of them. At defensive back, Johnson was responsible for 164 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, eight pass deflections, four forced fumbles, two sacks, and interception. He was truly a do-it-all player. 

In 2022, his junior season, Johnson tallied 71 tackles and five tackles for loss in nine games. He also forced three fumbles. 

Jaylon Jones appeared in 32 total games in his three seasons in his three seasons in College Station, starting all of them. At the cornerback position, Jones was responsible for 98 tackles,17 pass deflections, three interceptions, and fumble recovery. 

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is located at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft will begin 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft is broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassman were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

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The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.