A program-record 12 Texas Longhorns were taken in the 2025 NFL draft, breaking a previous program record of 11.

Of those, one late-round pick is trying to prove he could be a major steal.

Offensive tackle Cameron Williams was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 31st pick in the sixth round of the draft. Williams, who was once considered to be capable of being as high as a first-round pick, saw his draft stock slip later in the season, leading to his late selection by the defending Super Bowl champions.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds with hands that measure over 11 inches, Williams is a physical specimen. In 2024, he was named the full-time starter at right tackle with the Longhorns for the first time in his career allowing five sacks, three hits, and 18 hurries in 15 games according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his impressive physicality, scouts had questions about his technique going into the draft.

“Williams’ blend of desirable physical traits but subpar bend and foot quickness make him a tougher pro projection,” Williams’ NFL combine profile said. “The technique will likely need a full year of work to help mitigate the aforementioned deficiencies and allow his traits to speak more loudly.”

While a prime example of the physicality necessary to make it in the NFL, Williams was seen as a question mark for NFL teams. This lead to his drop to the sixth round, despite combine projections placing him as a pick in the fourth round.

On a scale of eight, Williams was awarded a draft grade of 6.14, labeling him as a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter. With a coaching staff that has a history of developing impressive offensive lines in Philadelphia, Williams may have found the near-perfect place to reach his potential.

“Rare size-length component at play, so you have to give him the benefit of the doubt with more experience,” an NFC area scout said.

Williams recently participated in Philadelphia’s rookie minicamp where he was seen taking reps at right tackle. Currently at the top of the depth chart at right tackle for the Eagles is NFL veteran, and two-time All-Pro, Lane Johnson.

Johnson is the longest-tenured player under contract on the Eagles and recently signed a one-year extension through 2027. Williams now has the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the NFL.

The Eagles will open up the 2025 season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4.

In the NFL Draft landscape, teams constantly seek hidden gems—players who slip through the cracks but possess the talent, athleticism, and mentality to thrive at the next level. One such prospect is a former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman who, despite not garnering widespread attention, has the potential to become a major steal for any franchise lucky enough to draft him. His combination of size, technique, versatility, and football intelligence positions him as a dark horse candidate who could significantly impact an NFL team’s success. This analysis explores why this former Longhorn could be the steal of the NFL Draft, examining his college career, skill set, developmental potential, and the reasons why he might outperform expectations.

### The College Background and Development at Texas

The Texas Longhorns have a storied football program known for producing NFL-caliber talent, especially along the offensive line. The player in question, a former Longhorn lineman, developed in a competitive environment that emphasized technique, athleticism, and versatility. During his tenure at Texas, he demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic—traits that NFL teams highly value.

Throughout his college career, he progressed from a rotational player to a reliable starter, gaining experience at multiple positions along the offensive line. His ability to play both guard and tackle positions underscores his versatility, allowing NFL teams to slot him into various roles based on team needs. His development was marked by improvements in pass protection, run blocking, and understanding of complex defensive schemes, which bodes well for his transition to the pros.

### Physical Attributes and Technical Skills

**Size and Athleticism**

One of the first things NFL scouts look at in an offensive lineman is size and athleticism. This former Longhorn boasts a prototypical offensive line frame—likely standing around 6’4″ to 6’6″ and weighing between 310-320 pounds—giving him the necessary mass to hold up against NFL defensive linemen. His athletic testing, including impressive 40-yard dash times, shuttle runs, and broad jumps, indicates quick feet and agility—crucial for handling NFL pass rushers and executing zone blocking schemes.

**Technical Foundation**

Despite some raw aspects, he possesses a solid technical foundation rooted in Texas’ rigorous offensive system. His footwork is agile, allowing him to mirror pass rushers effectively, and his hand placement is disciplined, enabling him to anchor against power moves. His punch timing and ability to reset after initial contact are advanced for a player with college experience. With proper coaching, his technique can be refined further to meet NFL standards.

**Versatility and Intelligence**

His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line is a significant asset. NFL teams highly value linemen who can fill multiple roles, especially in injury-plagued seasons or during roster shuffles. His football IQ is also notable; he demonstrates good understanding of defensive alignments, stunts, and blitz pickup, which is critical for success at the professional level.

### Why He Could Be a Major Draft Steal

**1. Hidden Physical and Technical Potential**

While he may not have received the national hype of first-round prospects, his physical tools and technical base suggest he has the upside to develop into a long-term starter. Many NFL stars were overlooked in college, only to blossom with the right coaching and opportunity. His raw athleticism combined with a strong work ethic makes him an ideal candidate for rapid development.

**2. Late Blooming and Developmental Upside**

This player’s college trajectory indicates he is a late bloomer—improving significantly over his college career. NFL teams value players who show growth and adaptability, as these traits often translate into high ceilings with proper development. His ability to learn quickly and adapt to NFL-level speed and complexity makes him a prime candidate for a developmental scheme.

**3. Draft Cost and Roster Flexibility**

Drafting him in the middle to late rounds could be a strategic move, allowing a team to add a talented, versatile lineman at a lower cost. Once in the NFL, he can be groomed as a swing tackle or interior lineman, providing valuable depth. Over time, he could develop into a starter, especially if given consistent coaching and opportunities.

**4. Upside in Special Teams and Depth Roles**

Even if he doesn’t become an immediate starter, his athleticism and versatility make him a valuable asset in special teams and as a depth player. His ability to learn multiple positions allows him to fill in during injuries, keeping the offensive line cohesive and stable—a critical factor in playoff runs.

### Potential Fit and NFL Comparisons

**Ideal Team Fit**

Teams that emphasize zone blocking, quick pass sets, and creative offensive schemes would benefit most from his skill set. A franchise with a strong developmental culture—like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, or Cleveland Browns—could see his potential and help unlock it. His adaptability makes him a good fit for teams that rotate offensive linemen or employ multiple personnel packages.

**Comparison to Past Draft Steals**

Historically, players like David Bakhtiari (drafted in the fourth round) or Ryan Ramczyk (second round) were overlooked early but became Pro Bowl-caliber linemen. This Longhorn’s profile suggests he could follow a similar path, especially if he lands with a coaching staff that values technique, development, and versatility.

### Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While the potential is evident, certain areas require refinement:

– **Consistency and Technique Refinement:** To succeed at the NFL level, he must improve hand placement, leverage, and punch timing against stronger, faster defenders.
– **Strength and Power:** While athletic, he may need to add strength to handle NFL interior pass rushers or defensive ends in power schemes.
– **Experience Against Elite Competition:** Facing top-tier college defensive linemen has prepared him somewhat, but exposure to NFL-caliber talent through Combine drills or pro days will be crucial to demonstrate readiness.

### The Path Forward

His transition to the NFL will depend on his adaptability, coaching, and opportunity. Players with his profile often flourish in schemes that maximize their strengths—like quick passes, zone runs, and schemes that emphasize athleticism over pure power. His focus should be on refining technique, increasing strength, and learning from veteran linemen.

This former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman embodies the qualities of a classic draft steal: raw talent, high upside, and the potential to outperform his draft position. His athleticism, versatility, and technical foundation make him a valuable asset for any NFL team seeking to bolster its offensive line depth. With proper development, he could evolve into a reliable starter and a cornerstone of a franchise’s offensive line for years to come. As NFL teams evaluate the draft pool, this player’s combination of traits suggests he might be the hidden gem that emerges as a significant contributor—truly a major steal of the NFL Draft.