AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns sent a program record 11 players to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and, unsurprisingly, the team's stars shined in Indianapolis.
Among the notable performances, the most memorable was undoubtedly former Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy's second run in the 40-yard dash. After unofficially clocking a time of 4.22 seconds, Worthy's official time was trimmed to 4.21 seconds, which set a new NFL Scouting Combine record in the event. Worthy's time edged former wide receiver John Ross' 4.22 second mark, which was set in 2017.
Worthy also had a 1.49-second mark in the 10-yard split, which tied him with Oregon State wide receiver Anthony Gould for the fastest time in this year's event. He also had the fourth-highest total in the vertical jump, at 41 inches.
Worthy's running mate, Adonai Mitchell, also put up impressive numbers at the combine, continuing his ascension as one of the draft's top receivers.
Mitchell clocked a 4.34-second run in the 40-yard dash and a time of 1.52 seconds in the 10-yard split. Mitchell had the longest broad jump among wide receivers and the second-longest overall, tallying 11 feet, 4 inches. He also ranked fourth among wide receivers with an athleticism score of 91.
Mitchell and Worthy are both projected to be late first-round or early second-round selections in April's NFL Draft, although their impressive performances in Indianapolis may vault both into becoming surefire first-round picks.
Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, a projected second round pick, only participated in a handful of events but clocked the fifth-highest time among tight ends in the shuttle run at 4.32 seconds as well as the sixth-highest time in the 10-yard split at 1.59 seconds.
Running back Keilan Robinson clocked the fourth-highest time in the 40-yard dash among running backs, at 4.42 seconds. Robinson is projected to go undrafted but could find a role as a kick returner due to his dynamic speed.
On the defensive side, defensive tackles Byron Murphy II and T'Vondre Sweat both had impressive showings. The duo secured the two highest grades among the position group, with Murphy securing a score of 6.48 and Sweat scoring a 6.40.
Murphy had the second-highest score in the vertical jump, tallying 33 inches. His 4.87-second 40-yard dash time was third-best among defensive tackles, and his 28 reps in the bench press was good for fifth among the position group. Overall, he had the second-highest production score among defensive tackles and the fourth-highest athleticism score with an 85. He is widely projected to be a first-round pick in April's draft.
Defensive back Ryan Watts tallied the eighth-highest total in the three-cone drill, clocking 6.82 seconds. Watts is projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round selection.
One notable unfortunate occurrence was wide receiver Jordan Whittington being forced to withdraw from on-field drills after reaggravating a hamstring injury he dealt with during the season. The projected sixth- or seventh-round pick participated in the bench press on Sunday and secured 18 reps.
The next time the future pros will get to showcase their talents will come March 27 through March 30, during the Big 12 Pro Days in Frisco.
Full results for Longhorns at the 2024 NFL Combine can be viewed here.