The big state of Texas is like the giving tree when it comes to the NFL draft. It just keeps giving and giving. The Lone Star State is offering up a couple dozen players to the 2018 Draft. Here are a few of the standouts we will see at the end of April at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Baker Mayfield is probably the biggest Texas name in this year’s upcoming draft. You might be thinking, ‘You idiot, he played for Oklahoma!’ Yes, he did play for the Sooners. But he went to Lake Travis High school just outside of Austin. So, despite playing for the enemy, he is Texas through and through.
Mayfield is +500 (5 to 1) to go number one overall when checking top sportsbook Bovada. However, the majority mock drafts have him going at different points in the first round, many show him getting picked up around the 11th spot. Others show him getting picked up as early as 3rd overall by the Jets. Although, I think he might be a better fit in the Colts program with the 5th overall pick.
5 Texas Longhorns, 4 from In-State
Michael Dickson P: Photo By Gordan DeLoach
The Longhorns MVP of the Texas Bowl was their punter … crazy right … but he basically won them that game and he is off to the draft with a year of eligibility left. Michael Dickson has a great shot of going in the first three rounds; he’s not only a fantastic punter, but he’s big and has good hands as well. He’s an Aussie, but that’s ok, we’ll take him anyways. Australia is kinda like Texas anyhow … Savage and untamed.
Connor Williams LT: Photo By USA Today Sports
Connor Williams is double Texas. He’s from Dallas and stayed in-state with the University of Texas. The left tackle was a 3-Star recruit and though a little bit undersized, should make a decent starter in the NFL after he’s had some time to develop his hands.
Holton Hill DB: Photo By USA Today Sports
Back in high school, Holton Hill was named the Greater Houston Area Defensive Player of the Year. He is big and fast. His main problem is that he was suspended for the last three games of the season for breaking team rules. We feel that he is probably a second-round player that will end up going 3rd or 4th round due to his perceived immaturity. That aside, if he gets his act together, some lucky team is going to get a steal of a defensive back … at 6’3, 200lbs not only can he cover the pass, but he can also “bring the wood” to stop the run.
Deshon Elliott S: Photo By Gordan Deloach
From Heath, Texas, Deshon Elliott has declared for the 2018 draft and according to his profile, has a good chance of getting drafted in the 5th or 6th round. The Safety has a strong love of the game which is noticeable and could give him an edge of taking a roster spot as a backup strong safety.
Malik Jefferson LB: Photo By Matthew Emmons-USA Today Sports
Malik Jefferson, from Mesquite is built like an NFL linebacker with great speed and explosiveness. He’s 6’3 and 236 pounds. With some time to grow into his body, he will be the perfect physical embodiment of an NFL linebacker. He has that athletic body that is long and quick enough to cover the middle of the field, but strong enough to step up and help stop the run as well.
The draft begins on Thursday, April 26th and runs through Saturday, the 28th at AT&T Stadium. Tune in and cheer for all of our hometown Texas heroes to get selected and take that next big step in their football careers.
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