Jump to content
  • Texas Longhorns News

    A place for any Longhorn Fan to get the latest news from the On Texas Football team.
    CJ Vogel
    Welcome back to the 2nd edition of the 2024 Texas Longhorn Mock Draft.
    Some major changes to how I view Texas Draft hopefuls following the conclusion of the NFL Combine and Texas Pro Day. Plenty of risers and a pair of fallers in the latest update.

     
    *** 
    DL Byron Murphy – Round 1, Pick 15 to IND (up 1 spots)
    The Combine darling has remained in that 12-20 range in most mock drafts. I could see Murphy's stock go either way come draft day, however I like where the Colts pick here. I am imagining how disruptive a defensive line of DeForest Buckner and Murphy would be together and find myself giddy. 
    WR Adonai Mitchell – Round 1, Pick 23 to LAC (up 9)
    Originally, I had Mitchell at 32 to the Chiefs. Though, following an official 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash, I have a hard time seeing him last that long. Now, if Mitchell makes it past pick 25, look for the Bills at 28 to snag him and replace Stefon Diggs. I like the Chargers here after an offseason of trading Keenan Allen and seeing Mike WIlliams walk. Justin Herbert gets his guy.
    WR Xavier Worthy – Round 1, Pick 32 to KC (up 5)
    The NFL record holder for fastest Combine time squeaks into the first round and finds a home with the reigning Super Bowl Champions and Patrick Mahomes. Not a bad gig if you ask me. The Chiefs are in even more need of a WR following the Rashee Rice saga and Worthy answered a lot of questions during his Pro Day about his hands and route running ability.
    RB Jonathon Brooks – Round 2, Pick 56 to DAL (up 2)
    This pick makes all the sense in the world, so of course the Cowboys will take a tight end out of South Dakota State, right? Cowboys team doctors did the surgery on Brooks' ACL and with Tony Pollard leaving for Tennessee, Dallas has to make a splash in the Draft if they want to field a competent offense in 2024.
    TE Ja'Tavion Sanders – Round 2, Pick 57 to TB (down 20)
    The biggest faller from the original mock draft look. Sanders did not have a great Pro Day despite receiving praise from Combine attendees for his routes and hands. Regardless, I don't believe it is enough for Sanders to fall out of the second round. Cade Otten is a solid piece in Tampa Bay, but he is no Ja'Tavion Sanders. Get ready for Baker Mayfield to JT Sanders next fall.
    DT T'Vondre Sweat – Round 2, Pick 62 to BAL (no movement)
    We have seen a lot of Longhorns in the past end up in Baltimore and T-Sweat is the next in line. Watching Sweat move in-person makes all the difference for this draft selection. I like the fit here next to Justin Madabuike, what a duo that could become. 
    OT Christian Jones – Round 3, Pick 99 to JAX (up 99)
    Far and away the biggest riser of the group. Jones has displayed great athleticism in all three pre-draft situations he has participated in. This still might be a stretch, however, but I am rolling the dice and riding the hype train for Jones as a day two pick.
    LB Jaylan Ford – Round 4, Pick 115 to CIN (down 5)
    Around the same spot for me with LB Jaylan Ford. I don't think he is a day two guy, especially after some concerns following the Pro Day and the times that came out of that. However, Ford is a dude where if you turn the tape on, you see how special a player he could be. I like him in that 110-125 range at the moment.
    CB Ryan Watts – Round 6, Pick 178 to PIT (up 60)
    I think I had Watts going to Pittsburgh in my original mock draft a month ago, whatever it is about the Steelers and their defensive back room, I like. Watts has certainly helped his draft stock with great testing numbers in both the Combine and the Texas Pro Day. Perhaps I am much lower than some on the 6-foot-3 defensive back, but my gut tells me this is the area in which he goes at the moment.
    RB/KR Keilan Robinson – Round 7, Pick 241 to MIA (welcome to the Draft)
    There is a market for kick returners in the NFL Draft. It is not a big one, but the Dolphins are known to like speed and Robinson boasts, what he believes to be a slow, 4.42. Add 20 reps on the bench and Robinson make impact in a number of different ways as an NFL player. I am looking at Robinson as a potential replacement for Braxton Berrios in the Dolphins offense.
    ***
    WR Jordan Whittington – Undrafted Free Agent
    It has been tremendously unfortunate Whittington has not been healthy to compete in the Reese's Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine or the Texas Pro Day. Those three opportunities would have certainly helped his draft stock as April 24 nears. He will get an opportunity on April 14 in what Texas is calling Pro Day 2.0 for NFL Scouts to get one last look at his talent. But I am worried by then it will be too late.

