Three Texas Longhorns showcased their skills on Pro Day, boosting their NFL Draft stock with impressive performances, highlighting their athleticism, versatility, and readiness for the next level.

Pro Day is one of the most critical moments in a college football player’s career, and for the Texas Longhorns, it was an opportunity for three standout athletes to solidify their place in the 2024 NFL Draft. As the NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers flocked to Austin to evaluate the top talent that the Longhorns had to offer, three players in particular stood out for their exceptional performances on Texas’ Pro Day. These athletes displayed not only their athleticism and raw talent but also their preparation, focus, and work ethic—key attributes that could propel them to success at the next level.

For these three Texas players, Pro Day was a defining moment in their respective careers, as it gave them a chance to showcase their abilities on the grandest stage. The entire event was an opportunity to prove to the NFL world that they had the physical tools, the mental toughness, and the necessary skill sets to succeed as professionals.

1. Jahdae Barron: Showcasing Speed and Versatility

Jahdae Barron, a versatile and dynamic defensive back for the Longhorns, made a lasting impression on scouts with his speed, agility, and overall athleticism at Pro Day. Known for his ability to excel both in man-to-man coverage and as a ball hawk, Barron entered Pro Day with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove that he was capable of competing at the NFL level.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Barron impressed scouts with his quickness and ability to change direction without losing speed. His agility was highlighted during position-specific drills, where he displayed outstanding footwork, fluid movements, and the ability to cover ground quickly. Barron’s 40-yard dash time, clocking in at a 4.39 seconds, was one of the fastest among defensive backs in attendance. This blistering speed, paired with his natural ability to read the field, solidified his reputation as one of the top cornerback prospects in this year’s draft class.

One of the standout moments from Barron’s Pro Day was his performance in the position drills, where he demonstrated his ability to cover a wide range of routes, including deep balls, slants, and quick outs. Barron showed the NFL scouts that he has the versatility to not only excel as a cornerback but also contribute as a safety, given his physicality and intelligence. His experience playing in multiple roles throughout his career at Texas allowed him to be evaluated as a player who could be moved around in an NFL defense, a quality that enhances his draft stock.

His interviews with NFL scouts were also impressive. Barron spoke confidently about his growth over the years at Texas and how he had developed into a leader both on and off the field. His maturity, awareness, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations stood out as key factors that will allow him to adapt quickly to the next level.

In addition to his strong physical attributes, Barron’s mindset and approach to the game will be important for any NFL team that takes a chance on him. His work ethic, leadership qualities, and adaptability make him one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects in the draft.

2. Keondre Coburn: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage

Keondre Coburn, the powerful defensive tackle from the Texas Longhorns, came into Pro Day as one of the top interior defensive line prospects in the draft. Coburn’s reputation as a disruptive force in the trenches had already been solidified during his time at Texas, and Pro Day was his chance to showcase his strength, size, and athleticism to NFL teams.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 340 pounds, Coburn possesses an imposing physical frame that sets him apart from many of the other defensive tackles in the draft class. However, it wasn’t just his size that made him a standout at Pro Day—it was his surprising quickness, explosiveness, and ability to maintain leverage against offensive linemen. During the bench press, Coburn impressed scouts with his raw strength, pumping out 30 reps of 225 pounds—an indicator of his ability to overpower blockers at the line of scrimmage.

What truly separated Coburn from the pack, however, was his agility for a player of his size. During the shuttle drills and cone drills, Coburn exhibited the lateral quickness and change-of-direction ability that makes him an ideal fit for the modern NFL, where defensive tackles are expected to not only clog up running lanes but also generate pressure on the quarterback. His ability to push through double teams, his quick burst off the line, and his ability to shed blockers with fluidity left scouts buzzing.

Coburn’s performance during the Pro Day drills wasn’t just about physical ability—it also reflected his years of preparation under Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. Over the past few seasons, Coburn had developed a reputation as a reliable force on Texas’ defensive line, particularly as a run-stuffer who could clog gaps and control the line of scrimmage. He demonstrated that he has not only the size and strength to disrupt running plays but also the ability to push offensive linemen into the quarterback’s lap on passing downs.

Coburn’s leadership on the Texas defense was evident, as he was often seen motivating teammates and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout practice and games. This leadership, paired with his skillset, makes him a highly coveted prospect for teams looking to improve their defensive front seven.

At Pro Day, Coburn made his intentions clear: he’s ready to dominate the trenches in the NFL. Scouts were impressed not only by his physical traits but also by his competitive nature and maturity, which should help him transition smoothly into a professional environment.

3. Roschon Johnson: Shifting to a New Role and Stepping Up

Roschon Johnson, a former quarterback who transitioned to running back for the Longhorns, had one of the most impressive Pro Day performances among the Texas prospects. Johnson’s decision to switch positions midway through his college career showcased his versatility and willingness to contribute to the team in any way possible. By the time he entered Pro Day, he had already established himself as one of the most well-rounded and dynamic running backs in the country.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 219 pounds, Johnson blends size and speed in a way that few running backs can match. During the 40-yard dash, he clocked a time of 4.48 seconds, an excellent mark for a back of his size. Johnson’s performance in the agility drills further demonstrated his ability to change direction quickly and his natural balance and control when navigating through traffic. He showed that he has the burst to get through holes in the offensive line and the vision to make plays in space.

Johnson’s Pro Day was also an opportunity to showcase his improvement as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Over the course of his time at Texas, Johnson had developed into a reliable receiving option in the passing game. His hands and route running were on full display at Pro Day, where he caught passes from quarterbacks and demonstrated his ability to run clean, precise routes. NFL teams are increasingly looking for running backs who can contribute as both rushers and receivers, and Johnson’s ability to excel in both areas makes him a particularly intriguing prospect.

Off the field, Johnson’s intelligence and work ethic have made him a standout at Texas. His transition from quarterback to running back wasn’t easy, but Johnson’s ability to absorb coaching, apply new techniques, and learn on the fly is a testament to his maturity and adaptability. His Pro Day performance reflected his determination to succeed and to carve out a role for himself at the next level.

A Longhorn Legacy: Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft

The performances of Jahdae Barron, Keondre Coburn, and Roschon Johnson at Texas’ Pro Day were a clear indication of the talent and work ethic that the Longhorns have produced in recent years. These three players are just a small part of a long tradition of Texas football players who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the NFL, and their performances at Pro Day will likely elevate their draft stock as they await the next step in their professional careers.

For Barron, Coburn, and Johnson, Pro Day wasn’t just a showcase for scouts—it was also a moment to reflect on how far they’ve come and how much they’ve grown as players. The path from college to the NFL is never an easy one, but all three players have proven that they have the necessary skills, mindset, and determination to succeed at the next level.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, these three Texas Longhorns are poised to make an impact at the professional level, and their Pro Day performances are a strong indication that they’re ready to take the next step in their careers. Whether they end up as starting defensive backs, interior linemen, or dynamic running backs, they’ve shown that they possess the tools and the drive to succeed in the NFL. The future is bright for Barron, Coburn, and Johnson, and the Texas Longhorns football program will continue to be a breeding ground for NFL talent for years to come.