After a loss to the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl, the Texas Longhorns season is coming to an end. Now, they find themselves at a crossroads with several key players declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. While many key players have announced their decisions to move on to the NFL, all eyes are on the highly-touted quarterback, Quinn Ewers. At this point, his decision to declare or return for another season remains uncertain. However, it appears likely that he will come back.
Texas Longhorns Top Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
Among the players officially declared for the draft are wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, interior defensive linemen T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, and running back Jonathon Brooks.
Worthy, with an impressive 75 receptions for 1,014 receiving yards and five touchdowns, has proven to be a dynamic playmaker. Additionally, his ability to create separation and make any catch on the field has positioned him as one of the best receivers in a loaded class of pass catchers. Don’t be shocked if you see him near the top of the WR rankings for this class.
Xavier Worthy has declared for the NFL Draft ?
In his 3 years at Texas?
197 Receptions ?
2755 Yards ?♂️
26 TDs ?Breaking several Longhorn records along the way, Worthy helped bring a winning culture back to Austin ?
Best of luck to X in the NFL ‼️
2023 Highlights at… pic.twitter.com/vHp2MXhNTE
— 229 Sports (@229Sports_) January 3, 2024
Sweat, a dominating force across all positions on the defensive line, boasts 45 total tackles and two sacks. His disruptive presence in the trenches has made him a standout prospect for NFL teams seeking a versatile lineman who can effectively stop the run and rush the passer.
The unfortunate news for Longhorns fans comes with the declaration of running back Brooks. He suffered a setback with a torn ACL despite an impressive season with 1139 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. In the end, this injury may impact his draft stock. However, Brooks may still attract teams looking for a running back with a promising future with a weaker depth of overall talent at the position. He was the top-ranked running back throughout the season on our big board. Despite the injury, he could hang on to that top spot.
Huge boost to the 2024 RB class Jonathon Brooks was easily a Top 3 back in the class for me prior to injury
6’0 207 with a career 6.2 YPC Brooks plays with toughness, balance, and finesse https://t.co/1fYYI8wfwl pic.twitter.com/fu3NCz0hdn
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) January 4, 2024
On the defensive side, Byron Murphy II has put together a solid season, with 29 total tackles and an impressive five sacks. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses could make him a coveted asset for NFL teams in need of a pass-rushing presence.
Whittington, another receiver headed to the NFL, posted 42 receptions for 505 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, the stats weren’t as pretty as the rest of the talent around him. However, his game is much different than the others. Whittington’s dangerous in run-after-catch situations and is a great route runner who can easily create separation.
However, the focal point of speculation remains on star quarterback Ewers. With 3479 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, Ewers has proven to be a talented and efficient leader on the field. Despite dealing with a shoulder injury this season, the rumors surrounding his potential return to Texas for another year with a loaded class of quarterbacks would help his development. Not to mention, potentially lead the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoffs.
Quinn Ewers with a perfect pass and Texas has life pic.twitter.com/X4HuIWSyw7
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) January 2, 2024
Here are the rest of the Longhorns’ prospects who have declared for the 2024 NFL Draft:
- OT Christian Jones
- LB Jaylan Ford
- S Jahdae Barron
- P Ryan Sanborn
