With the Citrus Bowl on deck and Michigan looming, a number of Texas Longhorns are already looking beyond Orlando and toward the 2026 NFL Draft. While official draft grades from the NFL Advisory Committee are still to come, a recent update from NFLmockdraftdatabase.com - which aggregates hundreds of mock drafts and big boards - gives us a clearer picture of how NFL evaluators currently view this Texas roster.
And make no mistake: this class has some intriguing storylines, from potential early-round risers to underclassmen weighing big decisions.
Let’s break down the latest projections for 16 Longhorns players eligible (or potentially eligible) for the 2026 draft - including a few names that might surprise even the most plugged-in Texas fans.
Potential Day 2 Picks: Movers in the Making
OT Trevor Goosby - Projected 2nd Round (#38 overall)*
If Goosby declares, he could be one of the highest-drafted Longhorns in this cycle.
At No. 38 overall, he’s sitting firmly in the second-round range, and that’s no accident. Goosby’s length, footwork, and upside as a blindside protector have drawn serious attention from scouts.
He’s raw in some areas, but the tools are there - and in today’s NFL, teams are always on the hunt for athletic tackles who can develop into long-term starters.
LB Anthony Hill Jr. - Projected 2nd Round (#41 overall)
Hill is another name trending toward Day 2.
His sideline-to-sideline range and explosiveness as a blitzer make him a modern linebacker prototype. He’s still refining his instincts in coverage, but the athleticism is undeniable.
If he tests well this spring, don’t be surprised if he flirts with late-first-round buzz.
Mid-Round Talent with Upside
CB Malik Muhammad - Projected 3rd Round (#91 overall)
Muhammad is a fascinating case.
He’s got the length and press-man ability NFL teams covet, and his ball skills are starting to show. If he declares, he’s right in that sweet spot where a strong combine or pro day could vault him into the top 75.
For now, he’s projected as a solid third-rounder - a developmental corner with starter upside.
TE Jack Endries - Projected 4th Round (#139 overall)*
Endries has quietly built a strong résumé.
He’s not a headline grabber, but scouts love his blocking ability and reliable hands. In a draft class that’s light on complete tight ends, he could be a sneaky value pick in the middle rounds.
S Michael Taaffe - Projected 5th Round (#157 overall)
Taaffe’s projection in the fifth round reflects his steady, heady play on the back end. He’s not the fastest safety in the class, but his instincts and leadership make him a strong candidate for special teams and sub-package roles early in his career.
Late-Round Hopefuls and Longshots
OG D.J. Campbell - Projected 7th Round (#225 overall)
Campbell has shown flashes of physicality in the run game, but questions about his pass protection and consistency have kept him in the late-round mix. A strong pre-draft process could help his stock, but for now, he’s viewed as a developmental interior lineman.
DT Cole Brevard - Projected 7th Round (#230 overall)
Brevard’s size and strength against the run give him a shot to stick as a rotational nose tackle. He’s not going to wow with quickness, but there’s a role for space-eaters like him in the league - especially late on Day 3.
RB Quintrevion Wisner - Projected 7th Round (#231 overall)*
Wisner is still weighing his options, but if he declares, he could sneak into the draft. He’s shown flashes as a change-of-pace back with some receiving chops, but he’d need to test well to solidify his stock.
Undrafted Free Agent Projections: Fighting for a Shot
Several Longhorns are currently projected outside of the seven-round draft window, but that doesn’t mean their NFL dreams are over. Every year, undrafted free agents carve out roles - and this group has a few names worth watching.
- DE Trey Moore (#272) - Productive in spurts, but needs to show more versatility and consistency.
- **WR DeAndre Moore Jr.
- (#529)** - Word is he’s leaning toward declaring. He’s got raw speed, but limited production has scouts cautious.
- OG Cole Hutson (#754) - Depth guard with experience, but will need to prove he can hold up athletically at the next level.
- DT Travis Shaw (#702) - Big body, but hasn’t quite put it all together.
- DE Ethan Burke (#603) - Flashes of pass-rush ability, but not enough on tape to earn a draftable grade yet.
- CB Jaylon Guilbeau (#749) - Depth corner, likely a camp invite.
- S Jelani McDonald (#475)* - Still undecided on his future. Athletic, but raw.
- LS Lance St. Louis (#802) - Long snappers rarely get drafted, but he could land a camp invite.
What’s Next?
As we inch closer to draft season, decisions loom large for underclassmen like Goosby, Wisner, McDonald, and Moore Jr. Some are still on the fence, while others appear ready to make the leap. For those on the bubble, bowl performances, combine invites, and pro days will be critical in shaping their final evaluations.
Texas has long been a pipeline to the NFL, and this year’s group is no different. Whether it’s potential Day 2 picks like Hill and Goosby, or late-round sleepers hoping to catch on, the Longhorns are once again sending a wave of talent toward the next level. And with the Citrus Bowl still to play, there’s one more chance for these prospects to make a statement - not just for their team, but for their futures.