Twelve Longhorns heard their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking the program record set in 2024. The Daily Texan’s Carter Long laid out how he expects each of them to be used on their new teams.

Kelvin Banks Jr. — New Orleans Saints

Round 1, Pick 9 • Offensive Lineman

While he was largely seen as a guard by draft experts, Banks has played left tackle since he was a sophomore in high school and will likely stay in the position in New Orleans. The Saints returned four starters from last year’s line and brought in veteran guard Dillon Radunz from the Titans, giving them the flexibility to play Banks anywhere across the line. With Banks at left tackle, current starter Taliese Fuaga will slide back to his natural position at right tackle, and Trevor Penning will move to the inside.

Jahdae Barron — Denver Broncos

Round 1, Pick 20 • Defensive Back

Barron was a versatile defender at Texas, playing at virtually every spot in the defensive backfield. His best position was in the slot, where his physicality and instincts allowed him to make plays all over the field. The Broncos already have good outside corners in Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, so Barron will mesh well as a nickel defender who gets brought in to counter pass-heavy offenses.

Matthew Golden — Green Bay Packers

Round 1, Pick 23 • Wide Receiver

The Packers’ wide receiver room is muddled, but if anyone will have a defined role, it will be Golden. He will be the off-ball outside receiver tasked with winning over the middle while either Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs or Savion Williams take the top off the defense. Given that his skillset is the least similar to any other Packers receiver, Golden will likely be the top dog of a very crowded Green Bay weapon group.

Alfred Collins — San Francisco 49ers 

Round 2, Pick 43 • Defensive Tackle

Collins was brought in with fellow draftees Mykel Williams and CJ West to do one thing: crush run games. Whenever defensive coordinator Robert Saleh wants to plug two holes in the middle of the defense, he will call on Collins. Collins will likely be a rotational run-stopping nose tackle playing anywhere from the 3-technique to the 1-technique.

Andrew Mukuba — Philadelphia Eagles

Round 2, Pick 64 • Safety

Mukuba’s physicality and playmaking will remind many Eagles fans of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who started as a strong safety for them last year before being traded to the Texans this offseason. Mukuba will most likely split his time between deep-half safety and nickel defender, depending on how the rest of their secondary shakes out.

Vernon Broughton — New Orleans Saints

Round 3, Pick 71 • Defensive Lineman

Getting underneath blockers and driving them into the backfield was Broughton’s calling card at Texas. In New Orleans, his role will be much the same, though they have moved him from his natural position as a 3-technique to a 5-technique in rookie minicamp. Broughton will likely be a rotational run-stopping defensive end in the Saints’ 3-4 scheme.

Gunnar Helm — Tennessee Titans

Round 4, Pick 120 • Tight End

Helm had to wait his turn at Texas and seemingly will have to do so again in Tennessee. The Titans live in 11-personnel on offense and already have two veterans in Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle ahead of Helm on the depth chart. Helm will likely be a reserve pass catcher who the team hopes will take over the starting job in the next two years.

Barryn Sorrell — Green Bay Packers

Round 4, Pick 124 • Edge Rusher

A lack of a productive pass rush killed Green Bay’s season in 2024. Sorrell has the athletic tools to make some impact in that area as a rookie, but will probably be seen as more of a project until he can develop into a more complete edge defender. Sorrell will likely be a rotational pass-rushing 5-technique in Green Bay.

Jaydon Blue — Dallas Cowboys

Round 5, Pick 149 • Running Back

The Cowboys completely overhauled their running back room, bringing in Blue, fellow rookie Phil Mafah, and veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Blue will have the opportunity to compete for a starting job right away, but is certainly not the favorite to take the lead role. Blue will likely split time with the rest of the Dallas backs and be used primarily on passing downs where his receiving skills can shine.

Cameron Williams — Philadelphia Eagles

Round 6, Pick 207 • Offensive Lineman

Williams going to the Eagles is a classic Howie Roseman move. The project tackle is being entrusted to the care of legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who is famous for getting the best out of athletic but raw linemen like Williams. He will likely be a reserve option that the team hopes can eventually blossom into a starter.

Hayden Conner — Arizona Cardinals

Round 6, Pick 211 • Guard

Conner brings great size to the interior of Arizona’s line. He will probably get a chance to compete for either of the starting guard spots, but will likely end up a depth piece for the Cardinals.

Quinn Ewers — Miami Dolphins

Round 7, Pick 231 • Quarterback

Ewers’ play style is similar to current Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa, and Mike McDaniel should trust him to execute their offense from day one. Ewers will have to battle veteran Zach Wilson for the backup job, but could see playing time as early as his rookie season, given Tagovailoa’s penchant for getting injured. Ewers will likely be a backup but should have the opportunity to see starting reps early in his career.