Texas football: Pro day for NFL hopefuls set for late March

Texas Football: Late March Will Be the NFL Hopefuls’ Pro Day

The University of Texas Longhorns football program has consistently produced some of the most talented and elite athletes in college football. From Heisman winners to future NFL stars, Texas has always been a program that not only excels on the field but also develops players who go on to have successful careers at the next level. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most highly anticipated events for Texas football players and fans alike is the Pro Day. Scheduled for late March, it will be an event that showcases the potential of Longhorns athletes who are hoping to make the leap to the NFL.

Pro Day is one of the key milestones in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, providing prospects with the opportunity to impress scouts, coaches, and general managers in person. For the Longhorns, it represents a pivotal moment where players can solidify their draft stock, showcase their physical attributes, and demonstrate their readiness to take the next step in their football careers.

This year, Texas football has a host of standout players who will be hoping to impress at Pro Day, including several high-profile NFL hopefuls who have the chance to make a significant impact in the professional ranks. Let’s take a closer look at what Pro Day means for the University of Texas, the athletes involved, and how it could impact their NFL futures.

The Significance of Pro Day

Pro Day is an event that allows draft-eligible players to perform physical drills and skills tests in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and other personnel. While the NFL Combine — held earlier in Indianapolis — is a more formal event where players are evaluated on a national stage, Pro Day allows players to showcase their talents in familiar surroundings and often under less pressure. It’s a key opportunity for players to improve upon their Combine performances or to display skills that might not have been fully captured during the event.

For players from a major program like Texas, Pro Day is a chance to further prove their worth after the national stage of the Combine. They’ll be competing not just for a spot on an NFL roster but for the best possible position in the upcoming draft. For many players, Pro Day can make or break their draft stock.

Texas’ NFL Prospects for 2025

As Texas football looks to send another crop of talented athletes to the NFL, there are a number of players who will be the focus of scouts and media attention during Pro Day. These athletes are already on the radar of NFL teams, and their performances at Pro Day will play a significant role in determining where they land in the draft.

1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back

Undoubtedly, the biggest name on the Texas roster for Pro Day 2025 is Bijan Robinson. The dynamic running back has been a standout player for the Longhorns throughout his college career, earning numerous accolades, including being named an All-American and winning the prestigious Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back. Robinson is widely regarded as one of the top players in the 2025 draft class, and he has the potential to be a first-round pick.

Robinson’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has set him apart. Known for his vision, agility, and explosive speed, he can break off long runs with ease and is equally effective in the passing game, both as a receiver and a blocker. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a highly sought-after commodity for NFL teams, particularly those looking to add an elite playmaker to their backfield.

At Pro Day, Robinson will be looking to showcase his explosiveness and athleticism, likely posting strong numbers in the 40-yard dash, vertical leap, and shuttle drills. His ability to show off his fluidity as a pass-catcher could also go a long way in impressing NFL scouts who value multi-dimensional running backs in today’s game. Given his consistent performance throughout college, Robinson’s Pro Day will be an opportunity to confirm that he’s as ready for the NFL as his tape suggests.

2. Roschon Johnson – Running Back

While Robinson is the headline name in the Texas backfield, Roschon Johnson has also garnered considerable attention throughout his career. The versatile running back has proven himself as a physical runner and capable blocker, but his real value at the next level may lie in his ability to contribute on special teams and as a change-of-pace back. Johnson’s Pro Day performance will be essential for solidifying his status as a potential NFL draft pick.

At 6’0″ and 225 pounds, Johnson brings size and power to the position, making him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a between-the-tackles runner. Additionally, Johnson’s leadership and work ethic have made him a favorite in the Texas locker room, and scouts will be eager to see if he can translate his skills and mindset to the next level. Johnson’s Pro Day performance could determine whether he’s a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, but it will certainly be a critical event in his draft journey.

3. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback

Quinn Ewers, Texas’ starting quarterback, has shown significant potential in his time with the Longhorns. After transferring from Ohio State, Ewers took on a leadership role for the Texas offense and showed flashes of the arm strength and playmaking ability that made him one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. Though Ewers’ college career has been up-and-down at times, he possesses the traits that NFL teams look for in a quarterback, including a strong arm, good pocket presence, and the ability to make all the throws.

Ewers’ Pro Day will be a pivotal moment in his draft evaluation. Scouts will be looking for him to display his accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making ability. While he may not be a first-round prospect, a strong Pro Day performance could push him up the draft board. Ewers needs to demonstrate that he can make all the necessary throws, especially on deep balls and in tight windows, which are areas where he’s shown inconsistency at times.

4. Jerrin Thompson – Safety

Jerrin Thompson, a standout safety for the Longhorns, is one of the top defensive players to watch on Pro Day. Thompson has been a key contributor for Texas over the past few seasons, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game both in coverage and as a tackler. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball has garnered attention from NFL scouts, who value safeties that can cover ground and make plays in the back end.

Thompson’s Pro Day will be important for showing off his athleticism and versatility, particularly in agility drills and coverage situations. His ability to perform well in the 40-yard dash and demonstrate his ability to cover both deep routes and short-area quickness will be crucial for his draft stock. If Thompson can show that he’s an elite athlete and a strong fit for today’s pass-heavy NFL, he could land in the middle rounds of the draft.

5. Keondre Coburn – Defensive Tackle

On the defensive side of the ball, Keondre Coburn is another player who has the potential to make an impact at Pro Day. As a defensive tackle, Coburn has displayed the ability to clog up the middle, disrupt running plays, and even rush the passer at times. While not as flashy as some of the other defensive linemen in the draft, Coburn’s strength, power, and versatility could make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking for a solid interior presence.

At Pro Day, Coburn will need to showcase his strength, quickness off the line, and ability to play both the pass and run. His 40-yard dash time, vertical leap, and bench press performance will be key indicators for scouts, but it’s his ability to move laterally and create havoc at the line of scrimmage that will be most important.

The Importance of Pro Day for Texas Football

Pro Day is a crucial event not just for the players themselves, but for the entire Texas football program. The performances of the Longhorns’ NFL hopefuls will provide insight into the level of talent that Texas has been developing under head coach Steve Sarkisian. For Sarkisian and his coaching staff, seeing their players perform well at Pro Day is a testament to their ability to prepare athletes for the next level and maintain the tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent.

Moreover, Pro Day is an opportunity for Texas to continue building its recruiting brand. Recruits across the nation pay attention to how players from their prospective programs perform in front of NFL scouts. If Texas can continue to send players to the league and have them perform well at events like Pro Day, it can bolster the program’s reputation as a pipeline to the NFL and attract more elite talent.