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USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners attending NFL Rookie Minicamps
Oklahoma Sooners attending NFL Rookie Minicamps The Oklahoma Sooners had just two players chosen in April's 2025 NFL Draft, breaking a streak of 22 straight seasons with at least three players selected. But, plenty of former OU standouts will be getting their first taste of the NFL this week, as rookie minicamps are happening all over the league. NFL rookie minicamps are three days long, and consist of draft picks, undrafted free agents, and non-roster invitees. All 32 teams hold one during one of the first two weekends in May. Oklahoma's two draftees were the two best players on the team in 2024. Linebacker Danny Stutsman was picked 112th overall in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints. Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. was selected 118th overall in the fourth round by the Atlanta Falcons. The two were the veteran leaders of the team in Year 1 in the SEC, and both spent four seasons in Norman. The Sooners also had plenty of players sign with teams as undrafted free agents; earning contracts despite their UDFA status. Offensive lineman Michael Tarquin signed with the Carolina Panthers. Defensive lineman Da'Jon Terry signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive lineman Ethan Downs signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Defensive lineman Trace Ford signed with the New York Giants. But OU also had a slew of players who get to continue their dreams of pro football with a minicamp invite. They'll be longshots to make the roster, but they've still got a chance to impress the teams that extended an invite to them. Punter Luke Elzinga will attend minicamp with the Tennessee Titans. He was excellent in his season-and-a-half as a starter, and was a force for the Sooners last year. Tight end Jake Roberts has accepted minicamp invites from both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders. He spent just one season in his hometown of Norman, being mostly used as a blocking tight end. He caught the final touchdown of the season in the Armed Forces Bowl loss against Navy. Defensive lineman Caiden Woullard will attend minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts. He also spent just one year in Norman, and played well at defensive end for Miguel Chavis. His collegiate career began at Miami (Ohio). Offensive lineman Spencer Brown also spent one season as a Sooner. He'll attend minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and arrived in Norman via Michigan State for the 2024 season. Defensive back Woodi Washington accepted a minicamp invite from the Baltimore Ravens. Like Stutsman, Bowman and Downs, he was a veteran leader on the defense a season ago. Washington was the longest-tenured Sooner in 2024. Of the 19 draft-eligible Sooners from last year's roster, 17 entered the draft. Of those 17 players, 11 will get to show what they've got in rookie minicamps and try to begin finding their place in the National Football League. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why The Saints Targeted Oklahoma Linebacker Danny Stutsman In The Draft
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2025 NFL Draft with a load of needs on both sides of the ball. One of those needs was at linebacker, where there is no replacement for 14-year veteran Demario Davis and little depth behind Davis and Pete Werner for coordinator Brandon Staley's 3-4 system. New Orleans finally addressed that need early in Day 3 of the draft. With the first of their two fourth-round picks and the 10th pick in the round, the Saints selected Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman. Advertisement Here's a closer look at Stutsman's collegiate career and his potential fit with the Saints. LB - Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images A three-star recruit out of Foundation Academy in Florida, Stutsman attended Oklahoma. He was an instant contributor as a freshman in 2021, recording a sack and two stops for loss among his 38 tackles while forcing 2 fumbles. A star for the Sooners by 2022, Stutsman led the Big 12 with 125 total tackles, including 11 for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Stutsman's 16 tackles for loss in 2023 led the Big 12, as he also added 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. His 2024 campaign resulted in 1st Team All-SEC and 1st Team All-American accolades after 109 total stops, 8 for loss and 1 sack, along with an interception. Advertisement Stutsman won't wow many with his athleticism. He can struggle to chase down plays from behind and can even be a liability in man coverage. His zone ability has some upside, but he'll need to improve both his drop depth and especially his awareness and agility in coverage. Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24). Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Stutsman's ability to cut off running plays along the edge depends solely on anticipation and rapid read-and-react skills. He's been prone to missed tackles in space because of poor angles or getting caught flat-footed against elusive ball carriers. A throwback linebacker, Stutsman is a physical defender that plays even bigger than his 6'3" and 233-Lb. frame. He's at his best coming downhill from in-the-box and is strong enough to take on blockers at the point of attack. Advertisement Stutsman sifts through traffic well to get to the ball. He is rarely out of position against the run, but also possesses good recognition of gaps and fires through them into the backfield. Against the pass, Stutsman has shown the ability to be a disruptive blitzer. He has a good recognition of opposing route schemes and enough athleticism to develop in short zones or man responsibilities. LSU Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Danny Stutsman has outstanding overall instincts and football IQ. He was a captain of the Sooners defense for years and has the ability to eventually do the same at the NFL level. He'll also have the advantage to learn that part from Demario Davis, one of the best in the business. Advertisement Stutsman has some limitations in space and coverage but not enough to keep him off the field after some development. Above all else, Stutsman's best skills should bolster a Saints run defense that ranked 31st against the run last year. He may not see any reps at all as an outside linebacker. However, Stutsman provides immediate depth to Davis and Werner in the middle with potential as a longtime starter in that spot. Related: How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need Related: Best Remaining Prospects For Day 3 Of the 2025 NFL Draft Related: Final New Orleans Saints 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Orleans Saints Sign Six Draft Picks To Contracts
The New Orleans Saints are working quickly to get all of their 2025 draft choices under contract. On Thursday afternoon, the Saints signed first-round choice Kelvin Banks Jr. to his four-year rookie deal. By the end of that day, six of the nine New Orleans draft picks were under contract. Advertisement • Kelvin Banks Jr. (1st round) • Danny Stutsman (4th round) • Quincy Riley (4th round) • Delvin Neal (6th round) • Moliki Matavao (7th round) • Fadil Diggs (7th round) All the draft picks were signed to standard four-year rookie deals. As a first-round choice, the Saints will have a fifth-year option avaliable for Banks. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT (Texas) Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) blocks against the Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Banks was the ninth overall choice. He is the highest pick the Saints have made since selecting USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis seventh overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. The third offensive lineman off the board, Banks was a two-time All-American and won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award this past season. Advertisement Banks was a left tackle throughout his career with the Longhorns. If he wins that role with New Orleans, it means that 2024 first-round pick Taliese Fuaga moves back to his collegiate position of right tackle. Danny Stutsman, LB (Oklahoma) Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images The first of two fourth-round selections by the Saints, Stutsman was a two-time all-conference selection and 2024 All-American. He averaged nearly 113 tackles per year over his last three seasons, including 35 stops for loss. Stutsman is a physical downhill linebacker that's outstanding against the run. He's a prototype for the middle of the second level in coordinator Brandon Staley's defense and could be an eventual successor to Demario Davis. Quincy Riley, CB (Louisville) Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) breaks up a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Riley was the second of the Saints fourth-rounders. He's a two-time all-conference selection with 8 interceptions over the last three years and 25 passes broken up in the last two campaigns. Advertisement New Orleans lost cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Riley could be a candidate to start alongside CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, a second-round choice last year. Doing so would allow the Saints to play Alontae Taylor around their formations. Devin Neal, RB (Kansas) Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images In a deep class at running back, Neal slipped into the latter portion of Day 3. At pick number 184, he was the 17th running back selected. Neal had 4,343 rushing yards in four years with the Jayhawks. He averaged 1,212 rushing yards over his last three seasons and scored 53 touchdowns during his collegiate career. A rugged runner, Neal could be a draft steal and provide a much-needed backfield complement to Alvin Kamara. Moliki Matavao, TE (UCLA) UCLA Bruins tight end Moliki Matavao (88) runs after a reception against the Washington State Cougars. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The first of two seventh-round choices by New Orleans, Matavao led the Bruins in both receptions (41) and receiving yardage (506) last season. He was the first tight end to be drafted by the Saints since Adam Trautman in 2020. Advertisement Matavao is a big target but fluid athlete. He has a lot to clean up in his game, but has the raw receiving skills to earn a roster spot and potentially be a late-round gem. Fadil Diggs, Edge (Syracuse) Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) makes a tackle on Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Stephen Gosnell (12). