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Texas Football: 10 Longhorns that could go in the 2019 NFL Draft

By Andrew Miller

WACO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Breckyn Hager #44 of the Texas Longhorns tackles JaMycal Hasty #33 of the Baylor Bears in the first half at McLane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Waco, Texas. Texas won 38-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
WACO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Breckyn Hager #44 of the Texas Longhorns tackles JaMycal Hasty #33 of the Baylor Bears in the first half at McLane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Waco, Texas. Texas won 38-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns picks up a fumble and returns for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the Academy Sports & Outdoors Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns picks up a fumble and returns for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the Academy Sports & Outdoors Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Among all the juniors on the Texas defense that could have put together a breakout season, linebacker Anthony Wheeler might have converted on it the best. Wheeler became an integral part of the defense for the Horns, helping out in both pass coverage and stopping the run. He set career bests in most major stat categories pertaining to a linebacker of his skill set.

Moreover, the athleticism and progression that Wheeler put on display last year should definitely garner him some looks from NFL scouts. If he continues on this upward trend this year, he could work his way into the position of third or fourth round pick.

For the first time in his three year college career, Wheeler notched a sack last year. He wound up with 2.5 sacks total on the season. Wheeler also set a career high in tackles for loss last season with 5.5. Lastly, he had his first fumble recovered and returned for a touchdown in 2017.

The size and speed that Wheeler has should also be appealing for translating his skill set to the NFL. A lot depends on the display that Wheeler leaves on the field this year. He could be the focal point of the linebacking corps for the Horns, and that could really play into his advantage.

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