Projecting where Longhorns will go in the 2025 NFL Draft

It’s far too early for this exercise but we’re seeing such a fully evolved team with clear NFL talent at every position on the roster it’s too fun to pass up.

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One thing that stood out to me when I first started working for Inside Texas was when I’d go to a practice at a school like DeSoto to see a specific player I’d have trouble identifying him because so many players at each position looked good. That’s when it dawned me that the most talented schools, schools like DeSoto, North Shore, and at the time Cedar Hill, destroyed most of their competition due to the baseline talent on the roster. It wasn’t so much that they had a couple of stars that dominated games — they had a couple of stars and then 10-15 other future college players on the roster. Essentially, the big talent discrepancy isn’t with the first couple of players, it’s players 5-22.

Texas has a baseline talent advantage this year like we haven’t seen in a long time. Despite sending 11 players to the NFL Draft last year, the coffers are still full. Texas has a chance to best that number in the 2025 draft.

Quinn Ewers, QB, RD 1, Top 5

There’s been some talk Ewers would have gone in the Top 20 last draft, and the way that draft unfolded for quarterbacks I have no trouble believing it. However, he’s going to be so much more ready for the NFL after this season. He’s shown a lot of growth in the early going of this season.

Kelvin Banks, OT, RD 1, Top 15

Mocks have him slipping due to lack of length but he has everything else you want in an offensive lineman. He’s going to win the interview process and much of the combine work involving agility and coordination.

Isaiah Bond, WR, RD 2

Ewers doesn’t yet have a specific go-to receiver but Bond seems to be his favorite target so far. Bond has elite speed and high-end route running ability. His hands have been fine so far this season but they could arise as a question. He’ll run 4.3-something in the 40.

Matthew Golden, WR, RD 2

If Bond isn’t the go-to, Golden is, especially in the red zone. He’s a good, strong route runner with ability before and after the catch. He can play inside or outside which should increase his value. Then factor in his value on special teams.

Jahdae Barron, CB, RD 2

I’ve been high on Barron for a long time and was shocked his NFL Draft interest wasn’t greater. Sometimes I guess I’m watching a different player. With him coming back to play corner that has to improve his stock, right? RIGHT?! When he runs 4.45-4.49 (about average for an NFL corner) at the combine maybe that will turn some heads.

Alfred Collins, DL, RD 4

Collins’ size and versatility is going to gain him plenty of attention throughout the combine process. He’s played both defensive end and tackle this year and that’s something that could continue in the NFL. His strength at the point of attack has improved over time. We need to see more pass rush out of him so he can move up in the draft.

Vernon Broughton, DL, RD 4

His play-strength is much greater than it used to be. Some of that is due to leverage, some of that is due to time under tension in Torre Becton’s S&C program. Broughton has ++ ball get-off and pursues very well. Like Collins, he also the size and athleticism to play inside or outside. Broughton’s a mover this year and there’s a chance I’m selling him short.

Andrew Mukuba, DB, RD 4

Mukuba’s not the most physically imposing DB but he has coveted range, intelligence, and ball skills. If you’re looking for a safety that can drop down and cover in man or hang back and play center field, he’s probably your guy. He wouldn’t be a player you want in the box.

Jake Majors, OC, RD 5

He’s not the biggest but we’ve seen plenty of good NFL centers his size. At the same time, he’s specific to center so that decreases his value a little bit. I like him in one of the offenses similar to Texas’, like my Niners or Dolphins. He has the intelligence and experience to play early.

Gunnar Helm, TE, RD 5

He might not have the vertical twitch we see with the freaks but he’s comfortable in space, has good hands, and has in-line or flex versatility. He’s a game blocker but will still need to get stronger over time.

Barryn Sorrell, Edge, RD 5

He’s 100% going to win the interview process while walking around the combine without a shirt. Don’t underestimate the value of looking the part. Sorrell is a high-floor prospect because he can set the edge in the run game but given the NFL’s priority on getting after the passer, I think he could slip a little.

Too Early to Opine

Jaydon Blue, RB

What if CJ Baxter’s injury keeps Blue from leaving early? The staff may need to preserve Blue which will limit his ability to showcase his ability. But, there’s also the chance he goes on 5-6 game rip, especially in high profile playoff games, where GM’s and scouts don’t care about his lack of production. Remember, they prioritize traits above all else.

Trey Moore, Edge/LB

I just haven’t seen enough out of Moore and since he’s only a junior I could be one of the “surprise” returnees we’ve seen like T’Vondre Sweat and Jahdae Barron.

David Gbenda, LB

The pitch to Gbenda to return for another year was, “there are a lot of guys in the NFL who are the fifth linebacker and special teams ace. Come back and let’s make a run at that.” I could him getting drafted due to his speed and aggressive mindset.

Silas Bolden, WR

His usage has been much less than we expected coming into the season but that could change rather quickly. Of course he’ll have size concerns no matter what.

Cameron Williams, RT and DJ Campbell, RG

As evidenced by Williams’ first drive against Michigan he’s still learning on the job. Those are the types of mistakes (false starts, sort of iffy holding call) you expect to see out of someone starting for the first time. But when I just isolate on how he moves at his size, it’s impressive. I’m hoping he’s one of those players they can coax to return to improve his draft status.

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Campbell is in a similar situation. He’s an NFL talent but not quite an NFL player yet.