The Texas Longhorns are back to the status of an elite-level program within the college football world. With back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoffs and a highly successful first season in the SEC, Sam Ehlinger would certainly agree that "we're back."
Now, as many of the players who made that success possible look to the next steps in their careers, the 2025 NFL Draft is a big point of focus.
Yes, most Texas fans are ready to admit that not every Longhorn is going to be called up in the first round. Quinn Ewers isn't the top QB in the class, and Gunnar Helm might not be the best tight end. However, there are a few players who should undeniably hear their names called tonight.
Kelvin Banks Jr. shouldn't just get drafted in the first round, he should be a top 10 or a top five pick tonight. Banks is one of the biggest and most desirable offensive tackle prospects in this draft class and is exactly what a lot of teams are looking for.
Don't be surprised if the New England Patriots select Banks at No. 4 overall or if the Las Vegas Raiders steal him as the sixth overall pick.
Despite Isaiah Bond talking a big game ahead of the NFL Combine, wideout Matthew Golden has emerged as the top receiver coming out of Texas this year. With a stunning 4.29-second finish in the 40-yard dash, Golden quickly became one of the more desirable wide receivers available.
While he won't be the first wideout to hear his name called tonight, Golden would make a great addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' receiving corps, which has veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as second-year wideout Jalen McMillan from Washington.
The best cornerback in the nation, the Jim Thorpe Award-winning defensive back, the former Texas Longhorn Jahdae Barron, has earned the attention of the nation ahead of the Draft. While he didn't play on both sides of the ball like Colorado's Travis Hunter, Barron is one of the best available players in the class.
More likely than not, Barron will go to the Green Bay Packers at No. 23 or the Washington Commanders at No. 29 as both teams desperately need a better presence in their defensive secondary.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to start at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 24, and run through Saturday, April 26. Texas fans can tune into the NFL Network to see which Longhorns get drafted and when.