Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts
Two-time national champion with Georgia and former Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell wrapped up his first NFL preseason by scoring his first touchdown for the Colts. Mitchell, the second round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, caught his maiden touchdown during his team’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite being in the game for only 24 snaps, he had an impact on the Colts’ performance. Mitchell caught two passes for 18 yards and the only receiving touchdown of the contest for Indianapolis. Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger played alongside Mitchell in the game. He was 8-of-13 for 48 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
The back-to-back Super Bowl champions used their first 2024 draft pick to add former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy to the roster. The 28th overall pick, Worthy was the second Longhorn drafted and only one of two to have his name called in the first round. Worthy’s introduction to professional football came in the second preseason game against the Detroit Lions. In his Chiefs debut, he totaled three receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. The NFL combine 40-yard dash record-breaker is likely to get game time in the regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens and serve a significant role on a Chiefs team that struggled with breakaway speed last season.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers
Fourth-round 2024 NFL Draft pick tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders had two receptions for 22 yards in the Panthers’ 15-12 loss to the New York Jets on Aug. 17. In the game three win over the Buffalo Bills, which concluded the preseason, he had just one reception for 13 yards.
Sanders and fellow rookie Xavier Legette, a first round pick for the Panthers, are set to be two of the team’s biggest offensive weapons. Sanders joined former Texas running back and second-round pick Jonathon Brooks in Charlotte, though Brooks will sit out the beginning of the season as he recovers from an ACL injury.
