After an impressive 2023 season for the Texas Longhorns, fans are now shifting their focus to the NFL Draft.
Projections suggest that the Longhorns could have at least seven players drafted, potentially marking one of their strongest draft classes in a decade. Recent participation by several Longhorns representatives at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, likely bolstered their prospects.
ESPN’s draft analyst, Mel Kiper, recently updated his 2024 NFL Draft rankings, with Texas players prominently featured throughout.
On the defensive front, versatile linebacker Jaylan Ford ranks as the fifth-best off-ball linebacker. Ford’s consistent performance included his second consecutive season with over 100 total tackles and a couple of interceptions, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive prowess.
Kiper holds high regard for Texas’s defensive linemen, with T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II ranked second and third respectively at the defensive tackle position. The duo formed one of the nation’s most formidable run-stopping tandems, each enjoying career-best seasons in 2023.
Offensively, despite missing the final games due to an ACL injury, Johnathon Brooks is positioned as the top running back. Brooks amassed 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry before his injury. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is also recognized, ranking among the top two at his position, showcasing elite potential.
Wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, though not present at the Senior Bowl, are ranked by Kiper as the seventh and eighth receivers respectively. Despite a competitive field, both have drawn first-round projections in some mock drafts, indicating the subjective nature of team evaluations.
This upcoming draft could mark a significant milestone for Texas, potentially signaling continued success if the program maintains its current trajectory.
