Texas Football Prospects Who Can Improve Their Draft Stock at the NFL Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events on the football calendar for prospective NFL draft picks. It’s a week-long event where the best and brightest football players from across the nation have the opportunity to showcase their athleticism, agility, strength, and mental sharpness in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. For many players, this is their last chance to leave a lasting impression before the NFL Draft.

For the Texas Longhorns, a program with a rich history of producing NFL talent, the 2025 NFL Draft is a chance for several players to elevate their draft stock and cement their place in the league. With a mix of underclassmen and seniors eligible for the draft, the combine could serve as a pivotal moment for many of these players to shine and show they have the tools to succeed at the next level.

Let’s take a look at some of the key Texas football prospects who could use the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine to improve their draft stock.

1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back

Position: Running Back
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 215 pounds

Bijan Robinson has long been viewed as one of the top running backs in college football, and his potential for stardom at the next level has been apparent since his freshman year. Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Robinson is considered by many to be the best running back in the class, with a mix of speed, vision, agility, and physicality that makes him a unique talent.

Despite being considered a potential first-round pick, Robinson still has some things to prove at the NFL Combine. While his college tape speaks for itself, NFL scouts will want to see how he performs in drills that measure his burst, explosiveness, and ability to change direction at full speed. A solid 40-yard dash time and a good showing in the agility drills (such as the 3-cone drill and shuttle) will solidify Robinson as a top-tier prospect.

Robinson’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will also be scrutinized at the Combine. In today’s NFL, running backs are often expected to be multi-dimensional, contributing in both the ground game and as receiving threats. If Robinson can prove he has the receiving chops to complement his ability to run between the tackles and break off big plays, he will undoubtedly boost his draft stock even further.

Combine Goals:

• 40-yard dash time: A time in the 4.4-second range would be ideal.
• Vertical jump and broad jump: These drills will demonstrate Robinson’s explosiveness and ability to break tackles.
• 3-cone drill and shuttle: Show off his lateral quickness and agility, which will be important for his effectiveness as a receiver and as a runner in tight spaces.

2. Jaxson Kirkland – Offensive Tackle

Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 315 pounds

Jaxson Kirkland may not be the flashiest player on the Texas roster, but he is one of the most consistent offensive tackles in college football. A key cog on the Longhorns’ offensive line for the past few years, Kirkland is regarded for his pass protection and run blocking, providing strong support for both the running backs and quarterbacks. At the next level, Kirkland’s ability to anchor and protect the quarterback will be his calling card, and NFL teams will be keeping a close eye on him at the Combine.

For Kirkland, the Combine will serve as an opportunity to prove that his skills can translate to the NFL. Offensive tackles are expected to have a unique blend of size, strength, agility, and quickness, especially when it comes to lateral movement and flexibility in pass protection. NFL scouts will want to see how well Kirkland moves in the drills that require lateral speed and balance, such as the 3-cone drill, and they will be watching his 40-yard dash to gauge his explosiveness.

Kirkland’s position on the offensive line also means that his performance in the bench press will be closely watched. A strong showing in this drill can demonstrate his upper-body strength, which is crucial for holding off defenders in pass protection and clearing paths in the running game.

Combine Goals:

• 40-yard dash time: A sub-5.0-second 40-yard time would be ideal for an offensive tackle.
• 3-cone drill: Show his agility and lateral movement, which are essential for pass protection.
• Bench press: A strong performance here, ideally 25-30 reps, will demonstrate his upper body strength.

3. DeMarvion Overshown – Linebacker

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 230 pounds

DeMarvion Overshown has emerged as one of the most promising linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. A versatile defender, Overshown has played multiple linebacker positions for Texas, and his ability to cover ground sideline to sideline and defend both the run and pass is a trait that sets him apart. Overshown has the size and athleticism to succeed at the next level, but the NFL Combine will be a major opportunity for him to prove he can be a three-down linebacker in the pros.

