2025 NFL Draft Profile: Vernon Broughton, Miami

Vernon Broughton NFL Draft Overview

Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6′-5″
Weight: 311 pounds
School: Texas

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2025 NFL Draft: Vernon Broughton, Miami, Scouting Report

After spending the past five seasons with the Texas Longhorns, defensive tackle Vernon Broughton has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Broughton leaves the Longhorns on the heels of his best season, finishing the year with 39 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, 26 hurries, and an 86.1 PFF grade in 16 games.

Broughton originally joined the college football world in 2020 but didn’t truly break out until the 2023 season. Appearing in 14 games, the defensive tackle finished the season with 17 tackles, two sacks, and a 67.1 PFF grade.

Strengths

• Great acceleration and snap reaction allows him to put pressure on blockers instantaneously;
• 92nd percentile wingspan shows up on tape – engages blockers before they engage him;
• Impressive ability to get after the quarterback – 13% pass rush win rate, per Pro Football Focus;
• Strong player who can push interior linemen and collapse the pocket;
• Can slip past slower guard with quick burst off the snap.

Weaknesses

• North-south player who struggles to go lateral to defend the run;
• Unremarkable in the run game as a whole – has eyes set on the quarterback most of the time;
• Lower body could use some extra muscle;
• Plays with reckless abandon and occasionally loses focus on fundamentals;
• Struggles to shed blocks when blockers engage with him first.

NFL Comparison: Adam Butler

Teams With Need at Position: Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars

Projection: Rounds 3-4

Bottom Line on Vernon Broughton

Vernon Broughton is very fun to watch but might have a limited three-down impact in the NFL. While running backs had their resurgence last year, stopping the pass is still the most important part of the game, and Broughton can help a defense do that. His burst after the snap is fantastic, and this fast response combined with his long arms allow to engage blockers before they can put their hands on his chest. Now in command of the rep, Broughton uses his strength to collapse the pocket and is elusive enough to slide through guards and take down the passer.

While he should contribute right out of the gate, he’ll need some time before he becomes a full-time starter. Vernon Broughton is not an active liability against the run, but the NFL Draft hopeful has some work to do. While he can eat up space and clog a gap, he struggles to follow backs going east-west. Additionally, he struggles to hold his own against double teams in the run game, as he must add strength to his lower body and improve his anchor.

Fortunately, these issues are not uncommon among prospects. While he has some work to do, Broughton has the potential to become a decent starter and none of his flaws can’t be ironed out with the right coaching. While he probably won’t make too many Pro Bowls, he’s well worth a selection in the middle of the draft.