Texas Longhorns' defense shines on 2nd day of 2025 NFL draft

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Three more Longhorns are set for an NFL future following the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL draft Friday in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Defensive linemen Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton, along with defensive back Andrew Mukuba, had their names called, bringing the total to six Texas players selected over the first two days. The draft's third and final day includes the remaining rounds, 4-7, and will start at 11 a.m. Saturday.

If six more Longhorns are selected Saturday, it will break a program record for the most players selected in the current seven-round format that began in 1994. Texas had 11 players picked last year, led by Byron Murphy and Xavier Worthy as first-round selections. Texas had 17 players picked in 1984 when the draft was 12 rounds long.

While the draft is a celebration of players whose careers are just beginning, this year's event has quickly become a waiting game for one player. Projected by many to be either a first or second-round selection, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not picked and is still out there for teams to take a chance on as a backup.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers wasn't projected nearly as high as Sanders and is still available. Other notable Texas players still available are tight end Gunnar Helm, running back Jaydon Blue, receivers Isaiah Bond and Silas Bolden, defensive end Barryn Sorrell and offensive linemen Cam Williams, Jake Majors and Hayden Conner.

Collins was the first Longhorn off the board Friday, going to the San Francisco 49ers in the second round at No. 43. He fills a huge need for an injury-riddled team that struggled to a 6-11 record last season after being in three consecutive NFC championship games.

"When you think about our run of defensive tackles, Alfred is a guy who had the opportunity to play behind and learn from some real pros," Sarkisian said. "That helped him a lot, and he embraced it by being patient and seizing the moment when his opportunity came. I really think his best football is ahead of him and he’ll do great things for the San Francisco 49ers."

Defensive back Andrew Mukuba was the final pick of the second round to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at No. 64 overall. The Austin native and Austin LBJ grad played his final year of college ball for the Longhorns after transferring from Clemson.

Sarkisian said Mukuba prepares incredibly well and the Eagles will appreciate that.

"I think the Eagles will see his practice habits, his preparation, and the things that lead to positive performances on game day will really make him a great pro," Sarkisian said. "Those are characteristics that will serve him well in the NFL."

The Saints kept the Longhorns party rolling by picking defensive tackle Vernon Broughton in the third round with the 71st pick. He continues a terrific run of defensive tackles going to the NFL, following Murphy and T'Vondre Sweat last year and Collins this year.

The Cowboys picked Boston College defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku at No. 44 and East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. at No. 76 in the third round.

Carolina selected Manor native Princely Umanmielen in the third round at No. 77. Umanmielen had 25.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss between stints at Ole Miss and Florida.