Could the NFL Draft Keep Longhorns Linebacker Jaylan Ford in Texas?
Jaylan Ford, a Texas Longhorns linebacker, spoke with both the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
This week, 11 Texas Longhorns will compete at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, with defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy receiving the most attention, followed by pass catchers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Ja’Tavion Sanders.
However, another Longhorn appears to be going under the radar when it comes to NFL Draft boards: linebacker Jaylan Ford.
During interviews at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday, Ford discussed his pre-draft process, including which organizations he had official interviews with.
According to Ford, continuing in Texas at the next level is an option, with the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys holding informal talks with the Longhorns standout.
“I talked to the Texans, they were just telling me the main thing is swarm to the ball, play fast, and be physical,” Ford remarked at the time. “Just worry about getting to the ball, making an attempt, and things like that. They told me that if you had such qualities, you can be a great linebacker.”
Last season, the Texans boasted one of the best defenses in the AFC, thanks in large part to standout linebackers Denzel Perryman, Christian Harris, and Blake Cashman.
However, Perryman and Cashman are both poised to become free agents this offseason, creating a need for Houston.
The Cowboys’ linebacker position was a big problem in 2023 and should be a top priority this offseason.
“I met with them briefly,” Ford explained. “We talked about my movies, intelligence, and the style of defense they’re using. It would mean a lot. It would definitely be intriguing. As a hometown kid, it would undoubtedly be a dream come true.
That being said, being a native of Frisco, which is home to the Cowboys’ headquarters at The Star, landing with America’s club would be a dream for the Texas ex.
