Steve Sarkisian provides scouting reports on several Texas NFL draft prospects

The record for most players drafted from a single team in one season is 15. Texas had 14 guys invited to the combine this year, with a few others that easily could have been in Indianapolis. Steve Sarkisian himself believes that the Longhorns have “got a shot” to break, or at least tie, the record.

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Sark and Colt McCoy recently sat down and discussed some of the biggest names in the potential record breaking draft class.

Jahdae Barron

In the words of Sark, Barron is the “epitome of what college football is supposed to be.” He’s a dedicated worker who has been willing to put in the effort required to be the best. At the end of last season, he could’ve gone to the draft, where Sark thinks he probably would’ve been taken in the 4th round or later. But he decided to come back—and was the best defensive back in college football, winning the Thorpe Award, and leading arguably the best defense in the nation.

Sark mentioned the improvements he made in the offseason, including changing his body and improving his speed to play corner, and becoming a bigger leader in the locker room. Sark then highlighted his versatility, having played significant time at corner, star, and some time in other packages, like dime. He also raved about how he applied the film he studied, and how he “finds the ball,” and takes “calculated risks.”

Matthew Golden

While Golden had a great game against Texas during his time at Houston, he was never a clear go-to receiver. And even after making it to the Forty Acres, he was by no means “the guy” and had to learn a very conceptually difficult offense. But, as the season went on, especially after Isaiah Bond’s multiple injuries, Golden became the guy Texas turned to when they needed a huge play.

Sark gave Golden high praise for the critical catches he made late in the season, even while playing through injuries, and his explosiveness. He also told a story about his work ethic: early in the season, Golden came out of one of his breaks at half speed, and was missed by a pass from Quinn Ewers. He then went to the sideline and said it would never happen again. It never did. And at the combine, even Sark did not expect him to run a 4.29 40 yard dash.

Kelvin Banks Jr.

Banks made a name for himself early, going head to head with Will Anderson in his second ever game, and holding his own. Sark said you can “count on him” every single game. He’s consistently reliable, strong in both pass protection and the run game, and carries a calm, composed demeanor that NFL teams love.

If he hears his name called in the first round, he’ll be the first Texas offensive lineman to earn that honor since Mike Williams in 2002. A first round pick like that is not only great for Banks himself, but speaks volumes to the direction of the program, especially in the trenches.

Cam Williams

Physically, Williams checks every box. He has “all the measurables that you can imagine” needed to play at the next level, but may lack some experience. He waited his turn behind older players and then took full advantage of his opportunity as a one-year starter. With the right development, his ceiling is sky-high.

Jake Majors

Majors has been the anchor of the offensive line, starting for four years. Sark described him as “cerebral” and “tough,” and a player who might not generate as much buzz as the likely first-rounders, but whose football IQ and consistency make him a potential long-term pro. Sark compared him to interior linemen on teams like the Eagles. He may fly under the radar, but could end up having one of the longest careers of all the players on this list.

Hayden Conner

Conner plays with grit, and is “tough as nails,” according to Sark. He also had a great rapport with Ewers, something all quarterbacks and offensive linemen need to be successful. He is another very solid interior player that may be slightly overlooked, but again, is tough and gritty.

Gunnar Helm

Helm was one of the fan favorites all season long. He came up in clutch moments and for the earlier part of the season, was the go-to pass-catcher for the Horns.

Helm has earned the respect of both Ewers and Arch Manning. Sark and McCoy discussed heavily how in a world where tight ends drafted to the NFL are increasingly just oversized slot receivers, Helm stands out for his physicality and blocking ability. They specifically referenced how he went toe to toe with many potential first round guys, citing players like Shemar Stewart and Mykel Williams.

Isaiah Bond

When Bond initially transferred to Texas, he was supposed to be the main guy for Texas. And he showed flashes of being a superstar for the Horns. With elite top end speed, and good ball work, he has the traits to be the main guy nearly anywhere. But Sark summed him up perfectly: he’s like a Ferrari, fast and explosive, but when one part doesn’t work, the whole machine doesn’t work. Bond’s injuries limited him all season, but when he was healthier, he was a huge weapon for the Texas offense.

Going into the NFL Combine, Sark knew he was blazing fast, especially with his top end speed, but was most impressed with his ball drills and the things he did besides running the 40-yard dash.

Bond’s draft stock took a dramatic turn since the release of the video, as he turned himself in yesterday for a matter related to an outstanding sexual assault warrant.

Quinn Ewers

Ewers does not get enough credit for what he did for the program. He’s battled through adversity, including many injuries, and showed real resilience. Sark said that the NFL isn’t “roses, peaches, and sunshine,” and Ewers has already played through more media talk, both good and bad, than nearly any other player coming out of college.

Sark compared his work ethic to that of Matt Ryan, one which is steady and consistent, win or lose. Thanks to the system he played in, Ewers has developed a sharp understanding of what to do with the ball, and he’s a better athlete than most give him credit for. But Sark was clear: he needs the right situation. The wrong system—like what happened with Mac Jones—could derail his career, but a good one, where he develops in the NFL, could lead to a very good career.

Sark and Colt briefly mentioned other names that could be drafted, highlighting players like Barryn Sorrell and Andrew Mukuba, but didn’t discuss them in too much detail.

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Texas losing lots of talent to the draft this year is a sign of a healthy program that develops players, and by proving that they can get players to the next level, they encourage more talent to come to Austin, building the possibility for great teams for years to come.