Eight Texas Longhorns Projected To Be Drafted In Upcoming 2024 NFL Draft
The Texas Longhorns finally hit their stride in what was the third season of the Steve Sarkisian era, and they will have plenty to show for it in this upcoming NFL Draft.
The 2023 season saw the Longhorns win the Big 12 championship against Oklahoma State, and were a lower and harder throw from Quin Ewers away from reaching the title game. It was a season of players all over the field exploding for career-highs, and was quite reminiscent of the program when it was at its best, when just about every player on the field was league-bound.
In a recent NFL Mock Draft by Pro Football Focus, the Longhorns had eight players drafted with all but one of the selections going in the first three rounds.
Here is where each of the Longhorns is projected to end up:
Texas WR Jordan Whittington
USA TODAY
Jordan Whittington, WR, New England Patriots
Projected Round: 7
Projected Pick: 203
Jordan Whittington isn't someone who is expected to go very high in the draft, but it wouldn't be shocking if he has one of the longest NFL careers. He does everything right on the field whether he's blocking, chasing someone down after a turnover, or taking advantage of an opportunity when he gets the ball. Had he been healthier during the earlier stages of his career, he likely would go higher. He does however get a chance to showcase his skills in the Reese's Senior Bowl.
Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford
© Maria Lysaker, USA TODAY
Jaylan Ford, LB, Green Bay Packers
Projected Round: 3
Projected Pick: 88
A leader on defense for Texas the past couple of seasons, Jaylan Ford emerged as a star for Texas. He came to Austin as a three-star recruit that was ranked as the No. 1221 player in the country, and wasn't even ranked as a top-100 player in the state of Texas. He has been a tackling machine recording over 100 total tackles the past two years, and also totaled six interceptions.
Texas Tight End Ja'Tavion Sanders
© Jerome Miron, USA TODAY
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Projected Round: 3
Projected Pick: 69
While Sanders was a five-star recruit, he's still come a long way. He emerged as an elite pass-catcher with what seems like an endless catch radius. He served as yards after the catch monster, and would be a fantastic addition to the Chargers offense.
Texas RB Jonathon Brooks
Johnathon Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Projected Round: 3
Projected Pick: 58
Unfortunately for Brooks, his season ended early due to a torn ACL, he was viewed as the best running back in this draft class. However, as long as he can regain his explosiveness, one NFL team will get their running back of the future who was on pace for a historic finish to the season. In his lone year as the starter, he rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 scores on 6.1 yards per carry.
Texas DL T'Vondre Sweat
© Jerome Miron, USA TODAY
T'Vondre Sweat, DL, Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Round: 2
Projected Pick: 49
The Longhorns had one of the best run defenses in the country, and the biggest reason for that was the major strides T'Vondrew Sweat took by returning for an extra season. He won the Outland Trophy for his stellar showing, and may have boosted his draft stock by a few rounds as well.
Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Giants
Projected Round: 2
Projected Pick: 47
After limited use in Athens, Adonai Mitchell made the most of his time in Austin. He recorded 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 scores, while highlighting his speed, route running, and ability to turn 50-50 balls into 70-30. He is someone who could generate first-round buzz as the process moves on.
Texas WR Xavier Worthy
© Troy Taormina, USA TODAY
Xavier Worthy, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Projected Round: 2
Projected Pick: 39
Another player that could sneak into the first round if there is a run on wide receivers, Xavier Worthy is a precise route runner and as fast as they come. He had nearly 200 catches throughout his career, for 2,755 yards, and 26 catches. If he can avoid the drops and stay healthy at the next level, he easily could be a team's top receiver. He may also get a chance to make an impact on special teams early in his career.
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) during the game at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023 in Ames, Iowa.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Byron Murphy II, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected Round: 1
Projected Pick: 17
Murphy II is someone that scouts love due to the major jump he took and the fact that he is so young. He's a powerful lineman that can certainly cause havoc in the middle for a defense. He would be the first defensive player taken in the opening round for Texas since Malcolm Brown (2015).
