Could NFL Draft Keep Longhorns Linebacker Jaylan Ford in Texas?

Texas Longhorns linebacker Jaylan Ford has met with both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

As 11 Texas Longhorns take center stage at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week, most of the attention will be on defensive tackles T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, and pass catchers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Ja'Tavion Sanders.

However, there is another Longhorn that seems to be flying under the radar when it comes to NFL Draft boards - linebacker Jaylan Ford.

During interviews at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday, Ford opened up about his pre-draft process, including which teams he had formal interviews with. 

And according to Ford, staying in Texas at the next level isn't out of the question, with both the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys conducting informal interviews with the Longhorns star.

© Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

“I talked to the Texans, they were just telling me the main thing is swarm to the ball, play fast, and be physical,” Ford said. “Just worry about getting to the ball, having effort, things like that. They were telling me if you have those things, you can be a great linebacker.”

The Texans had one of the top defenses in the AFC last season, much of which was led by stud linebackers Denzel Perryman, Christian Harris and Blake Cashman.

However, Perryman and Cashman are both set to become free agents this offseason, meaning that there will be a need there for Houston. 

As for the Cowboys, linebacker was a glaring weakness in 2023 and should be a major focus this offseason. 

“I met with them briefly,” Ford said. “We talked about my film, being intelligent, and what type of defense they’re running. It would mean a lot. It would be interesting for sure. Being a hometown kid, it would definitely be a dream come true.”

Ford has also met with the Colts, Eagles, Rams, and Giants for formal interviews. 

That said, being a native of Frisco - the location of the Cowboys headquarters at The Star - landing with America's team would be a dream for the Texas ex.