With the college football season winding down more and more there will be plenty of chatter with the Texas Longhorns’ football team in regards to who will be making the jump to the NFL following the bowl game on December 31st in San Antonio. The names that you know about as prospects are Collin Johnson, Brandon Jones, Devin Duvernay and Malcolm Roach.
The four mentioned are all going to be participating in offseason bowl games in hopes of impressing NFL teams as they chase their dreams of playing at the next level. However, these four aren’t the only ones who will have NFL aspirations.
Sam Ehlinger
Junior
Quarterback
The former Austin Westlake quarterback could make the jump to the NFL after wrapping up his junior season on December 31. Ehlinger could use a final year to make his case to be considered as a top quarterback in the NFL Draft. His dual threat style would be beneficial at the next level give how often mobile quarterbacks can be a headache for opposing defenses.
Ehlinger has put together back to back 3,000 yard passing seasons with a 3.8/1 touchdown to interception ratio for the Longhorns. As a runner, the 6’3″ quarterback added over 1,400 yards and 24 more touchdowns. It is very much a strong part of his game and makes him a great option for how NFL teams will view the position. He can get outside of pressure and look to create with his arms or legs at the next level.
The only question now is will or won’t he declare for the draft.
Samuel Cosmi
Redshirt Sophomore
Offensive Tackle
The Longhorns offensive tackle is eligible to be part of the NFL Draft since he is three years removed from graduating high school. He sat behind current Dallas Cowboys guard Connor Williams during his freshmen season. After starting the last two seasons, could he be the next lineman from Texas to make the jump to the NFL?
Cosmi is an athletic tackle who could make the jump. Some will remember the big man touchdown he scored against West Virginia when Ehlinger found him for a 12-yard touchdown to take a 34-17 lead over the Mountaineers.
BIG MAN TD LET'S GET WEIRD MORGANTOWN pic.twitter.com/iaaF8wcNmL
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) October 5, 2019
What makes Cosmi such an attractive option in the NFL is his ability to get out in space when blocking downfield. He always looks for work in that he looks for blocks to extend plays for his quarterback and running backs. He is physical at the point of attack and a joy to watch. Herb Hand may have helped mold another offensive lineman to make the jump but likely needs another year of development.
Zach Shackelford
Senior
Offensive Guard/Center
Shackelford is the lesser talked about of the offensive lineman prospects despite the fact he has been a solid piece for the Longhorns offensive line since he stepped on campus in Austin. As a freshmen Shackelford was named FWAA Freshmen All-American. He has played in 42 games at Texas and 39 as a starter. He has been a consistent part of the offensive line.
Shackelford isn’t the most athletic offensive lineman in the NFL Draft as he lacks the lateral agility that top prospects have but he certainty has the traits to be a depth piece and potential starter. Shows a good anchor but hand placement and footwork are in need of refinement. Shackelford is likely looking at a day three selection.