Before the NFL Draft, a Texas A&M football defense faced with an injury update.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Texas A&M Aggies football program is in the midst of a defining moment. While the focus has predominantly been on their rising stars, the defense—often a hallmark of success for the Aggies in recent years—has faced some challenges in the lead-up to the draft. Specifically, injuries to key defensive players have placed a spotlight on how these developments could influence the Aggies’ draft prospects and impact their 2025 season outlook.

With a number of top-tier defensive players expected to enter the draft, including several potential first-round picks, the injury updates are critical to understanding where these athletes stand and how they might affect their stock. This article will break down the key injury updates, assess their potential impact on individual prospects, and analyze how Texas A&M’s defense has evolved in the wake of these setbacks.

The Aggies’ Defensive Unit: A Brief Overview

Texas A&M has long prided itself on its defensive prowess. Under various coaching regimes, the Aggies have developed one of the most respected defensive units in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The 2024 season was no exception, as the Aggies boasted one of the most formidable defenses in college football. However, injuries have threatened to derail the momentum of what was shaping up to be a breakout year for many key players, especially those headed for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Aggies’ defense in 2024 was highlighted by several future NFL prospects, including a star-studded defensive line, standout linebackers, and dynamic secondary players. Texas A&M’s ability to generate pressure, stop the run, and lock down opposing receivers was a key factor in their competitive success during the season. Unfortunately, these crucial players have not been immune to the injury bug that often strikes college football programs.

As these players face the final months before the NFL Draft, the current injury updates on several top defensive prospects will have a significant influence on their draft stock and future aspirations.

Key Injury Updates Impacting the NFL Draft Prospects

1. Defensive End Aiden Green – Torn ACL

One of the most highly anticipated prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive end Aiden Green had been projected as a top-10 pick and one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football. Known for his explosiveness off the edge, Green was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks throughout the 2024 season. His ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run made him an invaluable asset for Texas A&M’s defense.

However, an unfortunate torn ACL in the latter stages of the regular season has forced Green to undergo major knee surgery. The injury was a devastating blow not only to Texas A&M’s defense but to Green’s draft prospects as well. ACL injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and while Green is expected to make a full recovery, his pre-draft workouts and combine performance will be impacted.

The timeline for Green’s recovery remains a key question. While many players are able to return to form after ACL surgeries, the timing of Green’s injury means that he may not be able to participate in the NFL Combine or some pro days, which could hurt his visibility to NFL scouts. It’s expected that Green will still be selected early in the draft due to his impressive body of work prior to the injury, but the rehab process will undoubtedly factor into where he lands.

2. Linebacker Julian Dawson – Shoulder Injury

Julian Dawson, another key player in Texas A&M’s defensive scheme, has long been a fixture at linebacker. His ability to diagnose plays, make tackles in space, and serve as a leader on defense made him one of the top linebacker prospects heading into the NFL Draft. Dawson’s decision to declare early for the draft was largely due to his outstanding 2024 season, where he showcased a combination of speed, vision, and football IQ that scouts salivated over.

Unfortunately, a shoulder injury in the middle of the season has raised concerns about Dawson’s long-term health. Though not as severe as a torn ACL, shoulder injuries can still have a significant impact on a player’s ability to perform at the NFL level, particularly in a position like linebacker, where strength and tackling ability are essential. Dawson underwent surgery after the regular season and has since started his rehab process.

NFL teams will certainly be keeping a close eye on Dawson’s recovery as the draft approaches. While many expect Dawson to be fully recovered in time for the draft, there is still the lingering question of whether his shoulder will affect his long-term durability. Scouts will likely be watching Dawson’s pro day and combine performance closely, as these events will help answer many of the questions surrounding his health and ability to contribute at the next level. Still, with his natural athleticism and leadership on the field, Dawson is expected to remain a highly regarded prospect, though his injury could drop him a few spots on draft boards.

3. Cornerback James Houston – Hamstring Injury

James Houston, a rising star in Texas A&M’s secondary, was poised for a breakout year in 2024. His combination of speed, physicality, and ball-hawking instincts made him one of the most promising cornerback prospects in the country. Houston’s ability to cover elite wide receivers, break up passes, and even intercept the ball made him a standout in the Aggies’ secondary.

However, Houston suffered a hamstring injury early in the season that sidelined him for several games. While he returned in time for the latter half of the season, the injury certainly disrupted his rhythm. Hamstring injuries can be particularly tricky for players at Houston’s position, as they can affect a player’s ability to change direction quickly and maintain top-end speed—two crucial components for a cornerback.

Houston’s injury history, though relatively minor, may raise some concerns for NFL teams, especially given the importance of staying healthy at the cornerback position. His performances post-injury were solid, though not at the same level as his pre-injury form. Scouts will be looking at how Houston tests at the NFL Combine and whether he’s fully recovered, particularly when it comes to his speed and lateral movement. Still, Houston remains a high-upside prospect, and his physical tools and previous body of work suggest that he will still be drafted highly, but the injury may affect his draft positioning slightly.

4. Defensive Tackle Cole Winters – Concussion History

Cole Winters, a powerful defensive tackle with a motor that never stops, was considered one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football before declaring for the draft. Winters has been an anchor in the Aggies’ front seven, using his strength to clog up running lanes and create pressure up the middle. His performance was one of the most consistent on Texas A&M’s defense throughout the season, and he was on track to be selected as one of the top defensive linemen in the draft.

However, Winters has a history of concussions, which has raised some concerns among NFL teams. Concussions are a major red flag for NFL teams, as they can lead to long-term health problems and impact a player’s ability to perform at the highest level. While Winters did not experience a major concussion in his final season, his prior history has put a spotlight on his health status heading into the draft.

Winters has been cleared to play, and teams will likely perform extensive medical evaluations to ensure he’s capable of playing without risk of further injury. Given his dominance on the field and his high potential at the next level, it’s expected that Winters will still be drafted, but his injury history could lower his stock slightly. His ability to clear medical tests and prove that he can continue playing without long-term concerns will be a key factor in determining where he gets selected in the draft.

Texas A&M’s Defense and the NFL Draft Landscape

As the NFL Draft approaches, Texas A&M’s defense faces several challenges, but also plenty of opportunities. While injuries to key players like Aiden Green, Julian Dawson, James Houston, and Cole Winters have been setbacks, each player still has the potential to be a highly coveted draft pick. The Aggies’ defense has proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with over the past few seasons, and despite these injuries, the talent and depth within the unit remain impressive.

For Texas A&M, these injury updates represent a critical turning point for both individual players and the program as a whole. The team’s future success will depend on how these injured players recover, how they perform in the lead-up to the draft, and whether the defensive unit as a whole can maintain its reputation for producing high-quality NFL talent.

For the players involved, this period is one of uncertainty and anticipation. The draft is a moment that could change their lives forever, but their health and the ability to showcase their talents at combine workouts and pro days will play a significant role in determining their futures. For Texas A&M’s defense, these injuries serve as a reminder of the brutal nature of football, but also as a testament to the program’s depth and resilience.

As we approach the NFL Draft, all eyes will be on the medical reports, recovery updates, and performances of these players. Whether they go on to have stellar careers in the NFL or face lingering challenges due to their injuries, one thing is certain: Texas A&M’s defensive stars will continue to leave their mark on the world of football.