Three Texas Longhorns Land in Top 20 of Latest NFL Mock Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football fans are eagerly watching their favorite players climb up the draft boards, hoping to see their program’s stars make the leap to the professional ranks. For the Texas Longhorns, the road to the NFL is beginning to look brighter, with multiple players poised to be selected early in the draft. In the latest NFL mock draft, three Longhorns have found themselves in the Top 20 picks, highlighting the impressive talent coming out of Austin.
This marks a significant achievement for the Texas football program, which has long been a powerhouse in the college football landscape. While the Longhorns have experienced some ups and downs in recent years, their recruiting efforts and player development have started to bear fruit, as evidenced by the rise of these three top prospects. In this article, we’ll break down the three Texas players who have been projected to land in the Top 20 of the 2025 NFL Draft, evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level.
1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback (Projected Pick: No. 4 Overall)
One of the most exciting prospects for the Texas Longhorns heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is Quinn Ewers, the standout quarterback who has steadily improved during his time in Austin. Ewers, who transferred to Texas after spending a brief stint at Ohio State, has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, with a skill set that has NFL scouts buzzing. In the latest mock draft, Ewers is projected to go No. 4 overall, solidifying his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class.
Strengths
Ewers possesses the kind of arm talent that scouts dream about. Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 215 pounds, he has the physical attributes of a prototypical NFL quarterback. His arm strength is elite, with the ability to make every throw on the field, from deep bombs down the sideline to quick slants in tight windows. He also has an impressive touch on his passes, displaying the ability to throw with accuracy on both deep and intermediate routes.
In addition to his arm strength, Ewers has shown significant improvement in his decision-making over the past few seasons. As a sophomore in 2024, he demonstrated a high football IQ, limiting turnovers and making quick, decisive throws under pressure. His ability to read defenses and adjust to the pace of the game has improved tremendously, a testament to his growth as a leader on the field. As a dual-threat quarterback, he also has the ability to escape pressure and pick up yards on the ground when necessary, adding another dimension to his game.
Weaknesses
While Ewers is incredibly talented, he still has areas of his game that need refinement before he can succeed at the next level. One of the areas that scouts are watching closely is his consistency. At times, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s also been prone to stretches of poor accuracy, particularly when under duress. His mechanics can get sloppy when pressured, leading to off-target throws and misfires.
Additionally, Ewers could benefit from continuing to develop his anticipation in the passing game. While he has a strong arm, there are moments when he holds onto the ball too long or hesitates before releasing it. In the NFL, where windows are smaller and defenders are faster, this hesitation could be costly. As he continues to refine these aspects of his game, however, Ewers has all the tools to be an immediate impact player in the NFL.
Pro Comparison
Ewers’ skill set has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, with many seeing similarities between him and Matthew Stafford. Like Stafford, Ewers has the arm strength and poise to make every throw on the field, and while he may not be the most mobile quarterback, his ability to move in the pocket and extend plays makes him a threat in all situations. If Ewers can refine his mechanics and decision-making, he has the potential to become a top-tier NFL quarterback.
2. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (Projected Pick: No. 12 Overall)
Another player who has gained considerable attention in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft is Xavier Worthy, Texas’ dynamic wide receiver. Worthy, a redshirt sophomore, has been one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football, thanks to his elite speed, excellent route-running, and ability to make plays after the catch. In the latest mock draft, Worthy is projected to go No. 12 overall, making him one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation.
Strengths
Worthy is known for his game-breaking speed, which is arguably his most dangerous asset. Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 175 pounds, he’s not the biggest wide receiver, but his acceleration and ability to separate from defenders make him a nightmare for defensive backs. He is an explosive player with the ability to stretch the field and create big plays on any given snap. His ability to take the top off a defense with his deep routes has made him one of the most feared wideouts in college football.
In addition to his speed, Worthy has developed into a more complete receiver over the years. His route-running has improved significantly, with better precision in his cuts and the ability to get open at all levels of the field. He also has excellent hands, rarely dropping passes, and can make spectacular catches in tight coverage. Worthy is also dangerous after the catch, with the vision and elusiveness to turn short passes into long gains.
Weaknesses
While Worthy’s speed and athleticism are undeniable, he has some areas of his game that need refinement before he can thrive in the NFL. One concern is his size—at just 175 pounds, he can struggle against more physical corners who can disrupt his routes at the line of scrimmage. While he has the quickness to get off the line, he may need to add weight and strength to better handle the physicality of the NFL.
Additionally, while Worthy is an elite deep threat, he can sometimes struggle with consistency in his routes. In some games, he has been prone to getting jammed or not creating enough separation at the intermediate levels of the field. Improving his ability to win against physical cornerbacks and develop more consistency with his route running will be key to his transition to the NFL.
Pro Comparison
Worthy has often been compared to Tyreek Hill, thanks to his explosive speed and ability to make plays down the field. While Worthy is not as thickly built as Hill, his vertical threat and ability to stretch the field make him a similar weapon in terms of offensive potential. If Worthy can continue to develop as a route runner and add some strength to his frame, he could be an immediate game-changer in the NFL.
3. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (Projected Pick: No. 16 Overall)
Another Texas Longhorn who has received a lot of attention ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft is Bijan Robinson, the talented running back who has been the centerpiece of Texas’ offense for the past few seasons. Robinson is widely regarded as one of the best running back prospects in recent memory, with an impressive combination of size, speed, vision, and balance. In the latest mock draft, Robinson is projected to go No. 16 overall, making him one of the first running backs off the board.
Strengths
Robinson’s most noticeable strength is his vision. He has an innate ability to read and anticipate blocking schemes, making him dangerous as both a runner between the tackles and on the edge. His patience in waiting for holes to open up, combined with his incredible burst through the line, make him a constant threat to break off a long run.
In addition to his vision and patience, Robinson is known for his balance and ability to make defenders miss. His low center of gravity and strong legs allow him to break arm tackles and power through would-be tacklers, while his agility lets him make sharp cuts and avoid big hits. He is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, offering additional versatility for any NFL offense.
Weaknesses
While Robinson is an incredibly well-rounded back, his durability could be a concern. He has carried a heavy workload at Texas, and while he’s been mostly healthy, his college career has involved a significant amount of touches. In the NFL, the grind of a 17-game season, combined with the wear and tear of the position, may pose challenges as he transitions to the pros.
Another concern with Robinson is his speed—while he has good straight-line speed, he does not have the breakaway speed of some of the NFL’s top running backs. He can break long runs, but it’s not always due to sheer speed; rather, it’s because of his ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Pro Comparison
Robinson’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Ezekiel Elliott. Like Elliott, Robinson is a well-rounded back with excellent vision, power, and the ability to be a threat both as a rusher and a receiver. If Robinson can remain healthy and continue to refine his game, he has the potential to be a top-tier running back in the NFL.