In the first round of Expert’s most recent NFL mock draft, three Texas Longhorns are selected.
The NFL Draft is an event that has long captured the attention of football fans, college coaches, and players alike. For university programs like the Texas Longhorns, it represents a chance to showcase their talent on the national stage, with the ultimate goal of placing players in the NFL. In the 2025 draft, the Longhorns have made an impression on expert analysts, with multiple players in line to be selected in the first round. In the most recent NFL mock draft from experts, three Texas Longhorns are projected to go in the first round, marking a significant achievement for the program.
This development signals the strength and future potential of the Texas football program under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns have been working hard to rebuild their roster, and these first-round draft projections highlight the fruits of that labor. The three players selected in this mock draft represent a mixture of key positions, from offensive to defensive talent, and they all offer something unique to an NFL team looking to get an immediate impact.
This piece will explore the significance of these three players, their individual strengths, and how their success on the field could translate into success at the next level. Additionally, we’ll look at how these selections reflect Texas’ recruiting and development trajectory and how they might help elevate the Longhorns program moving forward.
The Impact of First-Round Selections for Texas
Before diving into the specific players, it’s important to understand the significance of having three players projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft. The first round is the most prestigious part of the draft, where top talent is selected by NFL teams. For Texas, this represents a return to prominence, signaling that the program is capable of producing elite-level prospects once again.
Under the leadership of Sarkisian, Texas has worked to establish a more competitive roster, focusing on both recruiting and player development. These efforts have already begun to bear fruit, with the Longhorns not only winning games but also producing high-level talent that is being recognized by NFL scouts and analysts.
Having multiple players selected in the first round is also a testament to the program’s ability to develop players. It shows that Texas is producing players who are ready to step into the professional ranks and compete at the highest level. This success will only bolster the program’s reputation and make it a more attractive destination for future recruits.
Projected First-Round Texas Selections
While the mock draft projections can vary slightly depending on the source, certain Texas players have consistently emerged as top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. In this mock draft, three Texas players are projected to go in the first round, and they each represent different aspects of the game.
1. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (Top-10 Pick)
One of the most electric and talented players on the Texas roster is wide receiver Xavier Worthy. A game-breaking wideout with blazing speed and excellent route-running ability, Worthy has been one of the best receivers in college football during his time with the Longhorns. In this mock draft, Worthy is projected to go in the top-10, possibly even in the top-5, making him one of the most coveted players in the 2025 draft class.
Strengths:
Worthy’s biggest asset is his speed. Whether it’s catching passes on go routes, deep posts, or catching quick passes and turning upfield, Worthy’s ability to stretch the field makes him a big-play threat. His deep-ball ability is complemented by his acceleration off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to create immediate separation from defensive backs. In addition to his speed, Worthy is an exceptional route runner with excellent footwork and the ability to make sharp cuts that leave defenders trailing.
His ability to track the ball and make catches in difficult conditions has also been noteworthy. Whether catching a pass in tight coverage or going up for contested balls, Worthy has shown time and time again that he has the hands to bring in difficult throws.
NFL Potential:
In the NFL, Worthy’s speed and versatility will make him an immediate asset to any offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically will force defensive coordinators to account for him on every play, opening up space for other receivers and the running game. Worthy is the kind of player who can transform an offense and make an impact as both a deep threat and a versatile weapon.
A team that selects Worthy in the first round will be looking for a receiver who can immediately make an impact and become the focal point of their passing attack. Given his potential to be a game-changer, Worthy will likely be selected early in the draft by a team with a need at wide receiver.
2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (Top-5 Pick)
Another Longhorn expected to go high in the 2025 NFL Draft is running back Bijan Robinson. One of the most complete running backs in recent memory, Robinson has been the heart of the Texas offense for several seasons. His combination of power, vision, agility, and speed has made him one of the most sought-after players in this draft class. Robinson is projected to go within the top-5 picks, making him one of the highest-selected running backs in recent years.
Strengths:
Robinson is a dynamic and versatile back who can do it all. Whether running between the tackles, bouncing it outside, or catching passes out of the backfield, Robinson is a threat to break a big play at any moment. His vision and ability to read blocks set him apart from other running backs, as he has a knack for finding holes and exploiting them. He has excellent balance and strength, allowing him to break tackles and fight for extra yards. Additionally, Robinson is a reliable pass catcher, demonstrating excellent hands and the ability to run routes out of the backfield.
One of Robinson’s defining traits is his patience. He doesn’t rush his runs and instead allows plays to develop, waiting for the right moment to hit the hole. His versatility also allows him to contribute as both a traditional running back and a receiving threat.
NFL Potential:
In the NFL, Robinson is expected to be an immediate starter and a centerpiece of the offense. Teams looking for a dynamic running back who can contribute in all areas of the game will likely target Robinson early in the draft. His ability to impact the game both on the ground and through the air makes him a valuable asset for any team’s offense.
Robinson’s combination of size, speed, and vision has already drawn comparisons to some of the best running backs in the NFL. As a potential top-5 pick, he is poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
3. Jalen Catalon – Safety (Late First-Round Pick)
The third Texas player projected to go in the first round is safety Jalen Catalon. A hard-hitting, playmaking safety, Catalon has been a leader on the Texas defense and is considered one of the top defensive backs in the country. Although he has dealt with some injury concerns in the past, Catalon’s ability to play in both run support and pass coverage has made him a highly regarded prospect. He is expected to go late in the first round, making him a potential steal for a team looking to bolster its secondary.
Strengths:
Catalon is an incredibly instinctual player with an ability to read offenses and anticipate plays before they unfold. He excels in both run support and pass coverage, showing the versatility to play closer to the line of scrimmage or cover deep routes. His physicality is one of his standout traits—he is not afraid to come up and make a big hit, which makes him a force in the open field.
In pass coverage, Catalon’s anticipation and ability to track the ball in the air make him a reliable playmaker. He’s not just a safety net for his defense; he can be a game-changer, forcing turnovers and making key plays in critical moments.
NFL Potential:
Catalon’s versatility makes him an attractive option for NFL teams in need of a safety who can do it all. Whether playing in the box against the run or in coverage against receivers and tight ends, Catalon’s skill set allows him to make an impact in multiple areas of the game. His physicality and playmaking ability will make him an immediate contributor at the next level.
In the NFL, Catalon is expected to be a safety who can contribute right away, with the ability to develop into one of the top players at his position.
