OU football 2025 NFL Draft prospects: Which Sooners could be drafted next year?

NORMAN — Three OU players were drafted during the 2024 NFL Draft, the fewest since 2007.

Of the three, zero were skill players. Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton was selected No. 29 overall by the Dallas Cowboys and offensive tackle Walter Rouse went to the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round, while defensive lineman Jonah Laulu landed with the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round.

The draft was a down year for OU and it’s almost impossible to predict how next year’s draft will unfold. But the Sooners have numerous intriguing prospects who could become future NFL players.

From wide receivers who could be difference makers to a star linebacker. We’ll have to wait and see how the 2024 season shapes up.

This list also might not be final as there are several current transfer portal targets who could turn into NFL players.

However, here is a way too early list of potential OU draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:

More: Oklahoma undrafted free agents tracker: Sooners who signed after 2024 NFL Draft

Andrel Anthony, wide receiver

If he returns to form in 2024 following his knee injury, Anthony is a prime candidate to get drafted.

Before the injury, Anthony led the Sooners in receiving with 429 yards. He also caught 27 passes and a touchdown. He registered a season-high 117 receiving yards against Cincinnati and showcased his elite route running and speed.

For Anthony, who spent two seasons at Michigan, his draft prospects will depend on his health.

Billy Bowman Jr., safety

Bowman weighed entering the 2024 NFL Draft before returning to help usher Oklahoma into the SEC.

His talent is undeniable and his production speaks for itself. Bowman started all 13 games for OU last season, ranked second nationally with six interceptions and led the country with three interception returns for a touchdown.

He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and is poised for another big season in 2024.

Deion Burks, wide receiver

Burks also weighed entering the 2024 NFL Draft out of Purdue.

Instead, he seeked a challenge and an opportunity to show he could perform against the best talent. If the Sooners’ spring game is any indication, where Burks caught five passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, he could be one of the most coveted receivers in next year’s draft.

It’s not just his twitchy quickness that’s impressive either, Burks has elite pass catching skills.

Ethan Downs, defensive end

While Downs’ game doesn’t immediately jump out as NFL-caliber, he’s played a lot of football and had a lot of production for Oklahoma under Brent Venables.

He’s appeared in every game during his collegiate career and Venables said following the spring game he’s seen a lot of growth this offseason from Downs.

If he continues his All-Big 12 play, I could see him earning a spot on a roster either as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent.

Jalil Farooq, wide receiver

As you can tell, OU’s wide receivers room is stacked.

Farooq is another who has a shot to make an NFL roster one day. He can do almost anything asked of him on the field including catch passes, rush out of the backfield or return kicks.

Last season he became the first Sooner with at least 100 receiving yards and 100 kickoff return yards in the same game.

Danny Stutsman, linebacker

Stutsman is another prospect who could’ve been drafted in 2024 and decided to return.

If he can dominate games like he has in the past in the SEC, that decision might benefit him. A second-team Walter Camp All-American in 2023, Stutsman led Oklahoma in total tackles (104), solo tackles (51) and tackles for loss (16.0).

We’ll see if his decision to return pays off.

Da’Jon Terry, defensive tackle

Terry will be OU’s leader on the defensive line this season.

He’s shown he can play in the SEC during his time at Tennessee and if he improves on his 2023 season, he’ll definitely get a shot at the next level.

Woodi Washington, defensive back

Washington played a handful of positions during spring ball.

After starting every game the last two seasons for the Sooners, he’s using 2024 to learn as much as he can from Venables. If he plays consistent football in the SEC he’ll also be a player on NFL scouts’ radars.

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