    Gerry Hamilton
    The Texas Longhorns first big visitor weekend of the spring is just two days away. The visit centered around a spring practice is expected to have at least two dozen visitors, including more than 15 combined 4-star and 5-star prospects from the 2025 and 2026 cycles.
    OnTexasFootball provides a list of many of the prospects to know scheduled to attend. 
    April 6 visitors of note
    K.J. Lacey, QB, Saraland (Ala.) High #AllGasNoBrakes
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Troy Huhn, QB, San Marcos (Calif.) Mission Hills - 2026
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Jordon Davison, RB, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23 (expected)
    Rickey Stewart, RB, Tyler (Texas) Chapel Hill
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Raycine Guillory, RB, Aledo (Texas) High - #AllGasNoBrakes2026
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Dakorien Moore, WR, Duncanville (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 5-star
    Official visit: June 21-23 (expected)
    Jaime Ffrench, WR, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: June 21-23
    Kaliq Lockett, WR, Sachse (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Kelshaun Johnson, WR, Hitchcock (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Nick Townsend, TE, Dekaney (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    John Mills, IOL, San Francisco (Calif.) St. Ignatius 
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Devin Coleman, IOL, Cedar Hill (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Jordan Coleman, OT, Cedar Hill (Texas)High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Lamont Rogers, OT, Mesquite (Texas) Horn
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Tyler Thomas, IOL, Dickinson (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 3-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Zion Williams, DL, Lufkin (Texas) High 
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Official visit: June 21-23
    Malik Autry, DL, Opelika (Ala.) High - *Auburn commit 
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Official visit: TBD
    D.J. Sanders, DL, Bellville (Texas) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Chace Sims, DL, Richmond (Texas) Randle
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Ike Okafor, DL, Alief (Texas) Hastings 
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 3–star
    Hayden Lowe, EDGE, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Smith Orogbo, EDGE, Alief (Texas) Hastings
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit: Texas June 14-16
    Elijah Barnes, LB, Dallas (Texas) Skyline
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Official visit: Texas June 21-23
    Matai Tagoa'i, LB, San Clemente (Calif.) High - *Maybe
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4–star
    Official visit:Texas June 21-23
    Jonah Williams, S, Galveston (Texas) Ball
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit:Texas June 21-23 (likely)
    Kade Phillips, DB, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star
    Official visit:Texas June 21-23
    Aidan Anding, CB, Ruston (La.) High
    OnTexasFootball ranking: 4-star

    CJ Vogel
    The NCAA Transfer Portal window re-opens April 15. With a new wave of free agency to begin in the next week and a half, it is a good time to take a look at where Texas sits on the scholarship counter.
    Reminder, Texas must be at or below the 85 scholarship number by the start of the season.
    ***
    Quarterback (3)
    JR. – Quinn Ewers RS. – FR Arch Manning FR. – Trey Owens Running Back (6)
    JR. – Jaydon Blue, Savion Red SO. – CJ Baxter, Tre Wisner FR. – Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson Wide Receiver (10)
    SR. – Silas Bolden JR. – Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden SO. – Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore RS FR. – Ryan Niblett FR. – Aaron Butler, Freddie Dubose, Parker Livingstone, Ryan Wingo Tight End (6)
    SR. – Gunnar Helm, Juan Davis JR. – Amari Niblack RS FR. – Will Randle, Spencer Shannon FR. – Jordan Washington Offensive Line (18)
    SR. – Jake Majors, Hayden Conner JR. – Kelvin Banks, DJ Campbell, Cole Hutson, Max Merril, Cam Williams SO. – Malik Agbo, Connor Robertson, Neto Umeozulu RS FR. – Jaydon Chatman, Andre Cojoe, Trevor Goosby, Peyton Kirkland, Connor Stroh FR. – Brandon Baker, Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble Defensive Line (9)
    SR. – Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, Tia Savea SO. – Jaray Bledsoe, Aaron Bryant, Zac Swanson RS FR. – Sydir Mitchell FR. – Melvin Hills, Alex January EDGE (10)
    SR. – Barryn Sorrell JR. – Ethan Burke, Justice Finkley, Trey Moore SO. – J'Mond Tapp RS FR. – Tausili Akana, Colton Vasek, Billy Walton FR. – Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu Linebacker (8)
    SR. – David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Morice Blackwell SO. – Anthony Hill Jr., Liona Lefua RS FR. – S'maje Burrell, Derion Gullette FR. – Tyanthony Smith Defensive Back (16)
    SR. – Jahdae Barron, Gavin Holmes, Andrew Mukuba JR. – Terrance Brooks, Jaylon Guilbeau, Austin Jordan, Michael Taaffe SO. – Jelani McDonald, Malik Muhammad, Derek Williams RS FR. – Warren Roberson FR. – Kobe Black, Xavier Filsaime, Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Wardell Mack, Santana Wilson Specialists (3)
    JR. – Lance St. Louis, Will Stone FR. – Michael Kern ***
    Texas sits at 89 scholarship plays as I type this out on April 3rd. 
    Of course, this goes without having K Bert Auburn on scholarship at the moment as well.
    The Longhorns will need to get down to 85 scholarships by the beginning of the 2024 season. It goes without saying, but expect some attrition this spring, especially if Texas looks to add to their roster via the portal when the window opens.

