In the first round of the post-combine mock draft, three Texas Longhorns were selected.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Texas Longhorns football program has once again proved its worth on the national stage, with three of its players being selected in the first round of post-combine mock drafts. This remarkable achievement speaks to the continued prominence of the Longhorns’ football program, which has produced some of the NFL’s biggest stars in recent years. The three players selected in the first round each bring a unique set of skills to the table, and their draft stock saw a significant rise after impressive performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. This article will take a closer look at each of the three Longhorns who have captured the attention of NFL scouts, the potential impact of their selections, and what this means for the future of the Texas football program.

The NFL Scouting Combine: A Key Milestone

Before diving into the prospects themselves, it’s important to understand the significance of the NFL Scouting Combine. Held annually in Indianapolis, the Combine is an event that gathers the top college football prospects in the country to showcase their skills, undergo physical evaluations, and participate in interviews with NFL teams. It’s an opportunity for athletes to solidify or raise their draft stock, as teams are able to assess their abilities in person rather than relying solely on tape from their collegiate careers.

For Texas Longhorns players, this year’s Combine proved to be a crucial opportunity. Each of the three players selected in the first round had strong showings that undoubtedly boosted their draft prospects. Whether through standout athletic performances, impressive interviews, or increased recognition for their previous on-field success, these athletes took full advantage of the spotlight and delivered results.

Bijan Robinson: The Heisman-Caliber Running Back

Arguably the most high-profile player in this mock draft is running back Bijan Robinson. The Longhorns’ star offensive weapon had an outstanding career at Texas, racking up impressive statistics and proving to be one of the most electrifying running backs in college football. Robinson’s combine performance only reinforced his status as one of the top players available in this draft.

The College Career

During his time at Texas, Robinson quickly became one of the most dominant running backs in the nation. In his three seasons with the Longhorns, he accumulated over 3,000 rushing yards and scored 33 touchdowns. His ability to break tackles, hit the hole with speed, and change direction on a dime made him a nightmare for defenses. Robinson also displayed impressive hands as a receiving back, catching passes out of the backfield and proving that he was an all-around weapon in the offensive game plan.

Robinson’s standout performance in the 2022 season, where he rushed for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns, earned him recognition as one of the top running backs in college football. His combination of size (6’0″, 220 pounds), speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash), and vision made him a consensus top draft prospect.

Combine Performance and Draft Stock

Robinson’s combine performance only bolstered his already sky-high stock. His 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds solidified his reputation as one of the fastest running backs in the class. His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.08 seconds and his 3-cone drill time of 6.88 seconds showcased his agility and ability to change direction at top speed. This is particularly important for running backs, as being able to make quick cuts and change direction in tight spaces is crucial for success at the next level.

While Robinson didn’t participate in every combine drill, his showing in the 40-yard dash, shuttle, and agility drills proved that he has the tools to succeed in the NFL. As one of the most complete running backs in recent memory, Robinson is expected to be selected in the top 10 picks of the draft. He has the potential to be an instant starter in the NFL, and his ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a versatile and highly sought-after prospect.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Elite Wide Receiver

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is another name that has been rising in mock drafts following the NFL Combine. While he played at Ohio State during his collegiate career, he spent time training with some of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, including Texas Longhorns players. The following discussion will focus on his rise as a major draft prospect and his potential in the NFL.

College Career Highlights

While Smith-Njigba is not directly affiliated with Texas, his unique connection to the Texas Longhorns players was essential in shaping his ascent during the draft evaluation process. By testing against one of the most diverse collegiate quarterback lineup running back lineup offered system