Rondell Bothroyd, Tyler Guyton among OU 2024 NFL Draft hopefuls
It’s the streak OU football proudly talks about every NFL Draft season. If it’s time for the Draft, then it’s time for at least four Sooners to get selected.
There is a lot of potential for Oklahoma to have that streak continue for yet another year in 2024. It might take some quality performances during the 2023 season, but it’s absolutely possible.
In examining the OU roster, here are the guys who can break out in 2023 and put their name in the 2024 Draft conversation for head coach Brent Venables.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
This makes a lot of sense. Bothroyd was so productive at Wake Forest that if he duplicates that at OU, he’s going to be a national name. It’s possible Bothroyd won’t start the first game at OU. But it feels like a safe bet he’ll be there at season’s end.
WR Jalil Farooq
This is one of those first people you say production needs to equal the potential. Because the potential is there for Farooq. He should become the No. 1 wide receiver this season. And if he puts up No. 1 receiver-like numbers, he’ll have a choice to make about leaving early.
QB Dillon Gabriel
There’s this sense of finality for Gabriel, at least at OU. The 2023 season should be his final one in Norman. The goal, the hope is that it’s so great that Gabriel can leave the Sooners behind and give it a whirl in the Draft. Another one we’ll have to revisit later.
OT Tyler Guyton
A funny one here just because nobody knew who Guyton was going into the 2022 season. And a funny one here because if Guyton is good, maybe he sticks around at OU in 2024. But if Guyton is great, he’s leaving and testing the Draft waters. He has all the tools and athletic ability to make a run.
S Reggie Pearson
The next couple of guys are grad transfers looking to end their college careers with a bang. The question is what will Pearson learn in his one season at OU that might help him moving forward? We know he can hit people. How will his game evolve and develop under Brent Venables?
TE Austin Stogner
Welcome back to OU, and there is a blueprint for Stogner. Everybody saw what Brayden Willis just did last season in terms of changing the narrative. Stogner now has the exact same opportunity to show who he is as a No. 1 option and with a renewed mental mindset at OU.
It just feels like Stutsman will be too productive to remain in Norman. He was the leading tackler in the Big 12 last season as a sophomore. If he continues on that path, he should put up some monster numbers. He’s also being looked upon as the leader of the defense.
Washington came back for a reason. He was a little banged up in 2022 and didn’t have the season he had hoped for. He gets this one chance to make it right. Washington needs to make that leap from good to great. Everything would open up for him if he can do just that.
