National Football League

Texas Football: 10 Former Longhorns to Watch this NFL Season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 NFL season is ready to begin with a full slate of games coming in Week 1. What better time to check in on some former Texas football stars in the pro ranks?

Texas is a blueblood program that has traditionally produced some of the best football players in the history of the game. That usually translates into a healthy representation at the NFL level. While the Horns have struggled a bit in recent drafts, that hasn’t hurt the programs ranks on pro clubs. There are currently over 30 former Longhorns on NFL rosters. That number should only grow in the coming years as Charlie Strong’s elite recruiting classes become draft eligible.

While not all of them are stars, Texas does boast some very skilled alumni that have made their mark in the NFL. Whether it be on offense, defense, or special teams, Texas players know how to ball. The NFL knows this and teams are always on the lookout to add a Horn or two to their roster. There will always be room for a player who knows how to compete and work like a Texas Longhorn.

But which former Longhorns should you be most excited about watching this season? There are no shortage of options, of course. Former Texas stars have found their way into starting lineups across the NFL and will have a major impact on the outcome of this season.

With that being said, here are the top 10 former Longhorns to watch in the 2016 NFL season.

Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Iowa State 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Hassan Ridgeway left Texas early and was the only Longhorn selected in the 2016 draft. He joins the Indianapolis Colts where he should see early playing time this season.

Taken in the 4th round, Ridgeway is a big-bodied interior presence that can occupy blockers. He was a two-year starter at Texas, making 18 stars in 36 appearances, totaling 92 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a pass defended. In 2015, he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention and was named First Team All-Big 12 by ESPN.

With Indianapolis, circumstances should open the door for early playing time. The Colts kept just six defensive linemen on their 53-man roster and two of them, Kendall Langford and Henry Anderson, are dealing with injuries suffered in camp. That presents an opportunity for Ridgeway to get into the rotation early on and make his mark.

Finally, Ridgeway is set to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Malcolm Brown (90) is defended by Iowa State Cyclones offensive tackle Jake Campos (67) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Iowa State 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Brown was a first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2015 and made his mark immediately. This season, he will look to take his game to the next level as a key piece to Bill Belichick’s defense.

Brown made a similarly early impact at Texas. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012. Brown moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, starting every game in 2013, before breaking out as a junior in 2014. He finished that season with 70 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Brown was named First Team All-Big 12 and won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award. Additionally, he was a consensus All-American and was named a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy.

As a rookie, Brown worked his way into the defensive rotation and left his mark. He finished the year with 48 tackles and three sacks, starting 12 games.  This year, Brown is expected to take a major step forward and become a centerpiece of the Patriot defense.

New England kicks off their season Sunday night against Arizona.

Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) carries the ball as Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) defends at Ford Field. The Lions won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Quandre Diggs was drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft and worked his way into the nickel corner role for the Detroit Lions. Now, the second year player will look to expand his role and take his game to the next level for a team with playoff aspirations.

At Texas, Diggs was an impact player from the second he walked on campus. Rated as the No. 1 corner in the 2011 recruiting class, Diggs came to Texas and played all four years, appearing in 52 games and making 49 starts. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2011, Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2011 and 2014, and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2013. When he left Texas, he ranked No. 9 on the all-time interceptions list with 11 and No. 9 for career pass breakups with 37.

For the Lions, Diggs stepped into the nickel corner role as a rookie. He got better as the season wore on and started to display some of the shut-down ability that made him so effective at Texas. He finished the season with 36 tackles, six passes defended, and a forced fumble. This season, he looks to be the No. 3 corner again for Detroit behind Nevin Lawson and Darius Slay but should see plenty of action in passing situations.

Detroit travels to Indianapolis in Week 1 on Sunday.

Sep 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops to throw under pressure from Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Miller (97) during the first quarter of an NFL Football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Roy Miller is a seven-year NFL veteran who will be a key piece of the Jacksonville Jaguars defense this season. A former third-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2009, Miller is the centerpiece of the Jags’ revamped D and a mainstay of their run defense.

While he was at Texas, Miller was part of the winningest senior class in the history of UT (until the next year’s class) and was on the 2005 BCS National Championship team. He grew into a leader on the defensive front and blossomed during his senior year in 2008. That season, he finished with 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and three pass breakups. Miller was named First-Team All-Big 12 and earned Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP that year in Texas’ win over Ohio State.

This season, the 29-year-old nose tackle is going to be a fixture of Jacksonville’s defense. The Jags have not been shy about adding talent through the draft and free agency on the defensive side of the ball. Miller is now surrounded with as much talent as he’s ever played with in the NFL. The question will be whether that group can gel and if the veteran Miller can be a leader.

Jacksonville welcomes Green Bay to town in Week 1 on Sunday.

Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a reception during the second quarter as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) defends at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Vaccaro has been a bright spot on an otherwise dreary New Orleans defense the past three seasons. The former first-round pick is one of the few talents the Saints can rely on and should continue to be a leader in 2016.

During his four-year career at Texas, Vaccaro developed his ability to lead on defense as a playmaking safety. He worked his way into the starting lineup during his sophomore season and became a mainstay of the defense as a junior in 2011. He was named First-Team All-Big 12 in both 2011 and 2012 and earned First-Team All-American honors as a senior.

Vaccaro made an immediate impact for the Saints as a rookie, recording 79 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and an interception in 2013, getting named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His rookie season was cut short by injury and his return in 2014 was erratic, nearly costing him his spot in the starting lineup. He enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2015, however, starting every game for the Saints and recording 104 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Vaccaro will try and help piece together a passable defense for New Orleans in 2016. They open their season at home against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) celebrates after sacking Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Orakpo continues to be a strong defensive presence in the NFL. The seven-year veteran will look to continue his strong play and defensive leadership for the Tennessee Titans in 2016.

