Vernon Broughton is a defensive lineman from the University of Texas who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 311 pounds, Broughton is known for his strength and run-stopping abilities.
College Career
Broughton played in 55 games for the Texas Longhorns, starting 16 of them. His most productive season came in 2024, where he recorded 39 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Notably, he had a standout performance against Texas A&M, securing two sacks and a game-sealing fumble recovery, earning him SEC co-defensive player of the week honors. (2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas DL Vernon Broughton – Steelers Depot, Vernon Broughton)
Strengths
- Run Defense: Broughton excels at clogging running lanes and handling double teams, making him effective against the run.
- Physical Attributes: With a strong upper body and good leverage, he can maintain his position against offensive linemen.
- Versatility: He has experience playing multiple positions along the defensive line, which adds to his value.
- Durability: Broughton remained healthy throughout his college career, showcasing his resilience.
Areas for Improvement
- Pass Rush: He has limited pass-rushing moves and lacks explosiveness off the line, which may limit his effectiveness on passing downs.
- Block Shedding: Broughton sometimes struggles to disengage from blocks, affecting his ability to make plays in the backfield.
- Athleticism: His overall athleticism is considered average, which could impact his adaptability at the professional level. (2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas DL Vernon Broughton – Steelers Depot)
Fit with the Saints
Broughton projects as a rotational defensive lineman who can contribute immediately on early downs, particularly in run defense. His ability to occupy blockers and maintain gap integrity aligns with the Saints’ defensive schemes. While he may not be a primary pass-rushing threat, his presence can free up other defenders to make plays.
Overall, Broughton adds depth to the Saints’ defensive line and has the potential to develop into a reliable contributor with proper coaching and development.
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