NFL Draft Roundtable: Which Longhorn will be selected first?

Although Texas had eight players choose to enter the 2021 NFL draft, it’s unclear which Longhorn will be taken off of the board first.

Griffin McVeigh: Joseph Ossai, EDGE/OLB

Oct 31, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Joseph Ossai (46) waits on the snap during the third quarter of the game agains the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Texas won 41-34. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

This has more to do with how many offensive tackles are going to be considered first-round picks, and how few edge rushers are projected to be taken on the first night. Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Christian Daristraw, and Alijah Vera-Tucker could all go as early as the top 20. Cosmi has the possibility to slide down draft boards and even fall behind second-round guys such as Alex Leatherwood and Walker Little. Ossai has the benefit of being a member of a rather weak pass-rushing class, mainly headlined by Kwity Paye. Past the quarterback, getting to the quarterback is the most important thing to do in football. Teams value pass rushers, even if they are not offered the best value. Ossai will get taken by a team that is desperate for an athletic player off the edge.