Seattle cuts ties with veteran running back Cam Akers. Will the former Super Bowl champion land another NFL opportunity?
In today's NFL, it might be the second-most important position on the field.
Yes, quarterback will always be No. 1.
And maybe that's why harassing the quarterback ranks as No. 2.
The Texas Longhorns lost an assortment of starting pieces to the NFL in the 2026 draft, but they are generating major buzz after still returning major contributors for next season.
But ... next spring comes another NFL Draft and another wave of talent gone from Austin.
This year, six Longhorns were drafted by NFL teams.
Next year, however, some experts are predicting Texas could have nearly that many in just the first round alone.
And one of those has a chance to star at that second-most-important spot.
ESPN released an early 2027 mock draft that sees four Longhorns taken in the top half of the first round.
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QB Arch Manning? Why, of course. He's No. 1 in so many ways, and he's going to the Arizona Cardinals in this prediction. ... with them maybe "tanking'' on their way to getting him.
What about highly-rated Auburn transfer Cam Coleman? He is mocked to be the second wide receiver off the board behind Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith.
In this projection, Coleman would go fifth and join 2026 No. 1 overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza and 2025 first-round running back Ashton Jeanty to create a formidable offensive foundation.
And then there is tackle Trevor Goosby, slotted to go at pick No. 6 to the Falcons, where he can be Bijan Robinson's bodyguard.
Anybody else?
Yup. The Longhorns roster - and the ESPN projection - fills out with yet another star ... and one at that all-important EDGE spot.
Colin Simmons has been a superstar in Austin for his two years thus far, and he has all the traits to be next cycle's most coveted pass rusher as he's penciled in at No. 11 to coach Dan Quinn's Commanders.
The Duncanville native won the Shaun Alexander Nation Freshman of the Year award in 2024 and led the SEC in sacks with 12 in 2025.
ESPN's scouting report ...
"Simmons can accelerate in a hurry and uses sudden movements to get free of blockers. He's a high-effort, energetic rusher who showcases strong hand swipes to clear the hands of linemen."
Add it all up and four Longhorns could hear their name called early in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The four Texas players included in this first-round mock would be the most for a single team in the country. ... with big money awaiting them at key positions on the field ... and in the 2027 NFL Draft.