Back in his college days, Orakpo enjoyed tremendous success at Texas. As a redshirt freshman in 2005, Orakpo played a key role in the Longhorns’ last National Championship, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and First-Team Freshman All-America honors. As a senior in 2008, Orakpo was a dominant force on the field, recording 40 tackles and 11 sacks. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American while taking home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Ted Hendricks Award, Lombardi Award, and the Bill Willis Trophy.

That dominance translated into the NFL where Washington took Orakpo as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2009 draft. Since entering the league, the outside linebacker has been to the Pro Bowl three times (2009, 2010, 2013) and recorded at least 50 tackles and seven sacks in every season that he’s played more than half his team’s games. For the Titans, Orakpo must step up and lead an unproven defense looking to get Tennessee out of the AFC South cellar.

Tennessee opens their season at home against Minnesota this Sunday.

Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jamaal Charles is one of the most explosive and exciting backs in the NFL when he’s on the field. Unfortunately for him and the Kansas City Chiefs, staying on the field has been the issue.

When healthy, there are few who can match Charles’ ability. He was one of the fastest players in college football and used that speed liberally. In just three seasons, Charles racked up 3,328 yards, the fourth most by a Longhorn running back. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and was named Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2005 when he helped Texas to the BCS National Championship. In 2007, he was named First-Team All-Big 12.

Since being selected in the third round of the 2008 draft by Kansas City, Charles has left an indelible mark on the league. He has been to four Pro Bowls (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), been First-Team All-Pro twice (2010, 2013), Second-Team All-Pro once (2012), and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2013. He currently holds the record for career rushing average, currently at 5.5.

Charles would likely be higher on this list but he’s coming off his second ACL injury since 2011. He played in just five games in 2015 and isn’t likely to see action in the season opener. If he can return to 100 percent, he’ll be a dynamic force for the Chiefs. But time will tell when (or if) that happens in 2016.

Kansas City hosts San Diego in Week 1 this Sunday.

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

A kicker? You bet.

Justin Tucker isn’t any regular kicker, though. Since signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Tucker has become one of the best kickers in the NFL. At Texas, he started his career as the punter and kickoff specialist. His tremendous leg opened the door for him to take over the place kicking duties as a junior in 2010. In two seasons, Tucker connected 40 of 48 field goal attempts and was perfect on extra points. Plus, who could forget his game-winning kick to beat Texas A&M?

He’s been just as successful with the Ravens. In four seasons, Tucker has connected on 87.8 percent of his kicks and remains perfect on extra points. He holds four franchise records with the Ravens, including most field goals in a season (38 in 2013), most points scored in a season (140 in 2013), most field goals in a game (6 vs Detroit in 2013), and longest field goal (61 yards vs Detroit in 2013). Additionally, he holds two NFL records for longest field goal in a domed stadium (61 yards) and became the first NFL kicker to kick a field goal of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards in a single game.

Tucker is an integral part of the Ravens’ success. With a new contract in place, Tucker should continue to be a staple of the Baltimore special teams and help the Ravens to many more wins in the coming years.

Baltimore hosts the Bills in Week 1 on Sunday.

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Johnson is one of the most underrated, productive linebackers in football. His experience and leadership is going to be as important as ever for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016.

Johnson attended the University of Texas from 2001-2004 and became one of the most dominant linebackers in school history. He was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2002, 2003, and 2004, a consensus First-Team All-American in 2003, and a unanimous First-Team All-American in 2004. He was also recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and won the Dick Butkus Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy following his senior season. Johnson finished his Texas career with 1,001 tackles, 69 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles.

That dominance made him a first round pick for Kansas City in 2005 and he’s been a mainstay ever since. He’s recorded over 100 tackles in every season since 2010 except for 2014 when he suffered an Achilles injury in the season opener. He doesn’t get the press of some of the other Chiefs’ defenders, but he is a tackling machine in the middle of the defense.

This season, his presence will be even more important, particularly early on. Both Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are working their way back from injury, which means Kansas City will have to rely on younger linebackers to step up. Those young LBs look to Derrick Johnson to lead them and he’s embraced that role readily.

Kansas City hosts San Diego in Week 1 on Sunday.

Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Legion of Boom wouldn’t be what it is for the Seattle Seahawks if not for Earl Thomas. With Thomas roaming center field for the Hawks, their secondary ranks among football’s most feared and potent defensive groups.

Thomas has been a difference maker ever since he stepped foot on the field at Texas. After a redshirt season, Thomas played his way into the starting lineup and immediately began to dominate. He started all 13 games for Texas in 2008, ranking second on the team with 63 tackles and setting a freshman record with 17 pass breakups to go with two interceptions, four forced fumbles and blocked kick. Thomas was even better in 2009, recording eight interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns. For his effort, he was named First-Team All-Big 12 and a consensus All-American that season.

That incredible level of play made Thomas the No.15 overall selection in the 2010 draft to Seattle. Thomas quickly emerged as an elite pass defender. He’s been to five straight Pro Bowls, had three First-Team All-Pro honors, and was a key contributor to Seattle’s 2013 Super Bowl victory. In six seasons, Thomas has recorded 506 tackles, 46 pass deflections, 21 interceptions, nine forced fumbles and has scored touchdowns.

Seattle hosts Miami in Week 1 this Sunday.

More from Hook'em Headlines

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League