At the Combine, Overshown will need to show off his athleticism with an impressive 40-yard dash time and agility drills. Linebackers are often expected to cover a significant amount of ground, and demonstrating speed and quickness will be key for his draft stock. Additionally, he will need to perform well in the position drills that highlight his ability to diagnose plays, change direction quickly, and move fluidly in coverage.

Overshown’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs in space is critical to his value at the next level. If he can show in the combine drills that he has the footwork, vision, and fluidity needed to excel in coverage, his draft stock will get a significant boost.

Combine Goals:

• 40-yard dash: A time in the low 4.5-second range will show his elite speed.
• Vertical and broad jumps: These measurements will indicate his explosiveness, which is important for coverage and blitzing situations.
• 3-cone drill and shuttle: Show off his agility and ability to change direction quickly, crucial for coverage duties.

4. Roschon Johnson – Running Back

Position: Running Back
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 225 pounds

While Bijan Robinson is the headliner, Roschon Johnson has quietly established himself as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 class. Johnson, who played behind Robinson for much of his career, has been an effective, hard-nosed runner with the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. While he may not have the same speed as Robinson, Johnson is known for his toughness, vision, and versatility in both the run and pass game.

At the NFL Combine, Johnson will need to prove that he can be an every-down back in the NFL. A solid 40-yard dash time will be crucial, as scouts will want to see his breakaway speed. Additionally, Johnson’s performance in the agility drills will demonstrate his ability to make defenders miss in the open field and run with balance through traffic. As a player who can contribute in the passing game, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will also be a key point of evaluation.

Johnson’s size and physical running style make him a great fit for an NFL team looking for a powerful, bruising back who can churn out tough yards. If he can impress with his quickness, explosiveness, and receiving skills, Johnson could see a significant boost in his draft stock.

Combine Goals:

• 40-yard dash: A time in the mid-to-low 4.5-second range will show his speed.
• Vertical and broad jumps: Demonstrate his explosiveness and power, which are key to his running style.
• Pass-catching drills: Show off his ability to catch passes in space and become a dual-threat back.

5. Byron Murphy Jr. – Cornerback

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 pounds

Byron Murphy Jr. is another Texas player with the potential to raise his draft stock significantly at the 2025 NFL Combine. The cornerback position is one of the most highly coveted in the NFL, and Murphy has been a steady performer in the Longhorns’ secondary. He is a well-rounded player with excellent coverage skills, speed, and instincts, and a good showing at the Combine could help elevate him into a higher draft range.

Murphy’s ability to mirror receivers and make plays on the ball will be key to his draft profile. A solid 40-yard dash time in the 4.4-second range will prove his top-end speed, which is critical for covering deep routes and running with fast wide receivers. Additionally, his ability to perform in the shuttle and 3-cone drills will demonstrate his lateral quickness and ability to change direction, which is crucial for sticking with receivers on short and intermediate routes.

With the demand for lockdown cornerbacks at an all-time high in the NFL, Murphy’s performance at the Combine could make or break his chances of moving up the draft board.

Combine Goals:

• 40-yard dash: A time in the 4.4-second range will demonstrate his speed.
• 3-cone drill and shuttle: Show his quickness and ability to change direction smoothly, important for cornerbacks.
• Position drills: Impress scouts with his footwork, hand placement, and ability to make plays on the ball.

The NFL Scouting Combine is a critical opportunity for Texas players to showcase their skills and improve their draft stock. From Bijan Robinson’s well-rounded talent to Roschon Johnson’s hard-nosed running style, and from Jaxson Kirkland’s sturdy offensive line play to DeMarvion Overshown’s versatility, the Longhorns have a strong group of prospects vying for a spot in the 2025 NFL Draft. With solid performances in Indianapolis, these players have the chance to elevate their status and turn heads in the NFL, ultimately helping the Texas program add to its impressive legacy of producing NFL-caliber talent.