What to expect for Texas Longhorns NFL Draft prospects on day three

After three rounds of the NFL Draft, five Longhorns have been selected: Byron Murphy, Xavier Worthy, T’Vondre Sweat, Jonathon Brooks, and Adonai Mitchell. All five went within the first 52 picks, something the program has not done in quite some time.

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Even more Longhorns could join them on Saturday during day three of the 2024 NFL Draft, which features rounds 4-7.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE

Sanders remains on the board, falling out of the third round. He should hear his name relatively early and help Texas’ tale on the recruiting trail for tight ends.

More on Sanders from Friday.

Prediction: 3rd round

The Athletic Grade: 2nd-3rd round

Christian Jones, OT

Jones is one of the best available players heading into day three.

A player with tackle length, Jones offers a versatility for teams who may want to use him at guard. He has the size to be able to clear people in the run game, but might have some struggles against the league’s elite pass-rushers. Those struggles aren’t as magnified at guard, where he could enjoy a lengthy NFL career.

More on Jones from Friday.

Prediction: 4th round

The Athletic grade: 4th round

Jaylan Ford, LB

Ford was one of the more productive linebackers in recent memory for the Longhorns, tallying 287 career tackles during his four-year career. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Ford hit the century mark in each and also accounted for 10 turnovers between forced fumbles and interceptions. A magnet to the football, Ford was a strong leader and someone who constantly knew where to be.

His athletic testing numbers may give him some matchup issues at the next level, but his instincts will find him a spot in the league.

Prediction: 5th round

The Athletic grade: 5th-6th round

Keilan Robinson, RB

As Robinson’s career at Texas carried on, he saw fewer and fewer opportunities to run or catch the football on standard downs. His 2021 production was his high water mark, with 322 yards on 45 carries. That descended all the way down to his 20 total standard down touches in 2023, though he still scored three touchdowns in those opportunities.

Where Robinson made his mark was on special teams. He used his 4.42 speed and bona fide toughness to make multiple impacts in the third phase. During his time at Texas, he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and had a 95-yard kickoff return. He also made a number of tackles.

His utility might be limited in the pro game on offense but a roster spot could be his with the right franchise and with the right staff if they value someone like Robinson on special teams.

Prediction: UDFA

The Athletic grade: UDFA

Ryan Sanborn, P

A productive transfer from Stanford, Sanborn was a consistent field-flipper for the Longhorns in 2023. He wasn’t asked to kick at Texas but it is within his skill set. Sanborn won’t be drafted, but he could earn a spot on a roster.

Prediction: UDFA

The Athletic grade: UDFA

Jordan Whittington, WR

After injuries derailed his first three seasons in Austin, Whittington became a constant presence in the starting lineup at slot receiver. He made tough catches over the middle, and even some big plays against Oklahoma, Iowa State, and when it mattered most against Washington in the Sugar Bowl.

He was often overshadowed by Worthy and Mitchell, and would leave the field as well in 2023 when Texas went to 12 personnel.

Whittington is an above average athlete but didn’t get to showcase that during most of the pre-draft process. He made the most of interviews, and coaches will value his versatility and perseverance.

After putting together two straight strong seasons, Whittington’s ability to play multiple spots on offense and factor on special teams should make enough of an impression for one of the 32 franchises to see value from the Cuero product that results in a selection.

Prediction: 7th round

The Athletic grade: 7th-UDFA

Ryan Watts, CB/S

After a productive two-year career at cornerback for the Longhorns, one that saw him tally 88 tackles and an interception in burnt orange, Watts elected to declare for the draft instead of using the COVID season of eligibility.

Watts wowed at the NFL combine with a 4.53 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He added a 40.5-inch vertical jump, a 10 foot 5 inch broad jump, and a 4.13 short shuttle.

But at his size, coverage on some of the NFL’s elite athletes at wide receiver could bump Watts inside to safety. That’s something he worked on during the East-West Shrine bowl and it’s something he’s mentioned being open to during the pre-draft process. Watts should hear his name called and should be ready to play safety at the next level.

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Prediction: 7th round

The Athletic grade: 6th-7th round