Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.
Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Texas’ beloved quarterback Sam Ehlinger is up next.
Class: Senior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
Pros
He’s clearly a very strong runner. Not the fastest player, but he plays with power and elusiveness that’s made him an open field threat — both on designed runs and while escaping pressure.
Good arm strength. When he does push the ball down field, it has a good arch and distance on it.
Accurate on short, underneath routes. His bread and butter for moving the chains has been the under 10 yard passes which have been pinpoint on the spot.
Good game awareness. He is able to avoid pressure and keep the flow of the game alive. Doesn’t take sacks late in the game and gets rid of the ball when the play is busted.
Cons
Not a very accurate deep passer. Despite his ability to throw it deep, he doesn’t consistently get the ball to his receivers down the field. These passes are often overthrown or thrown too close to contention from the secondary.
Takes too many hits as a runner. When running upfield (not on QB power), instead of sliding, he’ll try and for extra yards by taking on contact.
Stares down his receivers way too often. Against Big 12 defenses, staring down the person you’re going to throw to will have almost no effect, but will get you kicked out at the next level. Instead of masking reads, he’s made his decision from when the team lines up.
Analysis
His leadership, athleticism and will to win is what people mention most about Ehlinger. His intangibles make him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a developmental player.
He needs to work on his deep ball accuracy, protecting himself and his decision making. He can’t settle for short routes and needs to work on not giving away where he’s going with the ball to opposing defenses.
Still, with a 30-16 career record and traits that a lot of teams can work with (deep ball, mobility), he’s going to get a chance in the league. It won’t come any higher than the fourth round, but his name will get called.
Projection
Fourth round to seventh round