    Bobby Burton
    Spoke to a couple of sources regarding Tuesday's practice and practice generally over the first seven sessions.
    Here are a few notes:
    - "Tre Wisner has two speeds -- standing still or full throttle. When he goes, he goes all out on every play." With a quote like that, it's easy to see why Steve Sarkisian praised the sophomore from DeSoto.
    - Ryan Wingo has been very good. He's still working on his route running but he is not backing down, he has not hit the freshman wall.
    - I asked for the biggest strength of the team, and received an interesting answer.
    "It's a talented team - really good talent - but these guys are not allergic to hard work. There's not a bunch of prima donnas running around. They know how to work, and they work hard. Really impressed by that."
    - The offensive line rotation continues to be just that, a rotation. Hayden Conner is back at left guard after spending a week as back-up center. But the position is a real battle right now. According to at least one source, Neto Umeozulu's week as a starter showed some stuff in the inside run game that could be a little different.
    But do not belittle the experience Conner brings to the unit. The right-side of the offensive line is relatively young and inexperienced whereas the left-side that includes Conner and Kelvin Banks will both be three-year starters.
    - Newcomer Tia Savea has been singled out as perhaps the best interior run stopper, at least thus far. "He probably anchors the best."
    - Unsurprisingly, tight end Amari Niblack is seeing more run with the 1s and 2s in live action.
    - We've mentioned Cedric Baxter's big practice on Friday. Well, more praise for him and running mate Jaydon Blue came this morning. Baxter is said to be using his weight and contact balance better and Blue has actually gained some good weight that has made him a little stronger on contact as well. Of course, Blue's speed continues to be a major asset for the offense.
    - Last but not least, two bits of news on Quinn Ewers.
    First, he clearly looks and feels more at ease as the QB at Texas and that seems to be translating on the field. That echoes the sentiments from Sark at his presser yesterday. But another piece of intel?
    That ease appears to be directly translating into quicker reads. Quicker reads are part of any QB's development, but definitely something identified by scouts as a piece that Ewers wanted to work on this off-season.
     

    Gerry Hamilton
    OTF roadie: D.J. Sanders
    Bellville, Texas - OnTexasFootball is on the road this week, and the first stop was Bellville High Tuesday afternoon. Brahmas defensive lineman D.J. Sanders (Bellville, Texas/High) will be on campus April 6, and is scheduled to make his official visit June 21-23. 
    The Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies are joined in the hunt by Michigan, USC, Baylor, TCU and Houston. 
    Sanders by the numbers
    6-foot-4
    312 pounds
    84'ish wingspan
    10.5 inch hand
    52'0" shot put this season (PR). Favored to qualify for the state meet. 
    115 tackles, 15 sacks and more than 20 tackles for loss in 16 games as a junior helping lead Bellville to the 4A D II State Championship Game.
    Also plays varsity basketball.
    Cousin is former Bellville High, SMU and NFL wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. 
    Quotes on Texas
    Sanders on Kenny Baker: "He came by the school (late January). He's a great guy. I like him. Cool. He's fun to talk to." 
    Sanders on Steve Sarkisian: "Coach Sark, I love that dude. Fun guy to chill with and talk to."
    Sanders on Texas: Last time I was on campus was last spring. 
    Who will make the visit Saturday with Sanders: "Grandfather, brother, cousin for sure." 
    Spoke with Steve Sarkisian about two weeks ago. Speaks with Kenny Baker weekly. 
    Notes on recruitment
    What impresses Sanders on a visit: "How the coaches are (with the players)."
    On Texas A&M: "They are a good school. Good coaches. I talk to Coach (Sean) Spencer and Coach Tony (Jerod-Eddie)."
    Sanders talked to Mike Elko two weeks ago. 
    Visited Texas A&M for the Alabama game last season: "It was great. Loud. Very good atmosphere."
    Doesn't watch much college football on TV. 
    What's important in the recruiting process: "Education there, and how close and comfortable I can be with the coaches."
    Plans to major in construction management. 
    Visit schedule
    Texas - April 6
    Baylor - April 9
    Michigan - April 14-15 (has an uncle that lives in the Detroit area)
    Texas A&M - June 14-16 
    Texas June 21-23 OV

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.