The 2023 NFL Draft begins with the first round on Thursday night and more than a handful of football players with Texas ties have the chance to achieve a life-long dream. No other state produces more NFL draft picks than Texas, and that should continue in 2023. Let’s take a look at the top 25 prospects on the board with Texas ties, including players who played high school and/or college ball in the Lone Star State. 

1. DE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech, West Rusk 

The buzz: The former East Texas standout took a windy road to become a projected top five pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Some have the defensive end going as high as second to the Houston Texans. Wilson is a long, athletic edge rusher who can also set the edge as a run defender. He began his career at Texas A&M before emerging as a big-time prospect in 2022 under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. 

2. CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon, The Colony 

The buzz: Gonzalez went out of state for his collegiate career, and he’s expected to be one of, if not the, first corners off the board on Thursday night. He’s penciled in as a first-round draft pick. The 6-2 cover corner also runs a sub 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He had four interceptions in 2022. 

3. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State, Rockwall

The buzz: Anybody familiar with Texas high school football remembers the exploits of Smith-Njigba. He missed most of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury, but his record-setting performance in the Rose Bowl following the 2021 season put him on the radar of every NFL scout. He’ll be a first-round pick and one of the first wide receivers off the board. Some feel like he is a borderline top 10 pick. 

4. RB Bijan Robinson, Texas, Salpointe Catholic (Ariz.) 

The buzz: Robinson is the exception to the rule that running backs are no longer first round material. He’s a three-down back who is excellent as a receiver and willing as a pass protector. His balance after contact is unreal and he could go as high as No. 10 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson will be the first running back off the board on Thursday night. 

5. WR Quentin Johnston, TCU, Temple 

The buzz: Johnston is a physical freak. He’s a 6-3 wide receiver who excels in the vertical passing game. He can out jump nearly every defensive back in the world, and his speed is an advantage. The physical tools are there to eventually become a Pro Bowler in the right system. He’ll be a late first round pick and immediately make an impact for some football team. 

6. LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas, Denton Ryan 

The buzz: Sanders projects to an inside linebacker spot in the NFL after registering nearly 10 sacks in his final collegiate season at Arkansas. He began his career at Alabama. Sanders played some quarterback at Denton Ryan, helping his team reach the state championship game as a senior. His pass rushing skills make him a unique inside linebacker prospect and most expect him to be taken early in the second round. 

7. OL Steve Avila, TCU, South Grand Prairie 

The buzz: Avila was one of the Horned Frogs that significantly raised his stock with an excellent senior year. He led an offensive line that allowed TCU offensive balance en route to the College Football Playoff. He can play guard or center at the next level and could sneak into the second round. 

8. WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma, Frisco Lone Star 

The buzz: Mims led Oklahoma in receiving in each of his three years in Norman. He caught 121 passes for 2,321 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He also excelled as a punt and kick returner. He caught 18 receptions of at least 40 yards in his career, which is third all-time at Oklahoma. He’ll be a second-round draft pick who can provide immediate assistance in the slot and on special teams. 

9. Rashee Rice, SMU, Richland 

The buzz: Rice is the next export of SMU to the NFL at the wide receiver position. He led FBS with 112.9 receiving yards per game in 2022. He recorded 1,355 yards, which is an SMU record, and 10 touchdowns as a senior on The Hilltop. Expect Rice to go in the second round. The 6-2 receiver can play outside or inside at the next level. 

10. Devon Achane, Texas A&M, Fort Bend Marshall 

The buzz: Speed defines Achane’s game. He became a three-down back during his time in College Station, but his impact in the NFL is likely to come on third down and in special teams, at least early in his career. He proved durable and tough at Texas A&M despite his 5-9 frame. Achane was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2022 despite his Aggies only winning five games. A late second round selection is possible. 

The Next 15

11. DT Siaki Ika, Baylor, East HS (Utah) 
12. WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston, Daytona Beach (Fla.) 
13. RB Roschon Johnson, Texas, Port Neches-Groves 
14. DB Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M, East St. Louis (Missouri)
15. RB Kendre Miller, TCU, Mount Enterprise 
16. DE Dylan Horton, TCU, Frisco 
17. DE Andre Carter, Army, Cheshire Academy (Missouri City, TX) 
18. RB Zach Evans, Ole Miss, Galena Park North Shore 
19. DT Keondre Coburn, Texas, Spring Westfield 
20. WR Elijah Higgins, Stanford, Austin Bowie 
21. CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU, Waco Midway
22. DT Moro Ojomo, Texas, Katy 
23. LB Dee Winters, TCU, Burton 
24. WR Parker Washington, Penn State, Fort Bend Travis 
25. LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas, Arp