Michael Taaffe, D.J. Campbell and Trey Moore headline Texas Longhorns prospects with major NFL Combine breakout potential in Indianapolis.
The NFL Combine isn’t just a workout. It’s a launchpad. And for several Texas Longhorns, this week in Indianapolis could flip the narrative in a hurry.
With position groups rolling out across the weekend - tight ends and defensive backs Friday, quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs Saturday, and offensive linemen Sunday - the spotlight is bright.
But per Hook'Em Headlines, three Texas players in particular feel primed for a serious draft stock surge: Michael Taaffe, D.J. Campbell and Trey Moore.
Let’s start in the secondary.
Michael Taaffe isn’t winning any 100-meter races. That’s not his game. What he does bring is elite processing speed, anticipation and football IQ - traits that showed up repeatedly in Texas’ run to the College Football Playoff.
The question scouts want answered is about pure athletic testing. If Taaffe posts strong numbers in the short shuttle, three-cone and vertical jump, conversations around him will change fast.
Teams already trust his instincts and communication skills. Add above-average explosion metrics, and suddenly he’s not just a smart safety — he’s a versatile chess piece in today’s NFL defenses.
On Sunday, eyes turn to the trenches.
D.J. Campbell has been a bit overlooked in early draft rankings, but that could shift quickly. At Texas, Campbell flashed as a physical run blocker who thrives pulling in space and creating movement at the point of attack.
Scouts know he can maul. The question is lateral quickness. If Campbell delivers crisp footwork and fluid change-of-direction times in the shuttle and three-cone drills, he’ll quiet concerns about his mobility.
Offensive line-needy teams love interior players who can both anchor and move. A clean testing performance could push Campbell into solid mid-round territory.
Then there’s the wildcard.
Trey Moore is the type that evaluators debate over coffee. Is he an off-ball linebacker? A situational edge? A hybrid defender? Moore has the burst and twitch to pressure quarterbacks, but also enough athleticism to drop and chase in space.
That versatility can either complicate projections - or make him extremely valuable. If Moore lights up multiple drills, from explosiveness testing to pass-rush reps, he could generate serious buzz. In a league that values pressure and speed, showing he can win with both would be massive.
The Combine won’t make or break careers. But for these Longhorns, it could absolutely reshape how they’re viewed heading into the NFL Draft.
Indianapolis is about numbers. For Taaffe, Campbell and Moore, it’s about turning those numbers into momentum.