The Post-Combine 2025 NFL Mock Draft Sees Three Longhorns Selected in the First Round

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the landscape is shifting rapidly with prospects demonstrating impressive skills and athleticism at the NFL Combine. While the draft process remains fluid, the University of Texas Longhorns have emerged as one of the key contributors to the first round. With an influx of talent, three Longhorns have positioned themselves to be selected among the top 32 picks, signaling Texas’ return to prominence in the NFL talent pipeline.

In this mock draft, we explore the expected outcomes of the first round, focusing on the three Texas Longhorns who have made a mark at the Combine and could be the centerpieces of several NFL teams’ future successes. Let’s dive into these Longhorns’ profiles and examine how each player has earned their first-round spot.

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback – 1st Overall Pick (Chicago Bears)

Position: Quarterback
College: Texas
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 214 lbs
2024 Stats: 3,912 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 66% completion rate

Quinn Ewers entered the University of Texas with immense expectations, and after a rocky start to his college career, he has finally begun to harness his prodigious talent. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Ewers showcased his refined mechanics, arm strength, and poise under pressure. He registered impressive results in passing drills, with scouts noting his ability to place the ball accurately and zip it into tight windows.

What sets Ewers apart from other quarterbacks in this class is his combination of physical tools and mental acumen. Standing at 6’3″, with a cannon of an arm, Ewers’ deep-ball accuracy is among the best in college football, making him a dynamic threat both on and off the field. His ability to make all the throws, coupled with his anticipation and touch on passes, makes him a perfect fit for NFL offenses that favor vertical passing attacks.

Though he has room to improve in terms of his pocket presence and decision-making under pressure, the upside is undeniable. In 2024, he led Texas to an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game and showed consistent improvement week by week. If Ewers can refine his game even further, there’s no question he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback.

NFL Comparison: Matthew Stafford

Given his potential, the Chicago Bears, who currently hold the 1st overall pick, are likely to select Ewers as their quarterback of the future. After trading down in the 2024 NFL Draft to accumulate more assets, the Bears will likely go all-in on securing a franchise signal-caller. Ewers offers the ideal blend of talent and upside, with the potential to be a game-changing quarterback for the Bears.

2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back – 5th Overall Pick (Atlanta Falcons)

Position: Running Back
College: Texas
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 215 lbs
2024 Stats: 1,700 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 37 receptions, 450 receiving yards

Bijan Robinson is one of the most complete running back prospects to come out of college football in recent years. After a standout career at Texas, where he was often the focal point of the Longhorns’ offense, Robinson impressed scouts at the Combine with his blazing 40-yard dash time (4.43 seconds) and outstanding agility in positional drills.

Robinson is a unique blend of size, speed, and vision, making him a threat in both the rushing and passing game. His ability to read blocks and explode through holes is elite, while his receiving ability out of the backfield allows him to be a weapon in the modern NFL, where versatility is paramount. Robinson’s fluid running style, coupled with his penchant for breaking tackles and extending plays, makes him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.

As a senior, Robinson rushed for 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns, but it was his consistency in contributing as a receiver (37 catches, 450 yards) that truly set him apart. This level of dual-threat ability is highly coveted in today’s NFL, where teams look for running backs who can contribute in multiple ways.

NFL Comparison: Saquon Barkley

The Atlanta Falcons, with the 5th overall pick, are one of the most intriguing landing spots for Robinson. Atlanta has been looking for a franchise running back to anchor their offense, and Robinson fits perfectly in their power-run game. With an established offensive line, Robinson could immediately become the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense, capable of taking pressure off quarterback Desmond Ridder while also dominating opposing defenses.

3. Jatavion Sanders – Tight End – 15th Overall Pick (Green Bay Packers)

Position: Tight End
College: Texas
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 255 lbs
2024 Stats: 60 receptions, 850 yards, 12 touchdowns

Jatavion Sanders is an emerging star at the tight end position, known for his rare combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills. Sanders elevated his stock during the 2024 season, where he became one of the most reliable weapons in Texas’ passing game. At the NFL Combine, Sanders’ performance was nothing short of stellar, as he ran a 4.55 40-yard dash, showing off his impressive speed for a player of his size. His ability to make plays in the passing game is what has scouts buzzing, as he possesses exceptional route-running ability and the strength to create mismatches against defenders.

Standing 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Sanders has the frame to be a dominant presence as both a blocker and a pass catcher. In 2024, he posted 60 catches for 850 yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his red-zone prowess and ability to stretch the field vertically. Sanders’ blocking also improved significantly, giving him a balanced skill set that NFL teams covet in a modern tight end.

What truly sets Sanders apart is his high football IQ. He knows how to exploit defensive coverages and uses his size and strength to outmuscle defenders for contested catches. This makes him an immediate mismatch for opposing linebackers and safeties, while also providing value as a reliable target in the short and intermediate passing game.

NFL Comparison: George Kittle

With the 15th overall pick, the Green Bay Packers are expected to take a hard look at Sanders. After the departure of veteran tight end Robert Tonyan, the Packers have been searching for a dynamic playmaker to fill the void. Sanders would complement the development of quarterback Jordan Love and provide a reliable target in the middle of the field. His versatility as both a blocker and pass-catcher would be invaluable in the Packers’ offensive scheme.

Other Notable Longhorns in the 2025 NFL Draft

While Ewers, Robinson, and Sanders are projected to go in the first round, several other Texas Longhorns are also expected to make an impact in the 2025 NFL Draft. These include:

• Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (2nd Round): A speedster with explosive playmaking ability, Worthy has the potential to be a game-changing deep threat at the next level. After a stellar college career, he could be a top-tier second-round pick.
• T’Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle (2nd/3rd Round): Known for his strength and ability to control the line of scrimmage, Sweat has the potential to make an impact as a run-stuffer at the next level.
• Jalen Catalon – Safety (3rd Round): After overcoming injuries, Catalon has proven himself to be a hard-hitting safety with excellent ball skills. His ability to cover ground and make plays in the secondary makes him an intriguing prospect.

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a banner year for the University of Texas, as Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and Jatavion Sanders are all projected to be selected in the first round. Their impressive performances at the Combine have solidified their status as top-tier prospects, and their diverse skill sets will make an immediate impact at the professional level.

Ewers has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for whichever team selects him, while Robinson is poised to be one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. Sanders, meanwhile, offers a unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill that will make him a valuable asset to any offense. The future looks bright for these Longhorns, and it seems certain that they will have a major impact on the NFL in the years to come.