The Texas Longhorns have a few players who will have NFL decisions to make over the next week or so. Several Longhorns have made their decision and in each one the team can benefit in different ways.
Texas is going to have several players drafted in this year’s NFL draft. It should end the narrative that the program doesn’t develop players, although it should have been evident by several conference and national award winners across the roster this season.
We expect the Longhorns’ 2024 draft class to be one of its best in a long time. Receivers Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders have first round potential if not a realistic shot at a second day draft selection. Interior defensive linemen T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy figure to be high draft picks as well.
It’s unclear where right tackle Christian Jones, running back Jonathon Brooks, wide receiver Jordan Whittington and linebacker Jaylan Ford could be selected, but the four figure to compete for NFL rosters when all is said and done.
A handful of Texas players have not made their decision on whether to return or begin their NFL career. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, quarterback Quinn Ewers and defensive back Jahdae Barron are among those players.
We expect Quinn Ewers to return. Mitchell and Barron are still apparently weighing their decisions.
The likelihood is that Mitchell will pursue the NFL draft considering his likely high NFL draft grade. We would like to see Texas sway the imposing receiver to return. Certainly, it would solidify the team atop the SEC alongside Alabama and Georgia. A return just doesn’t seem likely.
Barron on the other hand could be a different story. Despite being arguably the Longhorns’ best defensive back, the nickel corner might not be higher than a sixth round player. He’s a sure tackler and good in coverage, but could benefit from another year in college. There’s a reasonable chance Barron returns.
Linebacker David Gbenda is another player to watch. It’s hard to envision Gbenda watching multi-year starters like center Jake Majors and edge Barryn Sorrell return only for the veteran linebacker to choose to go to the NFL. That said, the skilled linebacker might want to enter the league with more prime years available. If he were to return, the Texas defense looks a lot better than it would without him.
You can expect Adonai Mitchell to join fellow receivers in Worthy and Sanders in the NFL draft. Even so, Ewers, Barron and Gbenda could, and perhaps should, all come back. If they do, the Longhorns are set up for another special season.