The State of Texas is once again well-represented in the NFL Draft. That begs the question: Which former TXHSFB star would the Dave Campbell's Texas Football staff take first? Here's a list of 15 names to help you decide for yourself.

Greg Powers: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Wichita Falls Rider, Texas Tech

It would be easy for me to pick a former five-star like Anthony Hill Jr., but Rodriguez is a literal quarterback on defense. He rose the ranks of college football to become a top-tier NFL target by putting in the work, and that is exactly why he will be successful in the NFL. 230+ pounds with 4.57 40-yard speed, a 1.60 10-yard split, and a 4.19 pro-shuttle proves that he has the athleticism to pair with his high IQ and other intangibles. Someone will get an absolute steal on the second day. Former DCTX three-star. 

Greg Tepper: TE Eli Stowers, Denton Guyer, Vanderbilt

Hey, remember when this guy was tearing it up as a quarterback for Denton Guyer? Fast-forward a half-decade and he's established himself as arguably the top tight end prospect in this draft class. He looks the part, too — a big-bodied target who can glide down the seam, separate like a receiver and make life easier on a quarterback when things break down, thanks his signal-caller instincts. Add in the production, the leadership and the reputation for being a grinder, and you’re looking at a guy who checks just about every box you’d want in a modern NFL tight end.

Mike Craven: LD Anthony Hill Jr., Denton Ryan, University of Texas

Hill is one of the most athletic off-ball linebackers in the NFL Draft and he’s always been the best player on the field as a five-star prospect at Denton Ryan and as a two-time Second-Team All-American at Texas. He started 32 times over three years in Austin and posted a 4.51 40-yard dash at the combine earlier this year. Most draft experts expect him to go in the mid to late first round and my guess is that he’ll be a high-end starter in the league for the next decade.

Matt Stepp: OT Dametrious Crownover, Grandview, Texas A&M

The former TE from Grandview, who caught a touchdown pass in the state championship game, blossomed into an NFL offensive lineman at Texas A&M. He has prototype size and athleticism that you love to see at the NFL level.

Gavin Moritz: S AJ Haulcy, Fort Bend Marshall, LSU

One of the premier defensive backs in college football over the last few seasons, Haulcy played in multiple different schemes during stints at New Mexico, Houston and finally LSU in 2025, flashing his ability to both adapt and produce in a new environment. The Fort Bend Marshall product had 88 tackles for LSU in 2025, not to mention he also has 10 career interceptions and 29 passes defensed, making Haulcy one of the more consistent and physical safeties in the 2026 NFL Draft. Paired with a 4.52 40-time at the NFL Combine, Haulcy is ready to step in and play from day one in the league, regardless of his landing spot.

Carter Yates: WR Jordyn Tyson, Allen, Arizona State

Tyson dons No. 0 because there's zero chance he's dropping a ball thrown his way. You cannot tell the story of Arizona State's emergence from Big 12 doormat to Big 12 champion without mentioning Tyson's emergence as one of the best wide receivers in college football. He is one of three receivers nationally with 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns over the past two years (Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and UConn's Skyler Bell). Tyson was a bit of a TXHSFB nomad, playing at John Paul II, Frisco Independence and Allen. That means three different programs can claim an NFL Draft alumnus!