Texas football had 11 players taken in the 2024 NFL draft, a program record. That doesn’t mean all of them will become bona fide NFL players, however.
NFL teams take more than the allotted 53 players allowed on a roster through training camp and preseason, with cuts coming after the last preseason game. While first round picks like Byron Murphy II and Xavier Worthy were never in danger of losing a roster spot, the later Longhorn picks are not guaranteed to be on the team come Week 1
Even former Longhorns that have been in the league for a few years must continually earn their keep if they haven’t reached consistent playing time.
Here are some Texas-exes that did make NFL rosters and some that didn’t:
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Los Angeles Rams WR Jordan Whittington
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 11: Jordan Whittington #88 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DRAFTED: 2024 — 6th round, pick 213
Whittington has turned into one of the biggest stars of training camp and preseason. He received rave reviews throughout camp and caught 11 balls for 126 yards in two preseason games. He didn’t play in the third because his impressive play had already earned him a roster spot.
He earned Sean McVay’s seal of approval after his debut. Imagine what Whittington will look like with Matthew Stafford throwing to him instead of Stetson Bennett.
“He played like a grown man with the ball in his hands [and] did a great job without it,” McVay said after Whittington’s first preseason game. “I just really like him. He’s going to be a factor for us.
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Pittsburgh Steelers DB Ryan Watts
DRAFTED: 2024 — 6th round, pick 195
There’s a mix of good news and bad news for Ryan Watts. First the bad news: he suffered a stinger in the Steelers’ preseason finale. He’ll miss his entire rookie season as the neck/head injury has turned out to be worse than previously thought. So what’s the good news? Watts’ injury means that he won’t be cut because he’ll be on the season-ending injury reserve.
Watts was a player on the roster bubble before his injury, with 13 total tackles and one pass defended throughout the preseason. Being on the IR isn’t ideal, but it also gives Watts another year with the team as he heals.
New Orleans Saints LB Jaylan Ford
Oct 1, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Jaylan Ford (41) on the field during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
DRAFTED: 2024 — 5th round, pick 175
The captain of Texas’ defense last season has made the cut for the Saints’ 53-man roster without playing a snap of preseason football. Ford has been dealing with hamstring issues throughout training camp, limiting his time on the field.
Ford probably will be spending most of his time on special teams during his rookie season. The Saints have Willie Gay Jr. and Anfernee Orji ahead of him on the depth chart.
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Jacksonville Jaguars RB Keilan Robinson
DRAFTED: 2024 — 5th round, pick 167
Keilan Robinson survived the Jaguars’ camp and made the 53-man roster. His NFL debut will have to wait though, as the running back was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return. He will be out for the first four games of the season, potentially coming back Week 5 against the Colts.
Robinson was one of the more surprising picks in the draft. He played mostly special teams in the 2023 season with Jonathon Brooks, CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue ahead of him on the RB depth chart. He did make the most of his special teams chances: 24.2 yards per kickoff and 897 career kickoff return yards.
Denver Broncos WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
DRAFTED: 2019 — Undrafted, signed with Saints
Lil’Jordan Humphrey has been with the Broncos since 2023. He’s been mired in a cycle of being release and re-signed to the practice squad, and this year was no different. Humphrey was cut, but it’s being reported that Denver is interested in signing him to the practice squad once again. The receiver had three receptions for 29 yards this preseason.
Cleveland Browns RB D’onta Foreman
DRAFTED: 2017 — 3rd round, pick 89
D’onta Foreman was one of the more interesting roster cuts of the preseason considering the Browns’ lack of running back depth. Cleveland will be rostering two injured running backs to start the season in Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines.
So why cut Foreman, who signed to the Browns for a one-year deal this offseason? The Texas City native four-plus years in the NFL means that he does not have to clear waivers to rejoin the team. Other transactions could be going on behind the scenes in order to clear up a roster spot. There’s a chance that the Browns have an agreement with Foreman’s agent for his return once subsequent moves are made.
Philadelphia Eagles DB Caden Sterns
Texas defensive back Brandon Jones (19) teams up with defensive back Caden Sterns (7) to tackle TCU wide receiver Jarrison Stewart (22) during an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018.
DRAFTED: 2021 — 5th round, pick 152
It’s been a tough road for Caden Sterns, who flashed potential with two interceptions in his rookie season. The problem is that he simply hasn’t been able to stay on the field since then. He played in five games the following year and missed all of 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury Week 1.
The Texas-ex was waived by the Broncos before joining the Eagles on Aug. 11. The injury bug struck his knee again shortly after, and Philadelphia waived him Tuesday with a non-football injury designation.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: NFL roster cuts: Which former Texas Longhorns made the team?
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Publish date : 2024-08-28 14:20:00
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