As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Texas Longhorns football program finds itself in an incredibly advantageous position, with several of its top prospects projected to be selected within the first two rounds of the draft. This marks a significant milestone for the Longhorns, underscoring their continued resurgence as a powerhouse in college football under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian. The ability to produce NFL-caliber talent year after year is a testament to the program’s rich history, elite recruiting, and strong developmental culture.
In this article, we will explore the five Texas Longhorns players who are projected to be taken within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. By analyzing their careers at Texas, their individual skill sets, and what they bring to the table at the professional level, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of why these players are poised for such high draft positions. Furthermore, we’ll consider how the Longhorns’ success in developing NFL talent contributes to the growing reputation of the program in the college football landscape.
1. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy is one of the most electrifying and consistent wide receivers in college football, and his name is synonymous with big plays and explosive speed. A key player for the Longhorns offense since his freshman year, Worthy has quickly established himself as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career at Texas:
Worthy’s career at Texas has been nothing short of spectacular. After transferring from California as a highly touted prospect, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his ability to stretch the field with his blazing speed and crisp route-running. His chemistry with Texas quarterbacks has been evident, and he’s often the go-to target in critical situations. Worthy’s 2023 season, in particular, was a breakout year, as he posted over 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Skill Set:
At 6’1” and around 180 pounds, Worthy’s frame is well-suited for the modern NFL wide receiver role. His top-end speed is among the best in the country, allowing him to burn past defenders on go-routes and deep plays. Additionally, his agility and quickness in short-area movements make him a serious threat in the open field. What separates Worthy from many other wide receivers is his ability to create separation from defenders, especially on deep balls, where his speed makes him a nightmare for defensive backs.
Worthy has also proven to be a reliable receiver in tough situations. He’s capable of making acrobatic catches and thrives in contested catch situations despite not having the size of some other top prospects. His ability to contribute both as a deep threat and on quick, high-percentage throws makes him a versatile weapon for any NFL offense.
NFL Projection:
Worthy is expected to be one of the first wide receivers selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed and playmaking ability are valued highly in today’s NFL, where teams are increasingly seeking dynamic playmakers capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches. Given his consistent production at Texas, it’s reasonable to expect that he will be taken in the first round, potentially in the mid-to-late portion, depending on his pre-draft workouts and combine performance.
2. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback
Quinn Ewers’ rise to prominence as one of the top quarterbacks in college football has been nothing short of impressive. After transferring from Ohio State to Texas, Ewers had a strong 2023 campaign, showing flashes of brilliance that have many NFL scouts excited about his future. As a player with immense upside, Ewers is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career at Texas:
Ewers’ journey to Texas was highly anticipated, as he was a five-star recruit who chose the Longhorns after leaving Ohio State. His time at Texas has been marked by both promise and growth. While he has faced the typical struggles that come with being a young quarterback at the college level, Ewers has consistently demonstrated the traits needed to succeed at the next level: strong arm, leadership ability, and the capacity to make big throws under pressure.
During the 2023 season, Ewers threw for over 3,500 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. His performance against top-tier teams, including his ability to perform in clutch situations, proved that he has the potential to be an elite NFL quarterback. However, like most young quarterbacks, there are areas where he needs to improve, particularly in terms of consistency with his footwork and decision-making.
Skill Set:
Ewers’ most notable attribute is his arm strength. He possesses a cannon arm that allows him to make throws on all levels of the field. Whether it’s a deep ball, a sideline route, or a tight window throw, Ewers has the ability to deliver the ball with velocity and accuracy. His mechanics, although still a work in progress, show great promise and improvement over his time at Texas. Furthermore, his mobility in the pocket and ability to extend plays when needed have added another dimension to his game.
What makes Ewers particularly enticing as a future NFL prospect is his raw physical tools. He stands at 6’3” and 220 pounds, an ideal size for an NFL quarterback, and his ability to make plays both with his arm and legs is something that cannot be ignored. If he continues to refine his decision-making and gain more experience, Ewers has all the potential to be a franchise quarterback.
NFL Projection:
As a highly talented and physically gifted quarterback, Ewers is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with many experts projecting him to go somewhere in the top 15 picks. His development at Texas will be critical, but if he can maintain the trajectory of his growth, he could be a top-tier QB prospect, potentially competing for the No. 1 overall spot. Teams in need of a quarterback to build around for the future will be keeping a close eye on Ewers in the coming months.
