The Texas Longhorns have always been a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing top-tier athletes who excel on the field and eventually make their mark in the NFL. In the most recent OnSI (On Sports Illustrated) 2025 mock draft, the Texas Longhorns were highlighted as a key contributor to the talent pool entering the league. Three Longhorns were projected as first-round picks, a testament to the program’s continued strength and development of elite players. However, for this discussion, we’ll narrow the focus to the two of those athletes who are expected to have a lasting impact on the league and whose profiles are worth delving into further: Quinn Ewers, the standout quarterback, and Bijan Robinson, the dynamic running back.
Quinn Ewers: The Rising Star at Quarterback
Quinn Ewers, Texas’ sophomore quarterback, has become a household name in college football due to his incredible arm strength, maturity beyond his years, and ability to lead a high-powered offense. Originally from Southlake, Texas, Ewers’ journey to the Longhorns was anything but conventional. After initially committing to play at Ohio State, he transferred back to Texas, where he quickly became the face of the program under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
When evaluating Ewers’ potential as a first-round draft pick, it’s impossible to overlook his raw physical tools. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 213 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NFL quarterback. His arm strength is perhaps his most notable asset; capable of making every throw on the field, he’s shown the ability to launch the ball downfield with precision. This is a vital trait in today’s NFL, where the ability to stretch the field and make deep throws can separate good quarterbacks from great ones.
Beyond the physical tools, Ewers also possesses a high football IQ and an innate ability to read defenses. His decision-making has improved significantly over his first couple of years at Texas, and this growth will be a critical factor as he prepares for the NFL. Under Coach Sarkisian, a renowned offensive mind, Ewers has been exposed to a wide range of schemes and playbooks, all of which are designed to prepare him for the complexities of professional football.
Ewers’ ability to operate in the pocket, avoid pressure, and make throws on the run further elevates his draft stock. He has demonstrated poise in big moments, such as leading Texas to crucial victories against highly ranked teams, and his performance in high-pressure situations suggests that he can handle the bright lights of the NFL. His athleticism, while not in the same league as some of the mobile quarterbacks in the league, allows him to make plays outside the pocket when necessary, adding an extra dimension to his game.
Perhaps one of the most telling signs of Ewers’ potential is his consistency. While not flawless, he has shown steady improvement and maturity as a quarterback. Scouts are always looking for players who can progress year over year, and Ewers has certainly fulfilled that expectation. His ability to thrive in a high-powered offense and make quick, decisive decisions has positioned him as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Ewers has faced criticism for occasional inconsistency in his performance, particularly with accuracy at times, his ceiling is extremely high. His upside is undeniable, and teams that are in need of a franchise quarterback may look past the minor flaws to focus on his potential. Whether he can refine his game in the coming seasons at Texas and further elevate his status remains to be seen, but as it stands, Ewers is one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation and a lock to be a first-round pick.
Bijan Robinson: The Elite Running Back
While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight in NFL drafts, running backs like Bijan Robinson can make just as much of an impact, especially when they possess the skillset and versatility that Robinson brings to the table. Robinson has been one of the most electric and productive players in college football, and his blend of vision, speed, power, and pass-catching ability makes him a rare talent in the backfield.
Standing at 6’0” and weighing 215 pounds, Robinson has the ideal size and athleticism to thrive at the next level. His combination of balance, vision, and quickness allows him to be effective both between the tackles and on the outside. He has an uncanny ability to find running lanes, make defenders miss, and break tackles. Robinson’s stiff-arm is a signature move that enables him to shake off defenders and gain extra yards after contact. His balance through contact is a key asset, allowing him to maintain his speed and body control even when hitting defenders at full speed.
Beyond his physical traits, Robinson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield elevates him above many traditional running backs. In today’s NFL, having a running back who can be a reliable receiving threat is invaluable, and Robinson has excelled in this area throughout his college career. His hands are soft, and he runs crisp routes, which means he can be a legitimate weapon in both the running and passing games. This dual-threat ability is what has some NFL teams projecting him as one of the top overall picks in the 2025 draft.
Robinson’s vision and patience as a runner are among the best in college football. He has an innate ability to read his blockers, setting up his cuts and avoiding defenders with fluid movements. He also possesses excellent burst, which allows him to explode through holes when they open up, turning modest gains into long runs. His running style is often compared to some of the best in the league, including players like Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara, both of whom have excelled in both the running and passing game in the NFL.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Robinson’s leadership and work ethic have been lauded by coaches, teammates, and scouts alike. His maturity and commitment to his craft have set him apart from many of his peers. In a league that demands a high level of professionalism and accountability, Robinson’s mentality off the field could very well be as important as his on-field abilities.
With the growing demand for dual-threat running backs in the NFL, Robinson’s stock continues to rise. While running backs traditionally don’t get drafted as highly as quarterbacks, Robinson’s well-rounded game and versatility give him a chance to be one of the first running backs off the board in 2025. His potential to be an immediate contributor at the next level makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the draft.
Texas Longhorns: A Legacy of NFL Talent
The Longhorns’ program has consistently been a breeding ground for NFL talent, with numerous players over the years making successful transitions to the professional level. Whether it’s been legendary running backs like Earl Campbell or quarterbacks like Vince Young, Texas has long been a pipeline for the NFL. In the 2025 draft, Ewers and Robinson represent the latest wave of elite Longhorns ready to make their mark on the NFL.
What makes this particular draft class even more intriguing is the fact that both Ewers and Robinson have the potential to be early-round selections, further cementing Texas’ reputation as a source of high-level NFL talent. The fact that three Longhorns were projected to go in the first round highlights the program’s continued prominence in college football. Texas has managed to recruit and develop top-tier athletes, which has kept them in the conversation as a national title contender.
With coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm, the Longhorns have regained their position as one of the most competitive teams in college football. Sarkisian’s offensive system, which emphasizes fast-paced, high-scoring football, plays to the strengths of players like Ewers and Robinson, providing them with the opportunity to shine and showcase their talents for NFL scouts.
The 2025 draft will likely be a pivotal moment for Texas football, as it could be the year that several of the program’s stars, led by Ewers and Robinson, are selected in the first round. The visibility of these players on the national stage will only help further elevate the Longhorns’ status as a premier college football program, while also providing a strong signal to future recruits that Texas is still a top destination for aspiring NFL talent.
The Future of Texas Football
The 2025 NFL Draft will be a defining moment for the Texas Longhorns. With two first-round draft picks in Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson, the Longhorns are once again showcasing their ability to develop elite talent. Ewers, with his powerful arm and poise under pressure, is poised to be a cornerstone quarterback in the NFL, while Robinson, with his rare blend of skills, could change the way teams approach the running back position.
Both players represent the continued excellence of the Texas football program and its ability to produce stars capable of making an immediate impact at the next level. Whether they succeed or struggle at the NFL level will depend on a variety of factors, but for now, their future looks bright, and their draft selections will be a major storyline in the 2025 NFL Draft. As Texas continues to churn out top-tier talent, it seems clear that the program’s legacy of NFL greatness will remain strong for years to come.
Leave a Reply