The University of Texas football program built off its successful 2024 season by setting a program record this past weekend. Twelve former Longhorns heard their names called during the 2025 NFL Draft. That breaks the previous record of 11 set by last year’s class. This year’s crop of talent from the University of Texas included seven players on the offensive side of the ball and five defenders.
12 Longhorns Selected in NFL Draft
Texas Football Day One NFL Draft Selections
The Texas Longhorns produced three first-round draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. All-American left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr was taken number nine overall by the New Orleans Saints, Jim Thorpe Award winner (nation’s top DB) Jahdae Barron was selected number 20 overall by the Denver Broncos, and electric wide receiver Matthew Golden came off the board at pick number 23 to the Green Bay Packers.
Banks has the versatility to move inside to play guard. He is a smooth athlete who creates significant leverage when engaged with opposing defenders.
“When you meet [Kelvin Banks Jr.], you are gravitated to him and you put on the film, he gets after people,” New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said. “He moves people in the run game, he’s a great pass protector, and he just does an excellent job.”
Barron is the true definition of a playmaker at the defensive back position. He tied for fourth in the FBS with five interceptions and can play any position in a defensive secondary.
“[Jahdae Barron] is really sticky in man and doesn’t give many completions. He’s really good in the run game and tackler, and he plays all over the field. He fits everything we’re looking for. He’s going to add to a really good defense, we’re excited to have him,” Denver Broncos general manager George Paton said.
Golden is a threat to torch defenders from all three levels of the field and will be a go-to playmaker for Green Bay. He showcased his blazing speed at the combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds.
“Matthew Golden gets open in man coverage with excellent hands,” Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said. “He can play inside, outside, and can do some kick returning. He’s going to be a guy that can help us in a lot of ways.”
Longhorns Selected on Day Two of NFL Draft
Defensive tackle Alfred Collins went to the San Francisco 49ers with pick number 43. Collins was a second-team All-American this past season and plays with a relentless motor that will allow him to be an early contributor.
Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles selected Andrew Mukuba with the number 64 overall pick. As a four-year starter at safety during his collegiate career, Mukuba finished with 193 tackles, six interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, he gave up 76 yards on 401 coverage snaps and did not allow a single touchdown.
“It’s really hard to find cover safeties and guys who have the ability to come down and play over the slot, play in the middle of the field, have natural instincts, play the ball. [Andrew Mukuba] was a slot corner at Clemson before he transferred to Texas,” Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said.
Texas defensive tackle Vernon Broughton was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 71st overall selection. Broughton formed a dynamic duo on the interior defensive line with Collins during their days at Texas. Broughton has impressive athletic ability and a quick first step for a man of his size. Standing 6’5”, 311 pounds, Broughton will serve as a rotational three-technique who thrives in obvious pass situations due to his diversified skillset as a rusher.
Six Longhorns Taken on Final Day of NFL Draft
Tight end Gunnar Helm went to the Tennessee Titans with the 120th overall pick. Helm earned Second Team All-SEC honors as the full-time starter for the Longhorns last season. He tallied 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns, and was the Longhorns’ second-leading receiver in 2024 behind Golden.
The Green Bay Packers drafted defensive end Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round with pick number 124. In his four seasons with the Longhorns, Sorrell racked up 132 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. The 6’3”, 256-pound defensive lineman is one of the most explosive defensive line prospects in this year’s class and projects as an effective pass rusher.
The Dallas Cowboys selected running back Jaydon Blue with the 149th overall pick. Blue had a productive year with the Longhorns last season, putting up 730 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while adding 368 yards and six touchdowns through the air. He adds immediate value as a third-down back and will eventually develop into a starter.
Offensive lineman Cameron Williams was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with pick No. 207 in the sixth round. Williams has the physical traits and tools to be an above-average starting right tackle, but he will need more experience to polish his technique.
The Arizona Cardinals took offensive guard Hayden Conner with the 211th overall pick. Conner is an experienced guard who appeared in 51 games and made 43 starts during his four years at Texas.
Former number one national recruit (247Sports) Quinn Ewers landed with the Miami Dolphins at pick number 231 in the seventh round. Ewers had a great career as the head signal caller for the University of Texas. He finished third in school history in passing touchdowns with 68 and passing yards with 9,128.
Texas Football Has Established a Legitimate NFL Draft Pipeline
The Texas Longhorns are seeing continued success for their program in the NFL Draft. In four drafts under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has had 28 players drafted. Over the last two years, Texas’s 23 selections are the most by any collegiate football program. The Longhorns are clearly developing talent and are certainly on track to continue competing for national championships.
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