Texas Football: Where former Longhorns fit in after the NFL Draft
Ta’Quon Graham, DE (148th overall, Atlanta Falcons)
The Longhorns would have to wait until the fifth round in day three of the 2021 draft to hear another name called among their former players in this class. The first former Longhorn off of the board in day three of the draft was the former 6-foot-4 and 300 pound standout senior defensive end Ta’Quon Graham.
It was the Atlanta Falcons out of the NFC South that snagged the former four-star recruit and the potent Graham with the 148th overall pick in the fifth round of the draft. The Falcons do have some depth in the front seven already, and Graham will be a versatile fit in their 4-3 defensive scheme. The frame of Graham and his ability to rush the passer at a semi-effective level and anchor the line in run defense makes him a solid snag for the Falcons.
Draft Grade: A
Caden Sterns, S (152nd overall, Denver Broncos)
Yet another recent addition among former Longhorns to the Denver Broncos in the AFC West came along on the afternoon of May 1. Former elite five-star recruit and talented junior safety Caden Sterns landed with the Broncos with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the draft.
The Broncos placed an emphasis on upgrading their defensive backfield in this draft class, and that’s part of what they were able to do by snagging Sterns. Sterns will be joining other former Longhorns like defensive back P.J. Locke II, tight end Andrew Beck, and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, in the Mile High City. I like this fit since Sterns could fit into a key backup role to develop his game right away.