In the first round of the post-combine mock draft, three Texas Longhorns were selected.

In the First Round of the Post-Combine Mock Draft, Three Texas Longhorns Were Selected: A Historic Moment for Texas Football

The NFL Draft is a time of intense anticipation, excitement, and strategy for NFL teams, as they look to find the next wave of talent that can help them contend for championships. It’s a time when college football players are judged not only on their college performance but also on how they measure up in key physical and mental evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine. Texas Longhorns have a rich history of sending players to the NFL, and the upcoming draft is no exception. In fact, a new benchmark has been set for the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 post-combine mock draft, as three Texas players were selected in the first round, an accomplishment that speaks volumes about the program’s development and the potential of its players.

The 2024 draft class is a special one for the Texas Longhorns, as it features some of the most talented prospects the school has produced in years. With the rise of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s program and the emergence of some standout individual performances, the Longhorns have positioned themselves as one of the top schools for developing future NFL stars. This historic draft moment is a testament to the development of both the team and the individual players involved.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of each of the three Texas Longhorns who were selected in the first round of this post-combine mock draft. We’ll take a deep dive into their college careers, what they brought to the table at the combine, and why they are considered top-tier NFL prospects.

1. Quinn Ewers – Quarterback, Selected by the Indianapolis Colts

Pick: No. 4 Overall

After spending the majority of his youth and high school career as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the nation, Quinn Ewers’ rise to NFL stardom has been anything but smooth. However, the quarterback’s performance at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine showed that he has the tools and potential to be a future franchise quarterback.

Ewers, the former five-star recruit from Southlake Carroll High School, transferred from Ohio State to the University of Texas, where he quickly became the face of the Longhorns’ offense. His college career had ups and downs, but one thing remained constant: his incredible arm strength, mobility, and natural talent. At Texas, Ewers demonstrated the ability to make every throw in the playbook, from deep bombs to tight-window throws over the middle. While his decision-making needed refinement, his mechanics and natural skills were often undeniable. He possessed the qualities that NFL scouts covet: size (6’2”, 215 lbs), arm strength, and the ability to make every type of throw. His natural arm talent combined with his composure under pressure made him an intriguing prospect.

During the 2024 NFL Combine, Ewers’ arm strength was on full display as he consistently made deep throws with ease, impressing scouts with his ability to drive the ball down the field. His accuracy was also a highlight, as he showed more control over his passes compared to his time at Texas. Ewers showed his potential to be a first-round quarterback with his performance in both drills and interviews. Many analysts believe that Ewers is one of the most NFL-ready quarterbacks in the class, despite some inconsistencies during his college tenure. If selected by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 4 overall, he will have the chance to grow under a solid coaching staff and eventually become the centerpiece of the Colts’ future.

2. Bijan Robinson – Running Back, Selected by the Atlanta Falcons

Pick: No. 8 Overall

Perhaps one of the most exciting players in the entire 2024 draft class, Bijan Robinson is an electric running back from the University of Texas. A consensus All-American and one of the best running backs in college football over the past few years, Robinson’s name has been near the top of draft boards all year long. He was a workhorse for the Longhorns, putting up jaw-dropping stats while also displaying unmatched versatility and skill. Robinson’s ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and make defenders miss with his smooth running style made him one of the most dynamic and dangerous players in college football.

What makes Robinson unique is his combination of size (6’0″, 220 lbs) and athleticism. He has the speed to outrun defenders in the open field but the power to run through tackles when necessary. His vision, patience, and footwork allow him to navigate through tight holes, while his quickness and lateral agility help him evade tacklers in the open field. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to be a true three-down back, something that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s NFL. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield, along with his solid blocking, will make him a valuable weapon in any offense.

At the NFL Combine, Robinson put his skills on full display, running a solid 4.4-second 40-yard dash, which confirmed his breakaway speed. He also impressed in the agility drills and showed off his natural pass-catching ability, further enhancing his stock. While the running back position isn’t often valued in the early rounds, Robinson’s skill set and impact potential were too great to pass up. He is a generational talent at the position, and with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall, he can immediately become the centerpiece of their offense, bringing dynamic playmaking to a team in need of a reliable running back.

3. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver, Selected by the Green Bay Packers

Pick: No. 19 Overall

Xavier Worthy, the speedy and explosive wide receiver from the University of Texas, is another Longhorns player who found his name in the first round of this post-combine mock draft. Worthy’s college career at Texas was nothing short of impressive, as he quickly became one of the most feared wide receivers in college football. His combination of speed, route-running precision, and deep-threat ability made him a favorite target for Texas quarterbacks, including Quinn Ewers.

Worthy stands at 6 feet tall, and while he’s not the biggest wide receiver on the field, his acceleration and explosiveness give him the ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays. He’s a burner down the sideline and an excellent deep ball threat. Worthy’s footwork and change-of-direction skills also make him a reliable target for short-to-intermediate routes, though his primary weapon is his ability to take the top off the defense.

At the combine, Worthy posted an impressive 40-yard dash time in the low 4.3s, proving his breakaway speed. His agility was also showcased in the three-cone drill and shuttle drills, demonstrating his ability to change direction at full speed. His quickness and route-running precision were further validated, solidifying his status as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft. With the Green Bay Packers at No. 19 overall, Worthy would give quarterback Jordan Love a much-needed weapon to pair with Christian Watson. His speed and ability to stretch the field will add an element to the Packers’ passing attack that has been missing in recent years.

The Significance of Three Texas Longhorns in the First Round

Having three Texas Longhorns selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft would be a significant accomplishment for the program. The Longhorns have had plenty of NFL talent over the years, but a trio of players going in the first round would elevate Texas football to a new level. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has begun to return to its former glory, and the 2024 draft class is a testament to his efforts to recruit, develop, and promote talent at the highest level.

The presence of three first-round picks is a direct reflection of Sarkisian’s ability to recruit top talent to Austin, but it also highlights the strength of the Longhorns’ football culture. Texas is once again being viewed as a powerhouse in college football, and this draft class could set the tone for the team’s continued success in the coming years.

For Texas fans, seeing three of their own selected in the first round is a long-awaited moment of pride, as the program begins to reclaim its place among the nation’s elite. The success of these players, especially Ewers, Robinson, and Worthy, could have a lasting impact on the program’s recruiting efforts, potentially opening the door for even more top-tier talent to make its way to Texas in the future.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Texas Longhorns will be a major focal point of conversation among scouts, analysts, and fans alike. With three players from Texas going in the first round, the Longhorns’ future looks brighter than ever. Ewers, Robinson, and Worthy have all the tools necessary to make an immediate impact in the NFL, and their selections will serve as a reminder that Texas football is back on the map. For the Longhorns, the success of these players could signal the beginning of a new era of dominance both in college football and at the professional level.