Texas Football: 5 early top Longhorns for the 2022 NFL Draft
Derek Kerstetter, G/C
Texas had their first offensive linemen taken off of the draft board in the 2021 class with the Washington Football Team selecting Cosmi in the second round. In fact, the last two second round picks among former Longhorns in the past five years were both offensive tackles. The other was former All-American Connor Williams, who was picked by the Dallas Cowboys 50th overall in the second round of the 2018 draft.
Two of the top linemen coming off of the Forty Acres potentially in the 2022 draft class will be redshirt senior versatile offensive guard/center Derek Kerstetter and redshirt junior offensive tackle Junior Angilau. Out of the gates, Kerstetter will be the more recognized NFL Draft prospect, but Angilau should have the potential to work his way up draft boards faster.
Kerstetter had his 2020 campaign ended a bit early with a season-ending lower-body injury last fall. But Kerstetter is working his way back with the team this offseason, and he should be the anchor for this group in the trenches in the fall.
The 6-foot-5 and 300 pound Kerstetter was a solid lineman for the Longhorns over the course of the past two seasons. He would have a proven resume and a frame that could be NFL ready coming out of the program next year.
Kerstetter was also one of the highest-graded pass blockers in the Big 12 in each of the past two seasons. His run blocking has consistently improved over time, but he still has a good ways to go in that part of his game. Kerstetter could slightly move up draft boards next year with a strong 2021 campaign.