Steve Sarkisian weighs in on former Longhorns expected be picked in 2025 NFL Draft
AUSTIN (KXAN) — In two days, dreams could come true for former Texas Longhorns hoping to hear their name called in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Longhorns had 11 players drafted in 2024 and could see as many as 14 this year, which would be a school record. Something head coach Steve Sarkisian seems to be proud of.
“I tell these guys when we’re recruiting them, this is one of the few times in high school where you get to choose where you get to go to school,” Sarkisian said Tuesday. “This is a different process. This is when they choose you.”
For three days and seven rounds from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, 32 teams will choose the best fit for their organization.
“Everybody wants to get drafted as early as possible because it feels good in the moment,” Sarkisian said. “But in reality, it’s about where are you going and are you a good fit for that scheme and that coaching staff.”
There are 14 reasons for Sarkisian to be excited about the draft, but he says he does not “have expectations”. He has high hopes for his former players.
“I’ll touch base with those guys as we get closer to Thursday…I think a lot of our guys are in a great spot. I’m hopeful a ton of our guys get drafted, because I think a lot of our players will really be assets for the organization,” Sarkisian said.
The Longhorns have three former players expecting to hear their name in the first round on Thursday night — wide receiver Matthew Golden, defensive back Jahdae Barron, and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Banks is one of the bigger targets on the board as a left tackle, but rumors have surfaced that teams are hinting at moving Banks to the guard position.
Sarkisian doesn’t “get it”.
“As I’ve told everybody, I think this guy is a premier tackle in the NFL,” Sarkisian said.
In four seasons on the 40 acres, Sark has had his fair share of players drafted at every position, but this year will be the first time he has a quarterback drafted, with Quinn Ewers projected to be selected Friday or Saturday.
“The quarterback thing obviously just because of my history, it kind of hits home just a little bit differently,” he said. “If you don’t have a quarterback, it’s really hard and we’ve been fortunate to have a good one for the last three years in Quinn. He’s going to make a great pro.”
