As we make our way through the month of November, the NFL Draft is inching closer. In recent years the Longhorns haven’t been a part of the first round. In fact, 2015 was the last time that Texas had a player going in the first round (Malcom Brown, DT). To find the last time the Longhorns had two first round picks you need to go back even further. From 2004-06, Texas had multiple first round picks in each draft. Over a decade later could it finally happen again?
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY Sports released his latest mock for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Yes, he did mock not one but two Texas Longhorns in the first round. It has been 15 years since Texas has seen it happen in the opening round.
21. Jaguars (from Rams) — Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas: Cam Robinson isn’t cutting it as a blindside protector. Cosmi or another fleet-footed left tackle should draw Jacksonville’s eye here if the team wants to provide a proper support system for its quarterback of the future.
With the second overall pick in this mock the Jaguars selected quarterback Justin Fields from Ohio State. With their second pick they received in the Jalen Ramsey trade, the Jags go with Samuel Cosmi to protect their investment. Cosmi has long been mocked in the first round consistently, viewed as one of the top five tackles in this upcoming class.
24. Buccaneers — Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas: A relentless pass rusher like Ossai no doubt would be of great value to Tampa Bay, especially with Shaquil Barrett’s future still unclear as he plays on the franchise tag.
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for a replacement for Shaquil Barrett, look no further than Joseph Ossai. He is relentless as they come. Not only that but Ossai plays the run, the pass and can get after the quarterback. I am sure that Spencer Sanders is still suffering from the lingering effects of that Saturday in Stillwater. Joseph Ossai has become a fast climber as of late and now he has the league’s attention, or at least in the NFL Draft community.