With the 2026 NFL Draft now in our rear view mirror, we thought we'd take a look at next year's NFL Draft from a Texas Longhorns perspective. Texas had six players drafted this year. That's down from the 12 that were drafted in 2025. But the 2027 NFL Draft might be the most memorable draft in Texas football history.
Anthony Hill Jr. was the highest drafted Longhorn this year. The former Longhorns linebacker went to the Tennessee Titans with the 60th pick late in the second round. In 2025, Texas had three players taken in the first round, OL Kelvin Banks, DB Jahdae Barron and WR Matthew Golden.
Next year? Texas could have an incredible four players drafted in the Top 10. A recent USA TODAY Sports way-too-early 2027 Mock Draft projects Texas junior quarterback Arch Manning as the No. 1 pick. Juniors Cam Coleman, Trevor Goosby, Colin Simmons were all forecast being drafted in the Top 10. The other junior that could go pro and get drafted in the top half of the draft is running back Hollywood Smothers.
7. Cleveland Browns – CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
8. New York Giants – Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
9. New Orleans Saints – Colin Simmons, DE/OLB, Texas
10. Washington Commanders – Dylan Stewart, DE/OLB, South Carolina
The Manning factor alone will make it a draft to remember for Longhorns fans. Texas hasn't had a No. 1 pick in more than four decades. Three former Longhorns have been the No. 1 overall pick: LB Tommy Nobis in 1966, RB Earl Campbell in 1978 and Kenneth Sims in 1982.
The Longhorns will have a group of seniors that could hear their names called during the 2027 draft in Washington DC. RB Raleek Brown looks to have a big year. Defensive lineman Hero Kanu could have a big year. Michigan State transfer tight end Michael Masunas has the potential to be very good in Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's system. And transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles will be graduating.
Other seniors will have to have a great year in order to hear their name called at next year's draft. Several offensive lineman will be out of eligibility and could get the call if they play well. A couple more juniors could declare for the NFL Draft if UT has a big year, like WR Ryan Wingo and LB Ty'Anthony Smith.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Will 2027 NFL Draft be most epic in Texas Longhorns history?