Further Insight into Oklahoma Prospects for the NFL Scouting Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine will be an exciting opportunity for many top-tier former Oklahoma football players to compete for a spot in the NFL Draft. As the Combine approaches, it’s important to break down the remaining prospects in greater detail and offer more insight into their skills and projections, which will ultimately play a role in their draft positions.
Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel
Analysis: Dillon Gabriel entered the University of Oklahoma after transferring from UCF (University of Central Florida) and immediately became a key figure in their offense. His impressive arm strength and ability to push the ball downfield make him a standout quarterback. However, it’s his mobility that has drawn significant attention. Gabriel is known for being able to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws on the run. His football IQ and leadership have been praised by both coaches and teammates.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Arm Strength and Accuracy: One of the biggest questions heading into the Combine for Gabriel will be his arm strength, particularly when throwing the ball deep. It’s vital for him to showcase his deep-ball accuracy and velocity in various drills.
- Mobility and Speed: As a dual-threat quarterback, his ability to move in the pocket, avoid pressure, and run when necessary will also be a point of focus during the Combine.
Projection: Gabriel is projected to be a mid-round selection, depending on his Combine performance. He is viewed as a developmental prospect, with potential to grow into a starter in the NFL, especially for teams looking for a mobile quarterback.
Running Back: Eric Gray
Analysis: Eric Gray is one of the most versatile running backs to come out of Oklahoma in recent years. During his time at Oklahoma, Gray showed impressive vision, speed, and ability to break tackles. He demonstrated great field awareness and patience behind the offensive line, waiting for the right moment to accelerate. His performance in the passing game also stood out, as he was often used as a receiving option out of the backfield.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- 40-Yard Dash Time: With his explosive acceleration and speed, Eric Gray’s 40-yard dash time will be an important test. Scouts will want to see how quickly he can reach top speed and if he has the breakaway ability needed at the next level.
- Pass-catching Drills: Gray’s ability as a receiving back will also be under the spotlight. His hands and route-running skills in passing drills could push his stock higher.
Projection: Gray’s combination of size, speed, and versatility places him firmly in the mid-rounds, with some analysts projecting him as a late-round steal. His showing at the Combine will be a key determining factor in whether he rises higher in the draft order.
Wide Receiver: Marvin Mims Jr.
Analysis: Marvin Mims Jr. has been one of the most electric players for the Sooners, often displaying game-breaking ability with his top-end speed and precise route running. His time at Oklahoma allowed him to develop chemistry with multiple quarterbacks, and he proved to be a reliable target in both short and long-range situations. Mims is a big-play threat, capable of taking the top off the defense, but he also has the skills to run the complete route tree.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Route Running and Agility: Mims’ ability to run clean, crisp routes will be scrutinized during on-field drills. Scouts will want to see him transition smoothly and change directions without losing speed.
- Speed and Separation: His 40-yard dash will be a key metric, as scouts want to measure just how fast he can separate from defenders in deep routes.
Projection: Mims is expected to go in the second to third round, and his Combine performance could either solidify his spot or push him further up the rankings. His explosive nature and potential to become a top-tier receiver make him an exciting prospect for any NFL team looking for a playmaker at wide receiver.
Offensive Lineman: Anton Harrison
Analysis: Anton Harrison is a powerful, athletic offensive tackle who has been an anchor on the Sooners’ offensive line. His size, strength, and quickness make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, particularly those in need of an immediate starter at the tackle position. Harrison has solidified himself as one of the most dependable offensive linemen in college football, known for his consistency in both run blocking and pass protection.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Drill Performance: Harrison’s performance in the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, and bench press will be closely monitored, as his agility and strength are crucial to his success in the NFL.
- Pass Protection: One of the most important aspects of being a top tackle is the ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside. NFL scouts will want to see how Harrison fares against speed rushers and how effectively he can move in space.
Projection: Harrison is projected to be a first-round pick, with the possibility of being one of the first offensive linemen selected. His Combine performance will be instrumental in confirming whether he has the physical tools to thrive at the next level.
Defensive Lineman: Jalen Redmond
Analysis: Jalen Redmond is a disruptive force on the defensive line, demonstrating an exceptional blend of quickness, power, and explosiveness. He has the ability to collapse the pocket and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Redmond’s motor and ability to find the ball carrier in both the run and pass game will make him a coveted player at the Combine. His strength against the run, combined with his speed as a pass rusher, makes him a versatile threat.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Pass Rushing Drills: Redmond will want to display his ability to bend around the edge and use his quickness to pressure quarterbacks. He’ll need to showcase his burst off the line of scrimmage to show that he has the traits of a premier pass rusher.
- Strength and Power: His bench press will be a key drill to show his power in the trenches, which is crucial for a defensive lineman.
Projection: Redmond is likely to go in the third to fourth round, with his Combine showing serving as the deciding factor for teams evaluating him as a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle.
Linebacker: David Ugwoegbu
Analysis: David Ugwoegbu has been an essential part of Oklahoma’s linebacker corps, known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and football instincts. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and make plays in the open field has earned him recognition. Ugwoegbu’s versatility, ability to rush the passer, and skills in pass coverage will be key traits for NFL teams looking for a three-down linebacker.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Speed and Coverage Skills: Ugwoegbu’s 40-yard dash and agility drills will be important, as his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage is one of his strongest attributes.
- Strength and Tackling: As a linebacker, his ability to shed blocks and wrap up ball carriers will be scrutinized by scouts.
Projection: Ugwoegbu is expected to be drafted in the fourth to sixth rounds, with his Combine performance likely to determine whether he moves up in the draft or stays in the mid-to-late rounds.
Defensive Back: Key Lawrence
Analysis: Key Lawrence has been a steady presence in Oklahoma’s secondary. He possesses great length, quickness, and the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. His ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers is a key part of his skill set. As a safety, Lawrence is known for his strong tackling and his range in coverage, but his performance at the Combine will give teams a closer look at his athleticism.
What to Watch at the Combine:
- Speed and Agility: Lawrence’s 40-yard dash and shuttle drills will be key indicators of his potential at the next level. Teams will want to know if he has the closing speed to cover deep routes and the agility to match up with slot receivers.
- Ball Skills: During drills, Lawrence will need to demonstrate his ability to track and intercept passes.
Projection: Lawrence is expected to be a late-round pick, but his Combine showing could increase his draft stock if he impresses with his physical attributes and coverage skills.
As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine nears, the former Oklahoma players in the draft class will be closely watched for their performances in a variety of drills. With each player looking to improve their draft position, the Combine will be their opportunity to impress NFL scouts and executives. Whether through physical tests, agility drills, or showcasing their football IQ, these prospects have the chance to solidify themselves as key contributors in the NFL. Their futures in professional football will ultimately be shaped by their ability to perform at the Combine and translate their college success into potential at the next level.
For Oklahoma football, this year’s draft class represents another successful crop of athletes looking to take the next step into the NFL.
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