The highly-reliable guard has the experience and size to become an NFL draft pick.
After a successful career in burnt orange, Texas Longhorns guard Hayden Conner is hoping to hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft after serving as a three-year starter in burnt orange and white.
The 6’5, 320-pound guard from Katy timed his arrival on the Forty Acres with head coach Steve Sarkisian after signing with Tom Herman. After appearing in eight games as a freshman, Conner would cement himself as a staple of the interior offensive line for the next three seasons, starting 43 consecutive games.
Hayden Conner’s measurements at the NFL Combine pic.twitter.com/rSa52QzUay
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) March 2, 2025
With his experience, size, and well-balanced skill set, Conner is on the cusp of hearing his name by an NFL team. Throughout his time at Texas, he demonstrated an ability to block the run and pass consistently. His sturdy frame supplies natural power that Conner has properly honed.
Hayden Conner • SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week @HaydenConner x @SEC pic.twitter.com/J196cXmH2S
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 18, 2024
In the run game, Conner is highly effective while pulling and getting to linebackers. His strength shines on down blocks and double teams and he does a nice job of creating running lanes.
In the pass game, Conner is a smart, highly-aware player that is rarely fooled by stunts or other misdirection. His ability to anchor is strong and he uses his hands well.
Texas Guard Hayden Conner This Season:
443 Pass Block Snaps
Zero Sacks Allowed
2 QB Hits Allowed
90.0 Pass Block Grade@TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/wFJe03piBo— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 5, 2024
With his experience, size, and processing ability, Conner has the potential to make an impact in the NFL, especially in the right scheme. Conner’s overall athleticism remains a question point, which may present challenges against quicker defensive linemen, as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein pointed out:
Experienced guard with the measurables to get a longer look from NFL teams. Conner has a broad, well-built frame and his natural power is evident when he lands with some momentum. He played well against Michigan’s Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, but a lack of athleticism makes him scheme-dependent. His size impedes static pass rushers looking to push the pocket, but he’s ill-equipped to match the movements of an active rusher. Conner is above average as a run blocker, but he might be too overmatched athletically to make it long-term.
After a lengthy and successful career at Texas, Conner has demonstrated the skills to create holes in the run and ensure the pocket remains clean on passing downs with zero sacks allowed in 2024 and five for his career over more than 1,500 pass-blocking snaps.