Headlines from Texas' pro day likely to center around late-draft prospects
The Texas Longhorns stole the show during the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis, Ind. Xavier Worthy posted a Combine-record 4.21 in the 40-yard dash with pass-catching teammate Adonai Mitchell not too far behind him with a 4.34. Defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy displayed the athletic ability teams crave on the defensive interior, ability their tape and interview skills will pair nicely with. Even Ja’Tavion Sanders, arguably TE2 in this year’s draft behind Brock Bowers, broke 4.7 in the 40 and flashed receiver ability that teams covet in the modern NFL.
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On Texas’ pro timing day on Wednesday, most of that bunch is likely to stand pat on their Combine showings. They’ll meet with representation from most if not all of the 32 teams in the NFL, plus some other organizations associated with the Canadian Football League, the United Football League, and even the WWE. The Longhorns who have the most to prove inside the Bubble on Wednesday aren’t those early-round standouts but rather the group that is seeking to ensure they hear their names called, whether on day two or day three of April’s NFL Draft.
Plus, teams will have interest in the quarterback taking part in passing drills on Wednesday. Rather than longtime ‘call him in from the bullpen’ arm David Ash, Texas starter Quinn Ewers will reportedly be the one making the throws to receivers in front of scouts’ eyes.
The members of the group working to either improve their standing or earn the right to hear their names called are Jordan Whittington, Jaylan Ford, Keilan Robinson, Ryan Watts, Ryan Sanborn, Jett Bush, and Christian Jones. Sanders might also look to improve some of his testing benchmarks. Jonathon Brooks, still rehabilitating his ACL injury, will meet with NFL reps but is unlikely to participate in any physical drills.
Both Ford and Whittington were limited in what they were able to do at the Combine, setting up the Longhorns’ pro day as pivotal moments in their professional careers. With a good day, Ford is likely a day three pick. With a great day, Whittington can earn a spot in the draft and bump himself up from undrafted free agent territory.
Robinson posted a quality 4.42 40-yard dash in Indy, but he aims to lower that mark on the 40 Acres. Acing the physical testing part of this process is critical for Robinson. While his offensive production pales in comparison to some others in the draft at his position, his versatility on special teams could help him earn a chance to compete for roster spots 51, 52, or 53 on an NFL team.
Watts is already a day-three player but in addition to possibly improving his Combine numbers, he could make it eve more known to teams he has no problem playing safety and can do so with aplomb.
Sanborn will look to show his 45.7 yard average and 15 punts inside the 20 is worthy of the NFL. Bush may not be auditioning for the NFL but rather other leagues like the UFL or the CFL. Earning UDFA status is not out of the realm of possibility.
Finally there’s Jones, who posted his best season yet in 2023 as a sixth-year senior. Additional strong testing numbers, and an improvement on the bench press, should make his resume strong enough for a team to spend a late-round pick with the understanding his next-level position is at guard.
That’s the limit of 2024 draft intrigue at Texas on Wednesday. Though the 2025 draft is a year away, scouts will be able to see what could be one of the next class’s top prospects should Ewers spiral footballs to receivers on Wednesday.
The 2024 QB draft class is crowded with a number of first-round picks, none of whom were Ewers. Seeking to improve his stock with the Longhorn football program, the junior quarterback elected to return for Texas’ first season in the Southeastern Conference.
To be sure, the talent evaluators in Austin on Wednesday aren’t there for Ewers. But they will be able to take notes and see the former top prospect throw with their own eyes, storing the information for next year’s draft process.
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The festivities get going around 1 p.m.
