Getting Ready for the Sooners in the NFL Draft
We’ve finally come to the day, and weekend, that several Sooners fans have been dreaming about for their entire lives – draft day. Oklahoma’s contingent of draft eligible players are large but several, in particular, have ideas of being selected over the next few days.
NFL Draft
When: Round 1, Thursday, 7 p.m. (CT), Rounds 2-3 Friday, 6 p.m. (CT), Rounds 4-7 Saturday, 11a (CT)
TV: ESPN/NFL Network
Billy Bowman – S – Round: 4 Pick: No. 114 Team: Carolina
NFL Draft Projections: ESPN – No. 107, The Athletic – No. 111, CBS – No. 69, PFF – No. 116
Thoughts: I like this one a lot as I think it’s pretty good value for Carolina – though I admit to being shocked that Bowman could slide this deep. The Panthers have a need at the position and the idea of him in a scheme with some Tampa Two principles feels like a very easy, and sensible fit for him. It’s a defense that needs to be rebuilt and needs leadership, that may sound familiar to Bowman.
What to Expect: I go back and forth between Bowman being a very solid long-time NFL player to being one of the real steals of this draft. The bottom line is, I think he’ll be, at least, a very steady pro.
Ethan Downs – DE – Round: 7 Pick: 257 Team: Kansas City
NFL Draft Projections: ESPN – N/A, The Athletic – No. 257, CBS – N/A, PFF – No. 253
Thoughts: Obviously I’m not the only one with this idea and while I get what an honor it would be to have your name called – frankly, I hope I’m wrong. When your picked this late in the draft the odds are long and a bigger signing bonus can come in free agency, to forget Downs being able to pick the best possible team for himself. That said, if a team were to pick him it’s hard to envision a team that would more value who he is both on and off the field.
What to Expect: I could see Downs impressing a staff and perhaps ending up as a practice squad guy in year one. From there, it could be up to opportunity and how quickly he finds a role.
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Danny Stutsman – LB – Round: 3 Pick: 90 Team: Los Angeles Rams
NFL Draft Projections: ESPN – No. 108, The Athletic – No. 101, CBS – No. 67, PFF – No. 180
Thoughts: This feels like a near ideal fit, a huge character like Stutsman in Los Angeles, he’d be a hit with the locals. Simultaneously the Rams have a big need for an off-ball linebacker. Beyond that, Stutsman could be a big part of a defense finding a new future and leadership.
What to Expect: I think Stutsman will be an very solid NFL linebacker for a long time. Maybe a career path similar to that of former Sooners standout Curtis Lofton?
Two Sooners to Watch for Free Agency
Undoubtedly any number of Sooners will get a chance at getting into NFL camps over the coming months. However, there are two in particular who have attracted some attention as guys who could surprise. Those two are, in no surprise from a Brent Venables roster, from the defensive side of the ball.
After an impressive performance at the Sooners March 11 pro day, Trace Ford has picked up some attention. The talented EDGE rusher will be knocked for his injury history and the reality that he isn’t as big and long as a traditional NFL edge defender. But, he’s got some juice, as his testing numbers show, and has produced in his career. He won’t be for everyone but if Ford can find the right landing spot in free agency a role on a practice squad could be possible.
One of the more under appreciated players on Oklahoma’s 2024 roster was defensive tackle Da’Jon Terry. The big man was a solid player for the Sooners and could be a guy to impress a team or two come free agency. He’s one we’ll be keeping an eye on.
