Oklahoma DT Jalen Redmond signs deal following NFL Draft

Jalen Redmond was a problem for opposing quarterbacks on the defensive line at Oklahoma, and he’ll look to carry that into the NFL. The Carolina Panthers are counting on him to do so, signing him as an undrafted free agent, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Redmond played the past five seasons with the Sooners, making 19 starts in 32 games. The Midwest City native ended his college career with 71 tackles (31.5 for loss), 14 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and six passes defended.

The defensive tackle broke out as a redshirt freshman in 2019, displaying his knack for getting to the quarterback. He led Oklahoma with 6.5 sacks that season, including one on future No. 1 pick Joe Burrow in the Peach Bowl.

Even when he didn’t record a sack, Redmond applied pressure to disrupt the rhythm of many of the QBs he faced. He had a combined 13 QB hurries over the past two seasons. That includes seven in 2022 to go along with 23 tackles (10 for loss), four sacks and four passes defended.

Redmond is a former four-star recruit out of Midwest City High School. He ranked as the No. 126 overall player, No. 20 defensive lineman and No. 3 player from Oklahoma in the 2018 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jalen Redmond

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided some insight on how Redmond’s game will translate to the NFL in his recent scout of the defensive tackle’s draft profile. The analyst noted how Redmond stood out at the NFL Combine, showing off his speed with a 4.81 40-yard dash time that ranked second among his position group.

Redmond also ranked first in both the broad jump (9’8″) and vertical jump (34.5 feet). With that and his college production in mind, he should have no trouble carving out a role for himself in the league.

“Redmond’s NFL Scouting Combine testing was outstanding, as he displayed quickness and explosiveness that doesn’t always show up on his college tape,” Zierlein wrote. “He possesses plenty of toughness but moves on heavy feet. His lack of bend makes him a linear mover with limited playmaking potential. While he might not fill up an NFL stat sheet, he does have the base strength for consideration as a rotational 4-3 nose tackle with some block-eating elements to his game.”