The Texas Longhorns football program is synonymous with success, producing some of the NFL’s most memorable players. From Earl Campbell to Vince Young, the Longhorns have a proud tradition of cultivating stars who shine on the professional stage. Yet, even in a program of this stature, some standout players find themselves surprisingly overlooked in the NFL Draft. Despite their collegiate achievements, they either slipped to late rounds or were undrafted entirely, leaving fans scratching their heads.

Let’s take a closer look at five Texas Longhorns stars from recent years who, against expectations, failed to garner the draft attention they deserved.

1. Malcolm Roach (Undrafted, 2020)

As a versatile defensive lineman, Malcolm Roach was a consistent presence for the Longhorns during his time in Austin. Known for his toughness and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive front, Roach impressed with his work ethic and leadership.

Despite his impressive collegiate resume, including 123 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks, Roach went undrafted in 2020. Analysts pointed to concerns about his size and a lack of elite athleticism for the NFL level. However, Roach quickly proved his doubters wrong by signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. Since then, he’s carved out a role as a rotational defensive lineman, showcasing the reliability that made him a standout at Texas.

2. Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Undrafted, 2019)

Lil’Jordan Humphrey was a fan favorite during his time with the Longhorns, thanks to his unique size (6’4″) and playmaking ability as a wide receiver. In his junior season, Humphrey recorded 86 catches for 1,176 yards and 9 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as one of the best receivers in the Big 12.

Despite these numbers, NFL scouts questioned his speed and separation ability, leading to Humphrey going undrafted in 2019. He signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he has since shown flashes of his talent, particularly in red-zone situations. His surprising draft snub remains a point of frustration for Longhorns fans who saw his potential to thrive in the league.

3. P.J. Locke III (Undrafted, 2019)

A four-year contributor and team captain, P.J. Locke III was a key leader in the Longhorns’ secondary. Known for his physicality and football IQ, Locke tallied 234 career tackles, 2 interceptions, and 13 passes defended during his time in Austin.

Locke’s versatility as a safety and his special teams acumen seemed to make him a perfect fit for the NFL. However, concerns about his size (5’10”) and speed in coverage led to him being overlooked in the 2019 draft. Locke signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, where he has since earned a role as a backup safety and special teams contributor, proving his value on the field.

4. Collin Johnson (5th Round, 2020)

Collin Johnson, another towering Texas wide receiver at 6’6″, was expected to be a mid-round pick, if not higher, in the 2020 NFL Draft. Johnson had an impressive college career, with 188 receptions for 2,624 yards and 15 touchdowns. His size and catch radius made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders.

Surprisingly, Johnson fell to the fifth round, where the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him. While injuries may have raised concerns, his on-field production and ability to make contested catches should have warranted an earlier selection. Johnson has since shown glimpses of his potential in the NFL, particularly during his time with the New York Giants.

5. Sam Ehlinger (6th Round, 2021)

As a four-year starting quarterback for Texas, Sam Ehlinger embodied the heart and soul of Longhorns football. Known for his dual-threat ability, leadership, and resilience, Ehlinger threw for over 11,000 yards, rushed for over 1,900 yards, and accounted for 127 total touchdowns during his collegiate career.

Despite his impressive statistics and intangibles, NFL teams questioned his arm strength and ability to adapt to a pro-style offense. Ehlinger fell to the sixth round, where he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts. While he has mostly served as a backup, his preseason performances and brief starting stints have showcased the qualities that made him a star at Texas. Many believe he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL quarterback.