The Post-Combine 2025 NFL Mock Draft Sees Three Longhorns Selected in the First Round
The Post-Combine 2025 NFL Mock Draft Sees Three Longhorns Selected in the First Round
As the NFL Scouting Combine comes to a close each year, it’s a pivotal moment for both college athletes and NFL teams. The Combine is a critical event where players display their physical skills, mental acuity, and character in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. For the University of Texas Longhorns, a program with a rich history of sending players to the professional ranks, the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a monumental event, with three players potentially being selected in the first round.
Texas football has long been a pipeline for NFL talent, and the 2025 draft class is no exception. The Longhorns are entering a new era under head coach Steve Sarkisian, and the talent on the roster has caught the attention of NFL scouts. Several players, in particular, have stood out during the 2024 season and their performances at the 2025 NFL Combine have only solidified their draft stock.
In this article, we will break down the three Texas players most likely to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. We will explore their strengths, potential landing spots, and how they performed at the Combine. As we look ahead to the 2025 draft, these players stand out as the future stars of the NFL, representing the continued legacy of Texas football at the next level.
1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back (Projected 1st Round Pick)
One of the most exciting players in the 2025 NFL Draft class is Texas running back Bijan Robinson. A dynamic and explosive athlete, Robinson has been a standout in college football since his arrival in Austin. His combination of speed, vision, power, and receiving ability makes him one of the most complete running backs to enter the NFL Draft in recent years.
Robinson’s 2024 Season Performance:
In the 2024 season, Robinson continued to showcase his exceptional talent, rushing for over 1,600 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. He was an offensive centerpiece for the Longhorns and proved himself to be capable of handling a heavy workload. His ability to break tackles, explode through the line of scrimmage, and make defenders miss in the open field makes him an elite talent at his position. Additionally, Robinson has demonstrated strong hands and route-running ability as a receiving back, adding another layer to his already impressive skill set.
Combine Performance:
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Robinson turned heads with his athleticism and physicality. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which is outstanding for a player of his size (6’0”, 225 lbs). His vertical leap was 39 inches, showing off his explosion and ability to leap over defenders. The Combine confirmed what scouts had already known: Robinson is a rare talent who has the potential to be a game-changer at the NFL level.
Projected Landing Spot:
Robinson’s performance at the Combine only enhanced his status as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft. His combination of size, speed, and receiving skills makes him a perfect fit for any team looking to add a dynamic weapon to their backfield. The most likely landing spot for Robinson appears to be within the top 10 picks.
Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers could all be in play to select Robinson. Atlanta, in particular, could see Robinson as a key piece to their offensive rebuild. With quarterback Desmond Ridder entering his second year and the Falcons looking to develop a more potent offense, adding a player of Robinson’s caliber could be the spark they need. The Dolphins, with a high-powered offense led by Tua Tagovailoa, could also use a running back who can be a dual threat out of the backfield. The Chargers, on the other hand, could pair Robinson with quarterback Justin Herbert to form one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the NFL.
2. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver (Projected 1st Round Pick)
Xavier Worthy has been one of the most exciting wide receivers in college football since stepping onto the field for the Longhorns. His explosive speed, sharp route running, and ability to make plays downfield have drawn comparisons to some of the best wide receivers in recent NFL drafts. Worthy’s playmaking ability has been evident in every game he’s played, and after an outstanding 2024 season, he is now firmly positioned as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Worthy’s 2024 Season Performance:
In 2024, Worthy caught 85 passes for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. He proved to be an explosive deep threat and was able to stretch defenses vertically with his speed. Worthy’s ability to track the ball in the air, coupled with his exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage, makes him a nightmare for defensive backs. His ability to get open deep and win contested catches makes him a highly coveted prospect in this draft class.
Worthy’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch also makes him a dangerous weapon on short routes and screens. He has improved his strength and physicality as a receiver, making him harder to bring down after the catch. Additionally, Worthy is known for his work ethic and his ability to make clutch plays in big moments, which is a trait NFL teams look for in wide receivers.
Combine Performance:
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Worthy solidified his place as one of the top wide receiver prospects. He ran a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, confirming his elite speed and ability to separate from defenders. He also impressed in the drills, showing sharp cuts, excellent ball tracking, and quick hands. His performance in Indianapolis reaffirmed his status as a top-tier wide receiver prospect.
Projected Landing Spot:
Worthy’s speed and playmaking ability make him an attractive option for any team in need of a deep threat at wide receiver. He is projected to go in the late first round, with several NFL teams needing a top-tier wideout. Teams like the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers could all be interested in adding Worthy to their rosters.
The Giants, in particular, could be a great fit for Worthy. With quarterback Daniel Jones looking to build chemistry with his weapons, adding a wide receiver who can create separation and take the top off the defense could elevate the entire offense. The Packers, who are transitioning with Jordan Love at quarterback, might also look to add a weapon like Worthy to help the young signal-caller. Additionally, the Bears, who are looking to surround quarterback Justin Fields with more talent, could use a dynamic receiver like Worthy to help him develop into a true franchise quarterback.
3. Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle (Projected 1st Round Pick)
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to feature some of the most talented offensive line prospects in years, and Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is among the top players at his position. Known for his size, athleticism, and strong technique, Banks has the potential to be one of the top offensive linemen selected in the 2025 draft. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and dominate in the run game makes him a coveted prospect for NFL teams looking to build a strong offensive line.
Banks Jr.’s 2024 Season Performance:
Banks had a dominant 2024 season at Texas, earning consensus All-American honors. As the anchor of the Longhorns’ offensive line, he displayed excellent footwork, balance, and the ability to maintain leverage against some of the top pass rushers in college football. Whether it was protecting the quarterback or opening holes in the running game, Banks was consistently one of the best players on the field for Texas.
At 6’4” and 325 pounds, Banks has the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. He combines his physical stature with elite athleticism, making him a versatile player who can excel in both pass protection and run blocking. His technique and strength allow him to dominate at the point of attack, and his awareness and ability to read defenses make him a smart, reliable blocker.
Combine Performance:
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Banks showed that he is ready for the next level. He posted an impressive 40-yard dash time of 5.04 seconds, an excellent time for a player of his size. His bench press performance (30 reps) further demonstrated his strength and ability to engage defenders at the line of scrimmage. His agility drills also stood out, proving that he has the footwork and lateral quickness to keep up with NFL pass rushers.
Projected Landing Spot:
Banks is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft and is expected to be selected in the late first round. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets are among the most likely to target Banks. These teams are all in need of a franchise left tackle, and Banks has the potential to step in and make an immediate impact.
The Steelers, who have been working to protect quarterback Kenny Pickett and improve their offensive line play, could see Banks as a key addition to their roster. Similarly, the Commanders, who have struggled with consistency on the offensive line, would greatly benefit from adding a talent like Banks to their group. The Jets, with young quarterback Zach Wilson, need to fortify their offensive line, and Banks would provide them with an anchor to build around.
