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Four Longhorns projected to go in the first two rounds in ESPN's most recent mock draft

by:RT Young•04/02/25
Kelvin Banks
Kelvin Banks (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

ESPN’s Field Yates released a two-round mock NFL draft today. Like most mock drafts, the mothership’s latest iteration of the exercise featured three Longhorns in the first round and Alfred Collins going in the second. You’d be hard-pressed to find an in-the-know draft analyst who doesn’t have Matthew Golden, Jahdae Barron, and Kelvin Banks in the first round. But where the three could wind up is anybody’s guess. Let’s look at where ESPN had the Longhorns going and react.

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OT Kelvin Banks: 16th to the Arizona Cardinals

The Fit: Though teaming up with Kyler Murray might not be the most appetizing to Texas fans, the 16th pick would net Banks more money than where he’s being slotted currently. I still don’t understand how this mock draft and others can simultaneously point out Banks was third in pass-blocking tackles across the FBS and also write him in as the third tackle selected.

But 16th might do if recent mock drafts by prominent analysts are based on intel. Others have had Banks falling into the late first round, which would provide a late-round steal to his hometown Texans or absolute highway robbery by the Kansas City Chiefs. If Patrick Mahomes gets Banks as his franchise left tackle well into Mahomes’ 30s, goodness gracious.

One of the most mystifying things about the pre-draft conversation to Texas fans has been why NFL draft analysts seem quick to throw a wet blanket over Banks’ stellar three-year resume in Austin. From Will Anderson to Dallas Turner to Will McDonald, Banks has lined up against NFL players and shut them down. Paralysis by analysis is a real thing. The stalwart tackle has no holes in his game, and no matter where he gets picked, whoever passes on him will regret doing so.

WR Matthew Golden: 18th to the Seattle Seahawks

The Fit: I like Golden getting to Seattle, which needs to replace DK Metcalf, and AARP Cooper Kupp won’t get them there. I don’t like Golden potentially having to wander in quarterback hell for a few years as the Seahawks look for a new passer. I’m not buying the Sam Darnold renaissance. I’d love to see a team like Buffalo trade up for Golden, but I’m not sure they will be able to. The Ringer’s Todd McShay has Golden as his number one wide receiver, well ahead of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. So the best fit for one half of the duo that saved Texas’ season on 4th and 13 might be whoever likes him the best and takes him first.

CB Jahdae Barron: 24th to the Minnesota Vikings

The Fit: Whatever Inside Texas thinks doesn’t matter. The Jim Thorpe Award winner Barron believes he’s the number one corner in the draft. He’d remember going 11 spots after Michigan’s Will Johnson. That being said, defensive coordinator Brian Flores would find interesting ways to deploy Barron in the Twin Cities. Barron did it all in Austin. The NFL will be no different.

DT Alfred Collins: 64th to the Philadelphia Eagles

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The Fit: The Super Bowl champions love SEC programs and spending draft capital on the defensive line. Collins would join Moro Ojomo on an already loaded defensive front. Credit to Collins, who has played himself into this draft position after following in the giant footsteps of Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat.

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