Texas Longhorns Top NFL Draft Prospects for 2013 and Beyond

Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) follows the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 21-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

80 Alex Okafor, Defensive End, Senior  6’5″ 265 pounds

Complete defensive end prospect who can be dominant as a pass rusher or setting the edge against the run. Texas has underachieved in his senior season, but Okafor’s production has not dipped. The Senior end has had 43 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks through the team’s first nine games. He is a very powerful end with great overall size and length, and he is really improving at diagnosing plays. He has scheme versatility, able to play outside with his hand in the dirt or standing up as an outside linebacker. He also has some experience kicking inside and playing defensive tackle, though I don’t think that’s where he’ll find his niche in the NFL. He has good size already, but I think he has the frame to add some more weight and be an even more effective defensive end at the next level. He is somewhat of an old-school player in that he’s not overly flashy, but he’s really productive. Managed to stay productive even after Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season. Jeffcoat’s production helped get Okafor some better matchups, but he’s been good even after the sophomore sensation went down. In the end, I think Okafor is going to be one of the top overall defenders available for the 2013 NFL draft, and will be one of the best defensive ends to come out.

44 Jackson Jeffcoat, Defensive End, Junior  6’5″ 245 pounds

Jeffcoat would be a top 15, surely a top 32 selection if he decided to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. If he were healthy, I might even think he was going higher than that. The junior stud out of Plano, Texas has missed three games in 2012 already, and he still is second on the team in tackles for loss with 9.5. He injured his pectoral, which is a very tough injury to come back from but I think he will be ready to go by the start of next year’s season. He is an elite level pass rusher with phenomenal quickness off the edge, and the ability to close like not many prospects have. He is pretty aggressive, which can get him in trouble at times, but that’s also the type of intensity that NFL scouts will love in the way that he plays. Does a good job fighting off blocks but still can get engulfed at times. Needs to add some more weight to his frame without losing his quickness off the snap. At his best, I think he’s comparable to Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. He has great burst off the edge, and looks like he could be an ideal fit as an outside linebacker in the NFL. I think if he worked on his inside moves, he would be a completely dominant pass rusher. He might not leave school due to his injury, but he has a bright future whenenver he chooses to.

4 Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Senior  6’1″ 218 pounds

Vaccaro is one of a few prospects who came into this season with high expectations, and has kind of fallen off the radar a bit. I still think he is one of the best safety prospects in the draft. He has really good instincts, great size, and he’s an excellent athlete. Excellent closing speed but needs to learn to break down and take on ball carriers rather than trying to hit them as hard as he could. He’s been very productive as a senior with 65 tackles, two interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the ball. Had a huge junior season where he earned All Big 12 honors. There were many who thought he would have undoubtedly been a first round pick had he left last season, and obviously his weaknesses will be amplified with every minute he stays with the Longhorns, however, I think he is still a top notch safety prospect with the tools to be a Pro Bowl starter in the NFL.

1 Mike Davis, Wide Receiver, Junior  6’2″ 195 pounds

Speedy receiver with really good overall size and ability to make plays downfield. Having a really productive junior season leading the team in receiving, catching 38 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. He’s really shown his ability to make big plays and take over games, as he did against Texas Tech helping the Longhorns to a big win. He might not be leaving school early, but he is showing NFL teams his ability to take over games and be a big time playmaker.

84 Marquise Goodwin, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, Senior  5′9″ 180 pounds

Goodwin is Texas’ Olympic sprinter, and you’ve got to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Whether he is returning kicks and punts, catching passes, or lining up in the backfield, he is a valuable weapon that could excel in the NFL even though he’s had average production the last two years in college. He is incredibly fast and while he doesn’t have good size, he knows how to bring it on the football field. He might be worth a late round flyer for some team to take a chance on with his speed and quickness. Not a great receiver but definitely a playmaker.