Texas Football: Top 5 Longhorns 2021 NFL Draft prospects at halfway mark
Other Texas football players to watch in the 2021 NFL Draft
There’s a plethora of former graduate transfers and upperclassmen for the Longhorns that are trending up of late, but might not have enough attention nationally yet to have a significant NFL Draft stock. Here’s a look at a few of those Longhorns players.
Derek Kerstetter, Center/OL
If there’s any player on this part of the list from the Longhorns that could be a very realistic valuable day three pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s senior offensive lineman Derek Kerstetter. The current anchor for the Texas offensive line (playing center) is really proving his versatility this year.
Kerstetter is having a number of penalties called against him this year, which is one of his biggest problems. But his pass blocking is getting better of late, and he’s posting his second best grade in this regard of his four years playing for Texas.
Projected draft round: 6-UDFA
Chris Brown, Defensive Back
Two of the Longhorns defensive backs that got surprising starts this fall are senior Chris Brown and redshirt junior Josh Thompson. Brown is getting the start at one of the safety positions ahead of junior B.J. Foster, and Thompson is a starting cornerback over junior Jalen Green.
So far this season, Brown registered 23 total tackles, two tackles for loss, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The smaller 5-foot-11 and 190 pound frame of Brown could limit his draft potential, but he is improving in an expanded role this fall.
Projected draft round: 7-UDFA
Tarik Black, Wide Receiver
Through four games played this season, former Michigan Wolverines grad transfer and senior wide receiver Tarik Black is proving that he can be really solid in spots if he’s able to stay healthy. In four games played this season, Black registered eight catches for 188 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The gifted physical tools and athleticism of the 6-foot-3 and 220 pound Black will continue to draw the eyes of NFL scouts as the 2020 season moves along.