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images New Orleans made Diggs their second choice in the seventh round. He was number 254 overall, just the fourth from last selection in the draft. After four improving years at Texas A&M, Diggs finished his career with a strong campaign at Syracuse. He had 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, leading the Orange in both categories. Unsigned Draft Picks Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) looks to pass against the Pitt Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images • QB - Tyler Shough, Louisville (2nd round) • DT - Vernon Broughton, Texas (3rd round) Advertisement • S - Jonas Sanker, Virginia (3rd round) Shough is just the second quarterback to be drafted in the first or second round in the Saints' 58-year history. All eyes will be paying close watch on how quickly Shough gets into camp for his quarterback competition with Spencer Rattler. Related: New Orleans Saints Undrafted Rookies Assigned Initial Jersey Numbers Related: New Orleans Saints Draft Picks Get Initial Jersey Numbers Related: Why Saints Drafting Of Kelvin Banks Jr. Made Sense Related: Why The Saints Targeted Oklahoma Linebacker Danny Stutsman In The Draft Related: How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need Related: What Kansas Draft Choice Devin Neal Adds To Saints Offense Related: What UCLA Draft Pick Moliki Matavao Adds To The Saints Related: Syracuse Draft Choice Fadil Diggs May Fill A Critical Role For The Saints
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners defensive star taken in first round of early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive star taken in first round of early 2026 NFL Mock Draft The Oklahoma Sooners were shut out of the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2022. They had a 22-year streak of consecutive drafts with three players selected, but it was snapped when only Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. It's a low NFL Draft moment for the Oklahoma Sooners, but it's more a pothole than a valley. The Sooners could be back to having big draft classes next year, thanks to the talent they've assembled through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. And if early mock drafts are any indication, they could have a first-round pick once again. In his way-too-early NFL mock draft over at CBS Sports, Josh Edwards had defensive end R Mason Thomas going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 16 overall. Thomas is not bringing prototypical size to the position, but there will not be many prospects more entertaining. He is in constant motion from the time he takes the field. He produced nine sacks and one forced fumble last season. - Edwards, CBS Sports Thomas would join former Sooners Baker Mayfield and Sterling Shepard in Tampa and would be another first round defender to the Bucs, following in the footsteps of Gerald McCoy, who went No. 3 overall in 2010. At 6-foot-2, he doesn't have great height but he does a great job using his speed and agility to keep longer offensive tackles from getting their hands on him. Thomas displays elite athleticism and a variety of pass-rush moves off the edge. His ability to rush from both sides of the line of scrimmage, combined with how he plays the run, will allow him to make an impact for a defense at the NFL level. He's going to test off the charts, and teams will love him in interviews. If he can have another big season from a pass rush perspective, Thomas will solidify himself as a top-50 pick in the draft. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where did Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman land in final ESPN 7-Round NFL Mock Draft?
Where did Danny Stutsman, Billy Bowman land in final ESPN 7-Round NFL Mock Draft? It's draft week. The NFL draft begins this Thursday night with the first round. Rounds 2 and 3 will be on Friday night, and the rest of the draft will take place on Saturday. The Oklahoma Sooners may not hear a player's name called until the final day of the draft. In his final seven-round mock draft for ESPN (ESPN+), draft analyst Jordan Reid has just two Oklahoma Sooners projected to be drafted this weekend; both in the fourth round. With the fifth pick in the fourth round (No. 107 overall) Reid projects the Jacksonville Jaguars to take Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman. With the next pick, Danny Stutsman goes off the board to the Las Vegas Raiders. While both players will be excited to hear their names called, it would undoubtedly be a disappointment for the program if only two players were taken and none with a premium pick (first three rounds). Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman were incredibly important to Oklahoma's defensive turnaround under Brent Venables. However, that they can't get any more respect than a fourth round selection reveals how far the Oklahoma Sooners have to go with their talent acquisition and development. Now, guys like Kip Lewis, R Mason Thomas, Robert Spears-Jennings, and Gracen Halton could provide the Sooners with some top 100 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. But they'll have to build upon what were really good 2024 seasons in 2025. That group was a part of Brent Venables first recruiting class back in 2022 and each of them had a standout season a year ago. Now, they're expected to lead the Sooners defense in 2025. But they'll also build upon what Stutsman and Bowman have meant to the Oklahoma Sooners over the last three seasons. The team success may not have been there but their abilities and leadership were instrumental in helping Oklahoma's defense continually improve under Venables. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
