Tag: draft prospect

Watch: Badger draft prospect drops hype video

With the 2023 NFL Draft right around the corner, former Badger edge rusher Nick Herbig dropped a hype video Friday night.

With the 2023 NFL Draft right around the corner, former Badger edge rusher Nick Herbig dropped a hype video Friday night. For those who are fans of the undersized athlete, the video brings back some good memories in the cardinal red and white.

Herbig spent three seasons as a significant member of the Badgers’ defense, becoming a star in his final two seasons in Madison. In his final two campaigns, the 6-foot-2, 227 pounder athlete combined to record 108 tackles, including 20 sacks.

With success stories like TJ Watt, TJ Edwards, Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn in the NFL as former Badger linebackers, Herbig will attempt to be the next one up in the league.

See where Herbig and the rest of the Badger draft prospects get selected when the 2023 NFL Draft starts two weeks from Thursday (April 27).

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzzyj3n3jt6m7 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Texas DB Josh Thompson invited to NFL combine

A great opportunity for Josh Thompson to improve his draft stock.

Texas defensive back Josh Thompson received an invite to the 2022 NFL scouting combine.

It presents a great opportunity for Thompson to showcase his skills in front of scouts from every team in the league.

Thompson declared for the NFL draft after Texas’ season finale against Kansas State, forgoing his extra year of eligibility the NCAA rewarded players because of COVID-19.

The former three-star has been a reliable player in the Texas secondary for the past three years.

In his 22 starts at Texas, Thompson grabbed two interceptions and made over 100 tackles. The versatile defensive back played both corner and nickel in his college career as well as playing a major role on special teams.

Texas has a rich history of putting defensive backs in the NFL and Thompson looks to be next in line.

The 2022 NFL combine will take place in Indianapolis during the first week of March.

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DeMarvion Overshown listed as a top 25 potential draft prospect for 2022

Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is listed as one of the top 25 most intriguing 2022 NFL draft prospects.

The 2021 NFL draft concluded a few days ago and the Longhorns were present in the event with five Texas players selected through the seven rounds, the most since the 2015 NFL draft.

It’s never too early to look ahead to next year’s draft and dissect who from the Longhorns could be a part of the event and/or who could potentially be selected in the early rounds.

The likely favorite appears to be linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who was listed as one of the most intriguing prospects by ESPN. Here’s what staff writer Dave Wilson had to say about Overshown:

In seven seasons at Washington, new Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski had 17 players drafted. He’ll have a versatile new defender to utilize in DeMarvion Overshown this season in Austin. Overshown, a 6-4, 217-pound former safety, showed flashes of brilliance in his first season as a linebacker, culminating with MVP honors in the Alamo Bowl after he had six tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and two quarterback hurries against Colorado. With one more year of experience, Overshown should start climbing up draft boards. — Wilson

There hasn’t been an inside linebacker from Texas drafted in the first round since Tommy Nobis in 1966. If Overshown can build off a strong 2020 season, we could possibly see that streak end.

DeMarvion Overshown listed as Texas’ most intriguing 2022 NFL draft prospect

ESPN recently listed the most intriguing 2022 NFL draft prospects from each Top 25 college football team.

The 2021 NFL draft doesn’t officially begin until April 29 at 7 p.m. CDT, but draft analysts are already looking forward.

We will likely see a slew of 2022 NFL mock drafts in the coming days to begin preparing for next year’s event. ESPN was a step ahead of the crowd on Wednesday when they listed their most intriguing 2022 NFL draft prospects from each Top 25 college football team.

For the Longhorns, it happened to be linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Here’s what they had to say about the rising star of Texas’ defensive unit:

In seven seasons at Washington, new Longhorns defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski had 17 players drafted. He’ll have a versatile new defender to utilize in DeMarvion Overshown this season in Austin. Overshown, a 6-4, 217-pound former safety, showed flashes of brilliance in his first season as a linebacker, culminating with MVP honors in the Alamo Bowl after he had six tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and two quarterback hurries against Colorado. With one more year of experience, Overshown could start climbing up draft boards. — Wilson

Although Overshown is currently recovering from a minor shoulder surgery, he’s expected to be good to go for Texas’ season opener against Louisiana on Sept. 4.

The third-year player started all 10 games last season and totaled 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, four quarterback hurries, and a team-high two interceptions and seven pass breakups.

Overshown is primed to be an NFL-caliber linebacker and should continue to have his best performances in Texas’ biggest games.

Texas QB Sam Ehlinger among best interviews that NFL teams have had

NFL draft analyst Matt Miller mentioned three quarterbacks who are seemingly interviewing well ahead of the 2021 NFL draft.

Casual fans may not truly understand the type of player and person former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is. Continue reading “Texas QB Sam Ehlinger among best interviews that NFL teams have had”

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

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

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas receiver Brennan Eagles

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

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. Wide receiver Brennan Eagles, who surprised many with his decision to head to the NFL, is up next.

Class: Junior

Height: 6-4

Weight: 230

Pros

Possesses very strong hands and is able to secure passes quickly. Rarely drops the ball or lets it free. Uses that same strength to overpower defenders as a ball carrier.

His size has made him a mismatch which has given him opportunities in one-on-one situations, even if he’s not the open receiver.

