The University of Texas Longhorns have always been a fixture in the college football landscape, and in recent years, the program has seen a resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a mix of talent, coaching, and momentum, Texas is quickly reestablishing itself as one of the premier programs in the nation. As a result, it’s no surprise that several Longhorns are now projected to be future NFL stars, with three Texas players recently highlighted as potential first-round picks in the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Being projected as a first-round pick is a huge accomplishment for any player, signaling that they are among the best of the best in college football. For Texas, this recognition isn’t just a reflection of individual talent but also an indication that the Longhorns are building something special. This article will take an in-depth look at the three Texas players currently projected to go in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and explore what makes them stand out.
1. Bijan Robinson – RB (Projected as a Top-10 Pick)
Arguably the most high-profile player among the three, Bijan Robinson has long been regarded as one of the best running backs in college football. The Texas junior is a dynamic, all-around player who possesses a rare combination of power, vision, agility, and explosiveness. Robinson has already established himself as one of the top prospects in the entire 2024 draft class, and PFF’s latest mock draft places him as a potential top-10 pick.
What Makes Bijan Robinson a First-Round Talent?
Robinson’s skill set is simply unmatched. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 215 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NFL running back. But it’s his balance, field vision, and ability to make defenders miss in space that truly sets him apart. Whether it’s breaking tackles in the open field or showing patience behind his offensive line, Robinson is capable of consistently gaining positive yardage, often turning what looks like a modest run into a big gain.
His pass-catching ability is another area that makes him highly valuable at the next level. Over his career at Texas, Robinson has consistently shown the ability to line up in the slot or out of the backfield, providing quarterbacks with a reliable target in the passing game. This versatility makes him not only a three-down back but also a potential mismatch for NFL defenses.
While running backs have faced a shifting role in the NFL over recent years, with many teams favoring running back committees and more passing-centric offenses, Robinson’s unique talent makes him worth a first-round investment. His blend of vision, versatility, and athleticism positions him as one of the few running backs that could break the mold and hear his name called early in the first round, despite the overall trends in the NFL draft.
NFL Comparisons and Fit
Many draft analysts have compared Robinson to the likes of Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey, two running backs who have been highly impactful in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and receiving ability is a rare package, and his ability to fit into multiple offensive systems only heightens his value.
As for potential landing spots, teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears could be ideal fits for Robinson. All three franchises are in need of an impactful running back and have offenses that would benefit from his skill set. Given the NFL’s evolving emphasis on dual-threat running backs, Robinson’s stock is likely to continue to rise as the draft approaches.
2. Xavier Worthy – WR (Projected in the Late First Round)
Xavier Worthy, a sophomore wide receiver for Texas, has also established himself as a future first-round draft pick. With his rare combination of speed, ball skills, and route-running ability, Worthy is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level. Pro Football Focus currently projects him to be selected in the late first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, an impressive projection for a player who is still developing his craft.
What Makes Xavier Worthy a First-Round Talent?
Worthy’s 6-foot frame, combined with his blazing 4.4 speed, makes him one of the most dangerous vertical threats in college football. He is a playmaker who can stretch the field, create separation with ease, and consistently make big catches in critical moments. Worthy’s ability to adjust to the ball in the air and make acrobatic catches in contested situations gives him the potential to be a true No. 1 receiver at the next level.
Beyond his physical attributes, Worthy has proven to be a technician in his route running. He uses his agility, quickness, and deceptive cuts to create separation, making him a matchup nightmare for defenders. Additionally, he has demonstrated a knack for creating big plays and is constantly a threat to score once the ball is in his hands.
Worthy’s ability to contribute on all levels of the field — deep, intermediate, and short — adds to his NFL value. Whether it’s on go-routes, slants, or screens, Worthy has the potential to thrive in a variety of offensive schemes. This makes him an appealing option for NFL teams looking for a versatile and dynamic playmaker in their receiving corps.
NFL Comparisons and Fit
Worthy’s game has been compared to NFL wide receivers such as Tyreek Hill, thanks to his speed and ability to make explosive plays. He also has elements of a young DeAndre Hopkins, with his ability to go up and make contested catches in tight coverage.
As for potential landing spots, Worthy could fit well in an offense looking to add a deep threat. Teams such as the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, or Baltimore Ravens, who are in need of top-tier receiving talent, could be among those to target Worthy in the first round. His game-breaking ability would complement any offense, and his potential to develop into a top-tier No. 1 receiver will be one of the biggest draws for NFL scouts.
3. Tavondre Sweat – DT (Projected in the Mid-First Round)
While Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy have grabbed much of the spotlight, Tavondre Sweat, Texas’ powerful defensive tackle, is making a name for himself as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the country. Sweat’s combination of size, power, and athleticism has made him a key part of Texas’ defensive line, and Pro Football Focus currently has him projected as a mid-first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What Makes Tavondre Sweat a First-Round Talent?
At 6’4” and 340 pounds, Sweat possesses the size and strength of a prototypical NFL defensive tackle. His ability to clog running lanes and apply pressure to the quarterback from the interior has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Sweat’s first step is quick for a player of his size, and his strength allows him to shed blockers and get into the backfield with regularity.
Beyond his physical attributes, Sweat has shown a strong football IQ and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether it’s as a run-stopper, pass rusher, or even in the short-yardage game, Sweat’s versatility as a defensive lineman gives him value in multiple defensive schemes. His quickness, combined with his size, allows him to disrupt plays both as a pass rusher and a run defender, making him a highly valuable commodity for NFL teams.
Sweat is also known for his leadership and high motor, consistently giving maximum effort on every play. His ability to consistently generate pressure on quarterbacks and stop the run makes him one of the most well-rounded defensive tackle prospects in the 2024 draft class.
NFL Comparisons and Fit
Sweat’s blend of size and athleticism has drawn comparisons to NFL stalwarts like Fletcher Cox and Chris Jones. His potential to dominate both as a run-stopper and pass rusher gives him a unique value as a three-down defensive tackle.
Sweat could be an ideal fit for NFL teams in need of an interior presence on defense. Teams like the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, or Kansas City Chiefs, who value a strong defensive front, could all be potential landing spots for Sweat. Given the way defensive tackles are becoming more integral to modern defenses, Sweat’s value is likely to keep climbing as the draft approaches.
Conclusion
The three Longhorns — Bijan Robinson, Xavier Worthy, and Tavondre Sweat — are all projected to be first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, a testament to the talent and depth that Texas is developing under Steve Sarkisian. Robinson is one of the top running backs in recent memory, Worthy is a game-changing wide receiver, and Sweat is a dominant force on the defensive line. As the draft draws closer, these players are expected to continue to rise in prominence, not only as key contributors to Texas’ success but also as future stars in the NFL. With each of these players offering a unique skill set, they represent a bright future for Texas football, and their impending selection in the first round of the NFL Draft will be a major milestone in the program’s ongoing resurgence.
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