As the dust settles on college all-star games, NFL front offices and media outlets are keenly updating their "big boards". These updates are based on the wealth of data gleaned from the offseason, the Shrine Bowl, and the Senior Bowl. Among the noteworthy updates was one from ESPN's Matt Miller, who has included six Longhorns in his first and second round mock draft released this past Monday.
Six Longhorns, namely Byron Murphy and Xavier Worthy, have been projected to make their mark in the first round. Both players declared for the draft after a successful true junior season.
Miller has predicted that Murphy will be picked by the Seattle Seahawks as the No. 16 overall pick. Murphy, a consistent performer, has been recognized as a second-team All-American by multiple outlets. In addition, he was awarded the Big 12 defensive lineman of the year honors.
Meanwhile, Worthy has been picked as a first-round draft to the Chiefs at No. 32. This All-American punt returner, according to multiple sources, marked a 1000-yard season in 2023. Worthy finished his Texas career fourth in school history in receiving yards and third in touchdown receptions.
"The Chiefs’ offense was able to adjust in the playoffs, but we can’t forget there is a serious lack of speed holding back this unit. Worthy brings plenty of juice down the field. He caught 26 touchdown passes in three seasons at Texas while posting over 60 catches and 750 yards each year. Worthy just might be the fastest player in the draft class, and his ability to get behind defenses and create big plays is exactly what Kansas City has been missing since Tyreek Hill took his talents to South Beach." Said Miller
If Worthy is indeed taken within the first 32 picks, he would be the first Longhorn wideout taken in the opening round since Roy Williams was picked seventh overall in the 2004 draft.
Joining Murphy and Worthy in the 64-pick mock draft are four other Longhorns. Adonai Mitchell is next up as the No. 38 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell, after winning back-to-back championships at Georgia and playing one year for the Longhorns, had an impressive 2023 season where he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.
As we move into the next stage of the NFL Draft season, we look forward to the NFL Scouting Combine. This event is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, Ind. from February 29 to March 3. The 2024 NFL Draft will occur from April 25-27.
As the countdown to the draft continues, all eyes are on the Longhorns, especially Worthy, as they prepare to make their mark on the NFL.