Cons

Not a very sharp route runner. He doesn’t make sharp plants on his turns and rounds them off too often.

He doesn’t create separation in his routes and is given targets primarily when he’s locked up with a mismatch. Not much speed downfield either, the player who’s locked with him his always on him in coverage.

Doesn’t sell the run well as a blocker. Gives up on his route too early allowing defenses to sniff out the running play. Despite good initial contact on his blocks, defenders are able to break them early.

Analysis

He’s very raw as a pure receiver. He’s got the size and ball skills that teams covet, but he would have benefited from another season in college to develop himself — especially in Steve Sarkisian’s system.

Truthfully, it wouldn’t surprise me to see if he goes the way of Ricky Seales-Jones and a team takes a flyer on him to develop him as a tight end.

If he’s drafted, it won’t be until late on day three, but being an undrafted free agent is probably more likely.

Projection

Sixth round to undrafted free agent

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas safety Chris Brown

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

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. Former Texas safety Chris Brown is up next.

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 5-11

Weight: 210

Pros

Strong tackler. He’s able to wrap up defenders upon contact and doesn’t get his tackles broken up. Takes good angles to the point of attack, determining where the play ends up.

Very good at blitzing. Brown is able to take angles and either create pressure or make a play on the ball carrier.

Sticky in coverage on the receiver when forced to either pick up a player crossing his zone, or when flexed out in man coverage. Makes the play harder for the receiver.

Cons

Lets up on plays too soon rather than playing until the whistle. Doesn’t play full speed on every play and often gets caught doing so.

He’s shown reliable coverage ability, but not the skills to consistently make a play on the ball.

Brown has ‘ankle tackling’ tendencies in situations when he could wrap the player up, instead tries to take them down low and is not near as effective in bringing down players that way.

Analysis

There’s a bit of upside to Brown’s game. While he’s likely not an immediate starter, he’s a good tackler and plays with such strength and speed that he he’ll get plenty of chances to prove himself on special teams.

He needs to better develop his skills in playing the ball, otherwise he’ll be a player quarterbacks target religiously on deep passes.

He’s a developmental player who can come in on rotation and be helpful in the running game first, but will need to work on play-making skills to be able to become a full-time starter.

Projection

Fifth round to sixth round

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas wide receiver Tarik Black

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

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. Wide receiver Tarik Black is up next.

Class: Senior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 220

Date Of Birth: Feb. 10, 1998

Pros

Strong, physical receiver. Shows plenty of body control even in contested passes. Long arms and legs combined with his athletic gifts often make him a mismatch for smaller corners on the outside.

Has strong and powerful hands. Once he completes the catch, he uses those same hands to power his way through secondaries for yards after the catch.

Cons

Not the fastest receiver. Doesn’t create separation at the line of scrimmage and is often forcing himself into tight, one-on-one situations.

By not creating separation, he depends on defenses to play off the line of scrimmage to give him starting separation, but hasn’t shown the ability to do it himself.

His routes need work. Instead of planting his foot to change direction, he’ll often round out his routes, only making things harder on himself.

Analysis

Tarik Black is an interesting prospect. He’s got all the talent and physical gifts that you could ask for in a receiver, but misses some key essentials such as speed off the line of scrimmage and route running.

Beginning his collegiate career at Michigan before transferring to Texas didn’t help his development. He never had a consistent enough passing game to allow him to develop into a better pass catcher with limited opportunities. When he had opportunities, he couldn’t stay healthy long enough to fully develop.

His injury history coupled with going into a deep draft loaded with receivers will make it a challenge for him. He’s likely not going to get drafted until day three, if at all. He hasn’t progressed enough as a receiver for a team to use a higher pick and make him a day one contributor.

Projection

Fifth round to undrafted free agent

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas safety Caden Sterns

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

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. Safety Caden Sterns, a mid-season opt-out, is an interesting prospect.

Class: Junior

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210

Pros

Shows the ability to play well in zone or man coverage. His versatility ranges from lining up in the slot in man coverage, or staying deep at the free safety position. Keeps eyes focused on the quarterback and is able to adjust to either side of the field on deep passes.

Good ball skills. Has the instincts to dissect the passer and make a play on the ball. Creates contested deep passes.

Has the athleticism to play across the field in deep zone from the left all the way across to the right side of the field.

Cons

Not the best tackler. While he has the ability to tackle, he’s more comfortable when the balls in the air, rather than in the hands of the ball carrier. Especially when asked to blitz, he has the tendency to run into the blocks and is unable to escape.

People marveled at how far ahead he was in pass coverage as a freshman but despite being able to play both sides of the field, he often can get tricked by where the receiver is in relation to the quarterback and is forced to make a play.

Despite his impressive frame, he lacks the physicality you would want from a safety, especially when tackling running backs. He has a tendency to arm tackle against bigger, more physical runners.

Analysis

If Sterns had excelled every year from his outstanding freshman season, he would probably be positioned as one of the best safeties in the class.

Injuries and a drop in play has hurt his development, but he’s got ideal size and athleticism that teams will work with.

His tackling ability will hurt him most in the draft process but his playmaking ability is what will have one team take a chance on him.

Projection

Fourth to sixth round