Where Texas Longhorns landed in Dane Brugler's top-50 NFL Draft prospects list

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is one of the most connected NFL Draft mockers and evaluators in an increasingly populated field. For those who the NFL season is just as interesting between the Super Bowl and the draft, he’s one of the two or three key voices. Many treat the release of The Beast, his exhaustive draft guide, like Christmas morning. 

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While the draft might be of seasonal interest for some, it’s year-round for others. If football is being played, Brugler is evaluating, and thanks to his access of All-22, he’s able to better observe player traits than those with network telecast access. If you’ve sat in the end zone of a game you understand how advantageous it is to watch the whole field.

On Tuesday, Brugler released his top-50 prospects. While it included three Texas Longhorns, it also excluded one very well known Horn.

OT Kelvin Banks, No. 18

Banks was the first Texas player to check-in. No. 18 might be lower than fans were expecting but there have been emerging questions regarding Banks’ length. I predicted he’d slot around 15 in early September when I said wide receiver Ryan Wingo has the highest draft upside of all the non-quarterbacks on the roster. 

Here’s the thing with Banks, though. He’s going to absolutely own the interview process and due diligence associated with getting to know every last detail about the person, not just the player. 

While questions of length exist, I believe he’ll overcome them with compensatory traits like quickness, feet, body mechanics, balance, and flexibility.

Another Kelvin, Kelvin Beachum, had less length and athleticism to work with and has had a long and productive NFL career. 

OT Cameron Williams, No. 27

Williams was Banks’ classmate in the 2022 signing class but rather than becoming a day 1 starter he waited two years behind Christian Jones. His athleticism and massive size has captivated the scouting community, though his play in his first year of action has been spotty. We’ve seen both blown assignments and too many penalties.

That’s to be expected. Also to be expected is his rapid improvement the rest of the season. That’s something Steve Sarkisian pointed out in his Monday press conference when he said Williams is not only showing progress from game to game but also within games. 

Weeks ago IT mentioned it’s possible Texas would need to replace all five offensive linemen. Since then, IT has felt it’s likely DJ Campbell will return. However, if Williams is projected to go in the first Texas will need to start two new tackles next year.

WR Isaiah Bond, No. 45

I don’t know Brugler’s thoughts on Bond but I see a receiver who can play inside or outside and feature in the punt return game. He’s going to test very well, having run 10.5 100 meters in high school. He’s one of the 2-3 fastest Longhorns. He’ll run sub-4.35, imo. 

Scouts might compare him to Xavier Worthy. While he’s not historically fast like Worthy, he’s a burner. I find Bond to be more overall skilled and versatile. 

After missing some time with a minor injury, Bond announced his return against Florida with a game that highlighted his speed. Assuming he stays healthy, I expect a very strong finish to his season. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bond broke into the late first-round. 

QB Quinn Ewers?

Ewers didn’t make the list but there should be plenty of football remaining for the Longhorns quarterback to improve his status. It’s funny, Ewers is sort of in control of just how much football he has left.

He needs to improve his pocket presence and progression passing to make significant jump up draft boards.

Others of note

Georgia has three players listed in the top-10: S Malaki Starks (4), LB Jalon Walker (7), Edge Mykel Williams (8). Walker’s draft tape will feature plenty of footage from October 19th.

The Aggies have two players listed in the top-20 though they’ll surely claim three: Edge Shemar Stewart (15), Nic Scourton (17), Walter Nolan (20). Nolan is of course at Ole Miss now.

Brugler’s first quarterback is Miami’s Cam Ward (16). His second quarterback is Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (22). The one-time Texas commit conjures Jalen Hurts in his play-style. His third signal-caller is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders (23). Fourth is Garrett Nussmeier (30) from LSU.

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All four played high school football in Texas. While it’s a down quarterback cycle at least the state of Texas is trying to do its part.