Three Texas Longhorns Expected to Go in Round 1 as Shedeur Sanders Drops in Latest NFL Mock Draft
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft next month, the Texas Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact. A recent NFL mock draft from USA Today Sports suggests that three Longhorns will be selected in the first round, which comes as little surprise to many.
According to the mock, left tackle Kelvin Banks is projected to go to the Dolphins at No. 13 overall. The mock highlights Miami’s commitment to bolstering its offensive line, with Banks offering a solution to a key vulnerability in the interior.
Banks is followed closely by versatile defensive back Jahdae Barron, who is expected to be selected by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 15. This marks the first time since Mike Williams and Quentin Jammer were picked back-to-back in the top five of the 1998 NFL Draft that two Texas players are chosen within the top 15.
Both Banks and Barron have had standout seasons, earning All-American and All-SEC honors. Banks also collected the Outland, Lombardi, and Jacobs Blocking trophies, while Barron took home the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as one of the top defensive backs in the country.
The third Longhorn expected to go in the first round is wide receiver Matthew Golden, projected to be selected at No. 23 overall by the Green Bay Packers. Golden was Texas’ top receiver this season, finishing with 58 catches, 987 yards, and nine touchdowns. He also impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.29 40-yard dash, the fastest among all wide receivers.
In contrast, the most surprising development in the mock draft is the drop of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. After a standout season, Sanders is expected to fall to No. 26 overall, where the New York Jets are set to select him, following a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.
Other notable picks in the mock include quarterback Cam Ward going No. 1 overall to the Giants after a trade with the Titans, edge rusher Abdul Carter landing with the Browns at No. 2, and the Titans selecting cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter at No. 3. The Dallas Cowboys are projected to pick Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart at No. 12.
For Texas, having three players selected in the first round for the first time since 1980, and potentially setting a new school record for most players drafted, is a major achievement for the program.
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