When you play for a top college program like the Texas Longhorns, it can be difficult to break into the starting rotation until you are an upperclassman. For Vernon Broughton, he had to bide his time behind guys like Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat. Once those guys were drafted, Broughton knew it was time to step up for the Texas program along with fellow DL draft prospect Alfred Collins.
“We was always with each other. We knew what it was. Especially with T’Vondre and Byron leaving, we knew we had to fill a lot of space,” Broughton said during his media availability at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. “It was definitely a joy to do that. We knew what it was right when they left.”
While guys like Broughton may come into the NFL with less starting experience than players from smaller programs, he had the benefit of being around top talent and learning from them.
“We was definitely pushing each other, but it was great learning from them ’cause obviously I was the young buck coming up and I was just getting that insight from the vets,” he said. “Just being around them, they always made it a joy. Great teammates.”
Being part of a d-line room like the one in Austin should set him up nicely for the next level. He is used to working in a collaborative environment with top NFL-caliber players and taking a back seat while he learns the ropes. He prides himself on being a good teammate and a player others want to be around.
He was asked what he brings to a team aside from his talents on the field.
“I’ll say just me as a genuine person. I’m a great dude to be around,” Broughton said. “I’m not a dude you gotta worry about on or off the field. I’m a loving, caring dude. I’m a God-fearing man. I don’t care if it’s football or not, I’m a good dude to be around.”
Personality isn’t something you hear people talk about when evaluating players, but it’s definitely something teams discuss throughout the pre-draft process. Mike Tomlin often talks about the “hearts and smarts” of players and how important that is in their evaluations.
It speaks to their coachability and how likely they are to assimilate into the locker room. Getting along with veterans in the room and not trying to step in as the hot shot in the room is very important. Informal connections with teammates can be just as much a part of developing as a player and learning the ropes as the actual coaches can pass along.
Broughton said he watches Chris Jones a lot, which makes sense given their comparable size. Broughton measured in at 6050, 311 pounds with 35-inch arms. That arm length is top notch and could give him a distinct advantage in the NFL if he learns how to use them.
“I’d say my favorite move is scissors or side swipe,” Broughton said. “It really depends on how you’re setting me, and I just go off of that.”
He has a clear idea of what he needs to improve on as well.
“I’d say my pad level when I make that initial strike, and two I can definitely improve my feet and my hands,” Broughton said.
The Steelers have been in the market for defensive linemen all offseason, showing interest in them at the Senior Bowl, the Combine, and the pre-draft visits thus far. Broughton hasn’t come in for a visit that we know of, but he did confirm a formal meeting with the Steelers at the Combine.
“That meeting went great,” he said.
Check out our full scouting report on Broughton below.
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