3. Jatavion Sanders – Tight End
Jatavion Sanders has emerged as one of the top tight end prospects in college football, drawing comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile playmakers at the position. With his rare combination of size, speed, and receiving ability, Sanders is another Texas player likely to be taken in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career at Texas:
Sanders has quickly become one of the most dependable targets in Texas’ offense. As a dual-threat tight end, Sanders can both block effectively in the run game and stretch the field as a pass catcher. His breakout season came in 2023, where he caught over 50 passes for 750 yards and 8 touchdowns. Sanders’ ability to line up in multiple positions on the field – from tight end to H-back to wide receiver – gives offensive coordinators a wide array of ways to use him.
Skill Set:
At 6’4” and 250 pounds, Sanders has the ideal size for an NFL tight end. His athleticism and speed allow him to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, making him a valuable weapon in the passing game. Sanders’ hands are reliable, and he has proven capable of making tough catches in contested situations. His ability to run routes and create separation is rare for a tight end, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset in both the passing and blocking game.
Additionally, Sanders’ blocking skills have improved significantly since his freshman year. While he may not be the best pure blocker in the draft class, he is capable of holding his own against defensive linemen and linebackers in the run game, making him a well-rounded tight end prospect for the NFL.
NFL Projection:
Given his combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability, Sanders is expected to be one of the first tight ends selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many mock drafts project him as a late first-round or early second-round pick. His ability to contribute in both the passing game and the blocking game gives him a high floor, while his upside as a dynamic playmaker keeps his ceiling high.
4. Bijan Robinson – Running Back
Bijan Robinson is arguably the most well-known player on this list, as he has been widely regarded as one of the top running back prospects in college football for the past few years. A dynamic playmaker who can do it all, Robinson’s ability to impact the game both on the ground and through the air makes him one of the top draft prospects for 2025.
Career at Texas:
Robinson has been the heart and soul of the Texas offense since his freshman year, consistently ranking among the nation’s top running backs. In 2023, Robinson rushed for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield. His combination of vision, agility, speed, and power has made him one of the most electrifying players in college football.
Skill Set:
At 6’0” and 220 pounds, Robinson has the perfect build for an NFL running back. He has excellent vision, consistently finding holes in the defense and exploiting them with his patience and burst. Robinson’s ability to change direction quickly, combined with his powerful running style, makes him a nightmare for defenders to tackle. He also excels as a pass-catching running back, showcasing strong hands and the ability to make plays in the open field.
Robinson’s well-rounded skill set makes him one of the most complete running back prospects to come along in recent years. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game gives him immense value in today’s NFL, where versatility is key.
NFL Projection:
Robinson is widely regarded as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some projections even suggesting he could be selected in the top 10 overall picks. His unique combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a rare talent, and he is expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
5. T’Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle
T’Vondre Sweat is one of the most disruptive defensive players in college football, and he’s quickly emerging as a top defensive prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Sweat has been an anchor on the Texas defensive line, and his size, strength, and ability to rush the passer make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
Career at Texas:
Sweat has been a force for Texas since his sophomore year, accumulating over 30 tackles for loss and 15 sacks during his time in Austin. His ability to dominate both against the run and as a pass rusher has made him one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. Sweat’s physicality and relentless motor are key assets that have helped elevate Texas’ defense.
Skill Set:
Sweat stands at 6’4” and 320 pounds, a massive presence in the interior of the defensive line. His strength and size allow him to dominate in the trenches, while his quickness and ability to change direction make him a disruptive force. Sweat excels in both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
NFL Projection:
Sweat is projected to be selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with some experts suggesting he could sneak into the first round with a strong combine performance. His combination of size, strength, and pass-rushing ability makes him an enticing prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive front.
Conclusion
With five Texas Longhorns projected to be selected within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Longhorns’ rise as a powerhouse in college football continues. Xavier Worthy, Quinn Ewers, Jatavion Sanders, Bijan Robinson, and T’Vondre Sweat are all poised to make a significant impact at the next level, demonstrating the Longhorns’ ability to develop top-tier talent across all positions. These players not only highlight the strength of the Texas football program but also solidify its reputation as one of the premier schools in the country for producing future NFL stars. As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on these Longhorns as they embark on the next phase of their football careers.
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