The 2023 NFL draft is a month away and the Oklahoma Sooners appear to be well represented during the seven-round selection process.
The biggest question is, will they return to the first round of the draft? Following the selection of CeeDee Lamb in the 2020 draft, Oklahoma has gone without a first-rounder twice in a row. Offensive tackle Anton Harrison could change that.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid produced a mock draft over seven rounds (ESPN+) and five Oklahoma Sooners were selected. Where did they land? let’s check it out
19. Anton Harrison – Tampa Bay Buccaneer
March 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma offensive lineman Anton Harrison (OL22) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What ESPN says:
Harrison gets my vote for the prospect who will hear his name much sooner than expected. He just turned 21, was rock solid as a two-year starter in Oklahoma, and has spent his entire career in left tackle. He’s a skilled pass guard, but his biggest hurdle is enduring the attack point for long periods of time and continuing to build his strength. After the release of Donovan Smiththe Bucs could attack All-Pro head-on Tristan Wirfs to the other side, but why mess with something that works? The better solution is to design a natural left tackle to pair with throws. – Reid, ESPN
Anton Harrison was routinely picked as the first Sooner off the board in mock drafts. It can go from mid-first round to early second round depending on how NFL teams rank the offensive tackle class. Harrison would team up with Baker Mayfield, who signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay that offseason.
62. Marvin Mims, WR—Philadelphia Eagles
March 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims (WO34) participates in the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What ESPN says:
The Eagles’ underestimated need is depth at wide receivers. It’s a top-heavy group with AJ Brown And De Vonta Smith, but they don’t have much after these two. Mims, who has averaged more than 20 yards per catch over the past two seasons, could match Quez Watkins for the WR3 spot, creating an intriguing battle for the vertical threat spot. – Reid
Marvin Mims is the second-highest picking sooner in the 2023 NFL Draft. His mix of speed, playmaking and route running will put him on many teams’ radars.
Mims would get a chance to play with former Sooners quarterback Jalen Hurts. While the two didn’t overlap in Oklahoma, I’m sure they would find a strong connection in the field on the Eagles’ offense.
134. Wanya Morris, OT – Chiefs of Kansas City
March 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma offensive lineman Wanya Morris (OL33) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Wanya Morris had a really nice season for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022. His game has put him on the radar of NFL scouts and he has a chance to start at the NFL level.
Morris would have a chance to replace Orlando Brown Jr. on the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line. Brown signed with Cincinnati this offseason.
146. Eric Gray, RB – Saints of New Orleans
March 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (RB10) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Gray had a career year back as a workhorse for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022. He showed he was able to carry the load and be a dynamic player as a runner and pass catcher.
Gray would offer the Saints running back room a similar element to another former Tennessee running back; Alvin Kamara.
158. Jalen Redmond, DT – Minnesota Vikings
March 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (DL13) takes part in the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Redmond had a good production during his time with the Sooners. However, injuries and Oklahoma’s defensive reputation will limit his ceiling. A strong NFL combine probably helped add a ton to his draft stock. The pro tag will go a long way in cementing his status among centre-backs.
Redmond rejoins former Oklahoma linebacker Brian Asamoah in the Vikings defense. He would look good in purple.
surprises
10/15/2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Brayden Willis (9) dives past Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Ra’Mello Dotson (3) for a touchdown in the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a bit surprising not to see Brayden Willis’ name in the seven-round mock draft. Willis is a good pass catcher, but he’s a fantastic blocker. He’s someone teams can field as a No. 2 tight end as a rookie while they continue to develop the intricacies of tight end play at the NFL level.
Sign me up as a Dallas Cowboys fan to draft Brayden Willis this year to replace the departure of Dalton Schultz.
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Source : sports.yahoo.com