The Texas Longhorns' Pro Day was a bustling hub of NFL attention as representatives from every team, including Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan, descended to evaluate 16 hopefuls. Among them were seven players who had already made their mark at the NFL Combine.
Ethan Burke, an edge rusher who wasn't invited to the Combine, seized the spotlight. Standing at 6'6" and weighing in at 267 pounds, Burke showcased his athleticism with a 40-yard dash in the low 4.8s and a standout 6.94 in the three-cone drill.
His 29-inch vertical and 15 bench press reps rounded out a solid performance. Despite these numbers, Burke remains an intriguing prospect due to his late transition from lacrosse to football, suggesting untapped potential.
Reflecting on his journey, Burke shared, “I’m not even close to where I can be. Football called to me, and I’m glad I answered. It’s been a fantastic experience.”
Quarterback Matthew Caldwell also turned heads. After stints at various colleges and backing up Arch Manning, Caldwell impressed with a 34-inch vertical. Despite a lack of draft-eligible receivers at Texas, Caldwell adapted by working with safety Michael Taaffe, who caught passes during the Pro Day.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian likened Caldwell's situation to that of Matt Cassel, who carved out a lengthy NFL career after a similar path. Sarkisian expressed hope for Caldwell’s future: “He deserves this opportunity.”
Other players like punter Jack Bouwmeester and linemen Cole Hutson and Cole Brevard aimed to catch the scouts’ eyes for potential free agent deals. Meanwhile, cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau, hindered by a hamstring injury, posted a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, slightly below expectations.
Linebacker Trey Moore, often mislabeled as an edge rusher, stood out with a 4.21 in the short shuttle and 7.08 in the three-cone drill. His performance in linebacker and pass-rush drills further solidified his versatility.
The Cowboys showed interest in linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who dined with Schottenheimer. Dallas, without a second-round pick, might hope Hill slips to their third-round selection. Scouts noted Hill’s potential but also pointed out his need for strength training.
Carolina's presence, led by Morgan, hinted at interest in Hill, with the Panthers holding picks in both the second and third rounds. Another player on Dallas' radar is Muhammad, who, like Hill, hails from the Metroplex and has multiple meetings with the team.
Taaffe’s impressive 4.15 short shuttle and 6.8 three-cone drill times further bolstered his draft stock, proving that his versatility could be a valuable asset at the next level.