Texas Football 2016 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

As the Texas Longhorns continue to rebuild and return to the prestige of the Big 12, their efforts will be no more apparent than in this year's NFL draft.

Traditionally one of the schools with perennial NFL talent, the Longhorns' recent slide has translated into fewer players making the jump to the pros. This year, only Hassan Ridgeway is a virtual lock to be selected. 

Stay plugged into this piece as we track all the Longhorns that are selected in this week's NFL draft, as well as their replacements in Austin. 

Note: All draft projections are based on Matt Miller's NFL Draft 400 series, unless otherwise noted. 

Hassan Ridgeway, DT

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

Drafted: Fourth round, 18th pick, Indianapolis Colts

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 303 lbs

Analysis: 

In the fluid Texas defense, Ridgeway proved to be a fluid player himself, able to transition from nose tackle to traditional defensive tackle seamlessly. At 6'4" and just over 300 pounds, Ridgeway has an NFL frame for an interior lineman, and his versatility means he can fit into most any system.

Per Matt Miller, nagging injuries, as well as his overall maturity, are areas of concern. It's those little things that likely will keep Ridgeway out of the first round, but expect him to be a top 100 pick all the same. 

The Colts had the 26th-ranked total defense in the NFL last year and the No. 25 rush defense, so Ridgeway could be a steal and help plug holes in the trenches for Indianapolis should he remain healthy. 

Replacement: 

According to Jeff Howe of 247sports, a pair of upperclassmen in Poona Ford and Bryce Cottrell will likely platoon the interior as Ridgeway moves on. Due to issues with his game-day prep, Ridgeway was essentially a role player in Austin, so his absence may not be missed as much as most top picks. 

Johnathan Gray, RB

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

UNDRAFTED

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 211 lbs

Analysis: 

The NFL dream for Gray is cloudy to say the least. In January, he tore his achilles a second time, per Chris Hummer of 247sports. Since then, he's been unable to workout and isn't expected to be at 100 percent until September when most teams are narrowing rosters. Still, Gray as a 5-star prospect always has that lure of potential, and he could be an unexpected seventh-round pickup. 

Replacement: 

The Smash Brothers of junior D'Onta Foreman and sophomore Chris Warren are expected to takeover in the Austin backfield. Warren ran for 276 yards against Texas Tech last year, and he is expected to be complemented by Foreman as the new faces of the Longhorns' run game. 

Duke Thomas, CB

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

UNDRAFTED

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 184 lbs

Analysis: 

Thomas could end up competing for a final roster spot for a team in need of depth in the secondary. Thomas gave up just one touchdown last year, and that was against TCU. He has four interceptions over the last two years, but he has ultimately been inconsistent. He's also on the smaller side for corners, so Thomas relies on his speed to negate his stature.  

Replacement: 

Holton Hill, who defended five passes and broke up four more as a freshman last year, should fill the shoes that Thomas leaves. At 6'2" and 195 pounds, Hill can likely take on more physical receivers than Thomas could, but he lacks Thomas' speed.