The 2019 NFL Draft is over and several Texas A&M football players found homes in the NFL, but it’s never to early to look ahead to next year.
Texas A&M football had one of the more successful NFL Drafts in school history for the modern era of the draft, which has changed rules several times over the course of its history. 32 teams now draft seven rounds, and seven players is the most the Aggies have had since those rules went into effect.
Erik McCoy, Jace Sternberger, Kingsley Keke, Daylon Mack, Donovan Wilson, Trayveon Williams and even 12th Man Cullen Gillaspia each heard their name called before the weekend was over, and several other players found homes as undrafted free agents. Many Aggies will never forget the moment the 12th Man was drafted. It was the first time ever — not surprising given that player is usually a walk-on special teams player.
Having said all of that, it’s never too early to have a look at the next draft. When looking over the roster and possible depth chart, one thing became abundantly clear — the 2019 team will not have much senior leadership. We are months away from an official depth chart, but the offense may not have a single senior starter, and defense may only be Charles Oliver or Roney Elam.
So, this list has to take liberties and assume juniors could declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are some names that come to mind as the most likely Aggies to move on to the next level.
P Braden Mann
The only non-junior on this list is punter Braden Mann, whose future in the NFL is basically a forgone conclusion save for any serious, career-ending injury. Mann set the single season NCAA record for yards per punt, most punts of more than 60 yards, and highest yards per punt in a single game. He obviously won the Ray Guy award for best punter.
Mann is already the greatest punter who ever lived and has another season to rewrite the record books on 60+ yard bombs.