What the 12 Drafted Longhorns Could Make in Their Rookie Years: NFL Draft Picks Have Set Values, Ensuring Consistent Rookie Contracts for Texas Players.

The NFL Draft is an annual spectacle, one of the most highly anticipated events in the sports world. College football players spend years preparing for this moment, hoping to hear their name called as a future NFL player. For the Texas Longhorns, the 2025 NFL Draft was a significant event, with 12 players selected to begin their professional careers. But while the excitement of being drafted is undeniable, many fans and players alike are keen to know what kind of financial reward comes with that prestigious honor.

In recent years, rookie contracts in the NFL have become more standardized thanks to the implementation of a rookie salary cap in 2011. This cap is designed to bring consistency and fairness to rookie contracts, meaning that each draft pick has a predetermined salary based on their draft position. Unlike the days of old, where rookie players could negotiate massive contracts based on their perceived potential, the modern NFL draft sees players locked into fairly uniform deals based on their draft pick. So, what does that mean for the 12 Longhorns who were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft? Let’s break down their likely rookie earnings based on their draft positions and the NFL’s salary structure.

The NFL Rookie Salary Structure

Before diving into the specific figures, it’s important to understand the basics of the NFL rookie salary cap and how it works. Introduced as part of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the rookie wage scale was designed to limit the amount of money a team can spend on rookie contracts. Under the current system, contracts for rookies are based on where they are selected in the draft. The earlier a player is picked, the larger the contract, but the pay structure is relatively consistent across the league.

Each year, the NFL releases the values for each draft pick, ensuring that players’ contracts are consistent and transparent. The contract values are structured with four-year deals (with a fifth-year team option for first-round picks), and the money is split between salary, signing bonuses, and performance incentives.

For the 2025 draft, the NFL draft values are influenced by the salary cap for the league, which has been steadily rising in recent years. The draft pick salary scale is determined by a formula that calculates the average salary for each position and draft slot, taking into account the overall cap and revenues generated by the league.

First-Round Picks: Big Paydays for Top Longhorns

The most financially rewarding spots in the draft are reserved for first-round picks. Players selected in the first round benefit from higher rookie salaries, with substantial signing bonuses as well.

Longhorns in the First Round:

• Pick #6 – Kaden Williams (CB)
• Pick #12 – Xavier O’Neal (LB)

Kaden Williams, the standout cornerback for the Longhorns, was selected with the 6th overall pick by a top NFL team. As one of the highest-drafted Longhorns in recent years, Williams will be in line for a substantial contract. His rookie deal, expected to be around four years for $30 million, will include a signing bonus north of $20 million. Williams will likely receive a base salary of $1 million in year one, though his signing bonus and performance incentives will comprise the bulk of his earnings.

Xavier O’Neal, a hard-hitting linebacker, was selected at the 12th spot and will also enjoy a high-paying rookie contract. While the terms will vary slightly from Williams’ deal, O’Neal’s four-year deal is projected to total around $20 million, with a signing bonus that could reach $15 million. His base salary will be slightly less than Williams’ but still in the $1 million range.

These first-round selections are guaranteed a significant financial windfall, but it’s important to note that they also carry high expectations. First-round players are expected to make an immediate impact on their teams, and their rookie contracts reflect that.

Second-Round Picks: A Steady Paycheck for Talented Longhorns

Players selected in the second round of the NFL Draft earn contracts that are still quite lucrative, though not as high as those for first-round selections. These players are often seen as future stars in the league, and their rookie deals reflect their potential.

Longhorns in the Second Round:

• Pick #35 – Aaron Brooks (RB)
• Pick #42 – Tyler Benton (OL)

Aaron Brooks, a dynamic running back with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, was selected at pick #35. Brooks’ four-year deal is projected to be worth around $10 million, with a signing bonus of roughly $4 million. Like most second-round picks, his base salary for year one is expected to hover just below $1 million, but his performance bonuses and incentives could add another $500,000 to his first-year earnings.

Tyler Benton, an offensive lineman who impressed scouts with his strength and technique, was selected at pick #42. His deal, worth approximately $9.5 million over four years, will include a signing bonus of around $3.5 million. Benton’s rookie salary will be similar to Brooks’ in terms of base salary, and he will have incentives based on playing time and performance.

While not as lucrative as first-round contracts, second-round picks still receive sizable paydays and enjoy substantial job security, with guaranteed money in the first two years of their contracts.

Third-Round Picks: A Solid Start for Longhorns’ Veterans

The third round typically sees players who have a lot of upside but are viewed as projects or players who need further development. These players may not have the same immediate expectations as first or second-round picks, but they still receive significant financial rewards for their rookie seasons.

Longhorns in the Third Round:

• Pick #65 – Isaiah Thomas (WR)
• Pick #75 – Ryan McKinney (S)

Isaiah Thomas, a speedy and talented wide receiver, was selected at pick #65. Thomas’ rookie contract will be valued at around $6.5 million over four years, with a signing bonus of around $2 million. His base salary for year one is expected to be slightly less than $1 million, but with performance incentives, he could see additional earnings based on his contributions to the team’s offense.

Ryan McKinney, a safety with great ball skills, was selected at pick #75. McKinney’s deal will be similar to Thomas’s, totaling approximately $6 million over four years, with a signing bonus of $1.8 million. Like Thomas, McKinney’s first-year salary will be in the low six-figure range, with the potential to earn more through performance-based bonuses.

While the pay is lower than that of the first two rounds, third-round picks still make a solid living and have the opportunity to earn substantial money if they prove themselves on the field.

Later Rounds: Opportunities for Growth and Development

The players selected in the later rounds of the draft often face a more challenging path to success. Their contracts are typically smaller, and they may not have the immediate opportunities to start for their teams. However, many players drafted in these rounds go on to have long, successful careers, proving that the size of the paycheck is not always an indicator of potential.

Longhorns in the Later Rounds:

• Pick #110 – Blake Miller (DE)
• Pick #135 – Austin Ford (CB)

Blake Miller, a defensive end with raw talent but needing refinement, was drafted at pick #110. His contract will likely be worth about $4 million over four years, with a signing bonus of $800,000. Miller’s base salary will likely be in the low six figures for year one, but his total earnings will be influenced by the development opportunities he receives on the field.

Austin Ford, a cornerback with strong coverage skills, was selected at pick #135. Ford’s four-year contract is expected to total around $3.5 million, with a signing bonus of around $500,000. His base salary will likely be close to $800,000, with the rest of his earnings coming from incentives and performance-based bonuses.

What Does This Mean for the Longhorns and Their Future?

The 2025 NFL Draft was a watershed moment for the Texas Longhorns football program, with 12 players selected, each receiving a different level of financial reward based on their draft position. For these players, the contracts they sign represent the beginning of their professional careers, but they are also a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice required to make it to the NFL.

The consistent rookie salary structure in the NFL ensures that players entering the league have a predictable financial future, which is a positive development for the sport. The Longhorns’ 12 drafted players will have the chance to develop into key contributors for their teams, and the money they earn will help provide financial stability as they embark on their professional careers.

The story of these players, however, is far from finished. While their rookie contracts are set, their performances on the field will determine how much additional money they can earn over the course of their careers. As the NFL continues to grow in popularity and financial value, these 12 Longhorns will have the chance to not only make a name for themselves but also potentially secure lucrative second contracts down the line.

In the end, the 2025 NFL Draft has solidified the Longhorns’ place in the NFL landscape. The financial rewards are only the beginning, with much more to come as these young athletes begin their journeys in professional football.