AUSTIN, Texas – Whatever an NFL team might be looking for, there was a sampling of it at Texas on Wednesday.
No, this wasn't a star-studded Pro Day in the vein of Alabama or Ohio State – although Texas coach Tom Herman's goal is undoubtedly to get the Longhorns to that level. But for a proud program that has seen tough times in recent years, there was a lot to like.
Texas has a potential first-round pick in offensive tackle Connor Williams, who went through an extensive workout at all five offensive line positions. In a weak tackle class, that could help Williams' bid to be taken as high as the top 20.
"I firmly believe I'm the best offensive lineman in this class," he said. "I just believe in myself and I believe in the product I put out."
There's linebacker Malik Jefferson, who is widely viewed as one of this year's better prospects. Jefferson went through an extensive linebacker worked out, led by the Cincinnati Bengals. A first-round selection might be a bit of a surprise, but there's every reason to think he could be a top 60 pick.
"I just wanted to be smooth, show them I can move well – not really do anything crazy," Jefferson said of the workout. "My big thing was, show them I can move in space and move as fast as I can. I can move like a DB and play like an outside 'backer."
There's safety DeShon Elliott, who could hear his name called as early as the second round, depending on who you talk to.
"We're definitely setting a tone right now," Elliott said. "We've got eight or nine guys going to the draft this year, and I feel like maybe eight or nine are all going to get drafted."
There were even under-the-radar guys climbing up the draft boards on Wednesday. Undersized defensive tackle Poona Ford, listed at just 5-11, worked out for the first time after not being invited to the NFL Combine.
"Why Poona Ford wasn't invited to the Combine, I'll never know," Herman said. "He's had unbelievable production. It's a great way for guys like him to show these guys what they've been doing."
Ford posted a 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 7.4-second 3-cone drill, not to mention a 5.16 40-yard dash, which would have ranked quite favorably with any Combine invite.
Across the board, it presents the Cowboys with plenty to evaluate – and it sounds like they plan on it.
Williams is from Coppell, Texas, right down the road from the Cowboys' facility, while Jefferson is from nearby Mesquite – right across town. In the coming month, both players said they plan on visiting The Star, as the Cowboys being the process of putting their board together.
Geoff Swaim is the only Texas player the Cowboys have drafted in recent memory, when they selected him in the seventh round in 2015. But in 2018, they have no shortage of ways to buck that trend.
