3 draft-eligible Texas football players that should return in 2023
Jordan Whittington, WR
This is probably the most unrealistic inclusion of the three draft-eligible Longhorns players on this list that technically could return for one more season.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jordan Whittington sounded like he was seriously considering taking his talents to the NFL in 2023 since early in the regular season. Whittington is about to wrap up his fourth year in college, and his third where he actually played in more than one game.
There are some doubts concerning Whittington’s draft profile. He’s got a smaller wingspan than most wideouts, even those that mostly will play out of the slot. There is also the concerning injury track record that Whittington had during the last few seasons in college.
Granted, if Whittington shows out during the draft scouting process, I’d imagine he could easily work himself into the day three conversation. He’s got more than enough elusiveness and flat-out speed to still challenge for slot receiver reps early in his career in the NFL.
On the other hand, if Whittington could complete his second fully healthy and productive season in college in 2023, that could boost his draft stock in 2024. He could solidify himself as at least a day three pick in the 2024 draft class while alleviating some of the injury concerns that stem from his first three years in college.
Next. 3 underclassmen that might've played their final game at Texas already. dark
Whittington quietly having his most productive season in his collegiate career to date in 2022. While he’s got just one touchdown catch on the season, he’s already raked in more than 600 receiving yards. That nearly doubles his previous career-best, with the 377 receiving yards he put up last season.