What are the best NFL fits for top Texas Longhorns prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?
A team deep with talent, the Longhorns lost the National Championship to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic, but their path to the championship should benefit the 16 players who have declared for the draft.
Among those players is quarterback Quinn Ewers who opted for the draft instead of entering the transfer portal. A projected first round pick before the 2024 season, Ewers could be an interesting target for a team looking to select a QB on Day 2. Other than Ewers, the Longhorns have talent entering the draft who could flourish if selected by the right team or situation.
2025 NFL Draft features three intriguing Longhorns prospects
After 11 players were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Longhorns could beat that mark in this draft. First round candidates include highly touted tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., defensive back Jahdae Barron and wide receiver Matthew Golden. Other Texas products teams may target on Day 2 are wide receiver Isaiah Bond, tight end Gunnar Helm and tackle Cam Williams.
Here’s a look at the best destinations for the top Texas Longhorns prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT – Chicago Bears
The big Longhorns tackle seems destined to go No. 10 to the Chicago Bears. A team that added guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the Bears will look to continue revamping their line to protect Caleb Williams. Banks with his size and mobility would be a top choice in this draft unless a more talented prospect at another position like running back drops to them in the top 10. The Bears, however, should stay committed in strengthening their offensive line, especially with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach.
Jahdae Barron, CB – Jacksonville Jaguars
A team with a need at defensive back, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the best destination for Barron, who flourished as a versatile defensive back in 2024. Emerging as a top 3 cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, it is Barron’s instinctive style and smothering coverage that would make him the anchor of the Jaguars defensive secondary. As a big nickel corner with the ability to eventually switch to safety, Duuval County would be a perfect landing spot as the Jaguars haven’t had a top-level secondary defender since Jalen Ramsey.
Matthew Golden, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers
As an intriguing wide receiver entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Matthew Golden’s draft stock is rising after an impressive NFL Combine. As speed at the receiver position is like gold for NFL teams, Golden could go anywhere from a top 10 pick to late in the first round. If he does slide to the later round, a great fit for Golden is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, the Pittsburgh did acquire DK Metcalf but adding a receiver like Golden would give the Steelers’ offense that explosiveness they have been looking for. With Metcalf, George Pickens and Golden in the mix, whoever is at quarterback would have quite the trio of wide receiver weapons.
Cameron Williams, OT – New England Patriots
The Patriots could take the best player available at No. 4 and take their chances on a tackle on Day 2 or Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they do that, Williams will be a good player to add as a tackle. At 6-foot-6, 317 pounds, Williams has great power and shows good mobility for his size. Primary a right tackle at Texas with Kelvin Banks Jr. on the other size, Williams will be more of a project at the next level as a left tackle. If the Patriots can find a veteran to play the position for now, developing Williams could be beneficial.
Isaiah Bond, WR – Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will continue to add playmakers around Patrick Mahomes and one player they could be targeting is Isaiah Bond who may slip down to the second or early third round. After drafting Xavier Worthy a year ago, the Chiefs dipping back into the Longhorns talent pool and selecting Bond could be good for both former teammates. Bond, who hauled in 34 receptions for 540 yards during his final season at Texas has the ability and speed to be an impact Z receiver and you know Mahomes will find a way to utilize that talent.
Gunnar Helm, TE – Denver Broncos
The Broncos may miss out on selecting one of the top two tight ends in the first round. Lucky for them, this is a deep draft class at the tight end position. Despite signing Evan Engram in free agency, the Broncos should still look to add a tight end, and Gunnar Helm is a good player to target. An athletic tight end with good hands, Helm hauled in 60 receptions for 786 yards in his final season at Texas and would be an awesome No. 2 option at tight end for the Broncos.
Quinn Ewers, QB – Dallas Cowboys
Prior to the 2024 season, Quinn Ewers was projected to be a quarterback taken in the top 10. But due to injury and not living up to expectations, the former Texas quarterback has seen his draft stock drop which could benefit him in the long run, especially if he plays behind a veteran like Dak Prescott. There will be other quarterback needy teams targeting Ewers on Day 2 of the draft, but the Cowboys could take a shot at developing their future at the position by selecting gunslinger from Texas.
Alfred Collins, DT – Houston Texans
The Texans will look to beef up the interior of their defensive line. If they don’t do it on Day 2, Alfred Collins is a player they should target later in the draft. At 6-foot-6, 332 pounds, Collins has tremendous strength as a defensive tackle and great as a top-gap defenders. With the Texans he could help their run defense and anchor the middle enough to allow their edge rushers to get to the quarterback.