ESPN analysts believe the Texas Longhorns have this much first-round NFL Draft talent

ESPN’s draft analysts are looking at the Texas Longhorns roster with just as much excitement as the Reese’s Senior Bowl scouts for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The network projects Texas to have the third-best overall talent for the NFL Draft with three projected first-round picks and 11 draftees overall.

It’s easy to peg quarterback Quinn Ewers as a possible first-round draft pick. He’s a Heisman Trophy candidate this season and leads the nation’s fourth-ranked team into the opener against Colorado State on Aug. 31.

But it’s left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. that’s drawing the most attention, according to ESPN’s analysis. ESPN compared Banks to former North Carolina State lineman Ikem Ekonwu, the sixth overall pick in 2022.

Related: NFL scouts already eyeing multiple veteran Texas Longhorns on Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list

“He gets by a lot off of his natural ability in pass pro, but you can’t coach the natural gifts that he has,” an NFC area scout told ESPN.

Receiver Isaiah Bond is the third player that has first-round potential. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound transfer from Alabama has incredible flash, and Bond is likely to be a primary target for Ewers this fall.

ESPN projects that defensive back Jahdae Barron and defensive end Trey Moore are strong Day 2 draft candidates. Moore was the American Defensive Player of the Year at UTSA last season with 14 sacks off the edge.

Barron, a veteran defensive leader, could be one of the nation’s best nickel cornerbacks. Defensive coaches have also looked at Barron out wide as Texas looks for anything to shore up its one troublesome spot from last season, pass defense.

Austin LBJ Early College product Andrew Mukuba is looking to finish his college career strong after transferring back home from Clemson. He’s a possible Day 3 prospect, according to ESPN.

The network pegs Georgia as having the most NFL caliber talent with Ohio State a close second. The Bulldogs have three projected first-round picks, including quarterback Carson Beck, a possible No. 1 overall contender. Notre Dame was the next and final team in ESPN’s Tier 1 pool with 11 NFL-level athletes.