The Texas Longhorns were tied for the second-worst record in Big 12 conference play last year at 3-6. In the end, it was a season that Longhorns fans will likely look to forget as they prepare for 2022. However, there were still a number of interesting prospects that left the program for the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are the Texas scouting reports for the prospects that we could hear called come draft night.
Texas 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
There are not many highly ranked Texas prospects on my Big Board, but there are still a few names to keep an eye on in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Brenden Schooler, DB
Positives: Well-traveled prospect who has lined up at both receiver and safety. Instinctive, quick to diagnose, and works hard to get involved in the action. Tracks the pass in the air, has a nice move to the throw, and wraps up tackling. Fires upfield and sells out defending the run.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and does not possess a burst. Shows average ball skills and lacks an upside.
Analysis: Schooler is a nice-sized prospect who gets the most from his ability. However, he comes with average playing speed and minimal upside.
Cade Brewer, TE
Positives: Hard-working tight end with average size and speed. Runs solid routes, quickly gets in and out of breaks, and extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Nicely adjusts to errant throws. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and displays outstanding blocking vision. Stays square and works blocks.
Negatives: Was never a big part of the passing offense at Texas. Does not consistently come away with the difficult grab. Possesses minimal upside.
Analysis: Brewer did what was asked of him at Texas. However, he comes with average size, limited speed, and a limited future in the NFL.
Denzel Okafor, OL
Positives: Wide-bodied power-gap lineman who is effective in confined quarters. Fires off the snap, turns defenders from the line, and seals them from plays. Powerful, controls opponents once he gets his hands on them, and works blocks. Displays outstanding awareness, quickly picks up stunts, and always looks for someone to hit.
Negatives: Lacks footwork in space. Struggles redirecting and cannot hit a moving target. Played in just five games last season.
Analysis: Okafor is a power-blocking lineman with long arms and a fierce attitude. He offers possibilities as a backup in a power-gap system.
Derek Kerstetter, OL
Positives: Nice-sized college tackle who projects to center in the NFL. Smart, displays outstanding blocking vision as well as awareness, and gets the most from his ability. Correctly places his hands into defenders and steers them from their angles of attack. Bends his knees, blocks with proper pad level, and stays square. Strong enough to turn defenders from their angles of attack.
Negatives: Restricted to a small area and cannot adjust. Stiff, lacks agility, and bends at the waist.
Analysis: Kerstetter is a tough, smart college lineman who played multiple positions for Texas. He lacks great upside, yet could be an invaluable backup at center or guard on Sundays.
Josh Thompson, CB
Positives: Super-athletic defensive back with an unpolished game. Quick transitioning off the line of scrimmage, smooth flipping his hips, and mixes it up with receivers. Picks up and stays with assignments, works to get involved, and physically beats down receivers to defend passes. Possesses good hands for the interception.
Negatives: Very sloppy with his technique. Gives a huge cushion, does not show great burst to the ball, and gives up a lot of underneath receptions. Has poor footwork moving in reverse and tends to side shuffle downfield. Not forceful on the blitz.
Analysis: Thompson possesses next-level size as well as speed, but he has an unpolished game. He’s a developmental prospect who presently must play in a system facing the action.