Oklahoma State 2025 NFL Draft prospects: Which Cowboys could be drafted next year?

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State generated little buzz for the NFL Draft, which concluded Saturday, but next year could be quite different.

The Cowboys have a large class of players in their final year of eligibility who could come into view for NFL scouts this season.

And of course, some of the OSU players with the best future NFL projections are underclassmen who will be eligible for the draft next spring.

With that, here’s a look at some of the Cowboys’ top candidates for the 2025 NFL Draft:

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Players in final year of eligibility

Korie Black, cornerback

Had he chosen not to return for his final season at OSU, Black would’ve been the Cowboys’ top draft prospect this weekend, though likely still a final-day pick. But with another year to hone his skills — he has shown notable improvement each of the last two years — the 6-foot, 185-pound Black could get himself into the top half of the draft a year from now.

Black was among the best cornerbacks in the Big 12 last year, and some of the other top ones are gone now, so he could show himself as one of the best in the league while also upping his draft profile with his ability to take away one side of the field.

Brennan Presley, receiver

While his production levels will get him a strong look, Presley remains a unique case. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, his size will be a deterrent for some teams. His hands, toughness and kick return abilities will boost his profile, but it’ll likely all come down to one trait: speed.

For the sake of comparison, Jacob Cowing of Arizona was drafted in the fourth round and Anthony Gould of Oregon State was drafted in the fifth round Saturday. Cowing measured 5-foot-8, 186 pounds and ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Gould ran a 4.39-second 40.

So regardless of how great a statistical year Presley has this fall, his draft stock will be heavily weighted by his 40 time in front of NFL scouts next March.

Dalton Cooper, offensive tackle

Multiple offensive linemen could be considered in this position, considering the Cowboys have seven blockers who will be in their fifth or sixth year of college football. Cooper, who stands 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, has attractive length and a long career of productivity at left tackle.

Last season was his first at OSU, and he was the top-graded lineman on the team, according to Pro Football Focus analytics. Another good season against Big 12 pass rushers, and Cooper could elevate himself into the draft conversation.

Other candidates

The Cowboys have several players in their final year of eligibility who could rise to the level of draftable with a strong season.

While quarterback Alan Bowman isn’t flashy, his intelligence, maturity and ability to navigate an offense could be attractive in a late-round situation.

Tight end Tyler Foster has the frame at 6-foot-6, 245, to be an enticing player, so his effectiveness as a blocker and receiver in his lone season at OSU will be key to his value.

A couple of guys at the safety position fit the same scope as the aforementioned offensive linemen. Trey Rucker needs to show consistency, particularly in coverage, and Kobe Hylton is entering his first season at the Power Four level, so a productive year could be valuable.

On the defensive line, Collin Clay has shown versatility, and he’s up to 330 pounds, so he, too, could make a jump with a strong season. And other defensive linemen are in the same situation.

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Players with eligibility remaining

Ollie Gordon II, running back

While Oklahoma State fans aren’t ready to think about it just yet, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Gordon will be the kind of running back NFL types love.

Granted, running backs aren’t nearly as coveted in the NFL as they were just a few years ago. No running backs were chosen in the first 45 picks this year, and only one — Texas’ Jonathan Brooks — was taken in the second round. Three more went in the third round, including Michigan’s Blake Corum, the only back with more rushing TDs than Gordon last year.

So Gordon’s value might not equate to a first-round landing spot, but he could still be the most attractive running back on the board.

It’s not a sure thing that Gordon is gone after his junior year. Perhaps OSU’s improved approach to name, image and likeness can convince guys like him to stick around longer. But whenever he makes the jump, Gordon is going to be a draw for NFL folks.

Collin Oliver, edge rusher

The biggest danger for the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Oliver is the possibility of falling into that feared “tweener” category. Is he a defensive end or an outside linebacker? Compared to players who were drafted over the weekend, his size is more comparable to linebackers, but his best gift is his lightning-quick pass rush.

After playing his first two seasons as a traditional defensive end, he was in more of a hybrid role last year, and that’ll continue in his true senior year — though it sounds like the Cowboys will try to keep him active in the pass rush more frequently this year.

Oliver’s speed and intelligence won’t be questioned, so it’ll all come down to where teams project him playing.

De’Zhaun Stribling, receiver

Earlier this spring, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Stribling got the seal of approval from coach Mike Gundy, who said the receiver has the skills to play at the next level — including, of course, the one qualification the coach always puts on such comments, that Stribling “has to keep working.”

Stribling was productive at Washington State, and was off to a strong start at OSU last year before breaking his wrist and ending his season. If he picks back up where he left off, Stribling should be in line for a lot of targets this fall, where he can show off the hands his teammates have raved about, as well as his good speed and strength.

Other candidates

You never know who could emerge from the younger group when the light comes on, but a couple of players seem to have put themselves in position for such a move this year.

Receiver Rashod Owens is an athletic, big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds. He showed good hands on contested catches last year and should get a full season as a starter. He has a super-senior year available should he choose to use it, but a big year could give him reason to think about the next level.

Safety Kendal Daniels has a frame NFL scouts will drool over at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. The question is, can he stay at safety in the League, or is his future at linebacker? He’s going to spend some time in a linebacker role this fall for the Cowboys, but it might not be regularly enough for him to show his full potential there.

He’s only a redshirt junior, so he could stick around for another season if needed, but he might be attractive enough to make the jump for the 2025 draft.

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Scott Wright covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Scott? He can be reached at swright@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @ScottWrightOK. Sign up for the Oklahoma State Cowboys newsletter to access more OSU coverage. Support Scott’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com or by using the link at the top of this page.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OSU football 2025 roster: An early look at Sooners' top NFL prospects