Oklahoma Sooners Top Prospects for 2012 and Beyond

The Oklahoma Sooners are  traditionally one of the top schools in terms of producing NFL talent. This year, they put out two of their top defenders who were both drafted by the Denver Broncos–safety Quinton Carter and defensive end Jeremy Beal. The Sooners did not lose a ton of talent from their 2010 team, which is a big reason why everyone is predicting them to be the best team in all of college football next year.

Not only is Oklahoma a near lock for a BCS title appearance, they will also be putting out some of the top talent in the 2012 NFL Draft.

28 Travis Lewis (Senior), LB, 6’2″ 233

Lewis could be the best WILL linebacker prospect in the entire draft. He has been a projected first round pick since 2010, and likely will be a first round pick in 2012. He combines phenomenal speed to go along with his ideal size for the position. His tackles for loss have gone down every year, but he has still been very productive with 362 tackles, 26.5 for loss, 8 interceptions, and 10 passes broken up. He is a complete prospect who will likely only benefit from another year of seasoning. Started all 41 games he has played in over three year span. Has been named All-Big 12 three years in a row, and in 2008 was the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year as a freshman. Broke Brian Bosworth’s freshman tackles record with 144. All Big 12 Academic performer who will break the all-time record at Oklahoma of interceptions by a linebacker if he picks off just one pass in 2011. Six career sacks and likely will be a plug-and-play in the NFL. Immediate starter at WILL in a 4-3 defensive scheme.

85 Ryan Broyles (RS Senior), WR, 5’11” 187

Small possession receiver who has been nothing short of spectacular for the Sooners throughout his career. First team All-American in 2010 after catching 131 passes for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, has 220 catches for 2,742 yards and 29 touchdowns while also doubling as a punt returner for the Sooners. Averaging around 11 yards per punt return (90 PR for 998 yards) and has started 26 games over the last two years. Has started 34 games in three years for the Sooners, catching passes from both Sam Bradford and top QB prospect Landry Jones. Broyles isn’t going to really benefit from going back to school another year other than the possibility of a national championship, which seems likely. Fifth year senior with a ton of experience. Not the fastest receiver but very quick, understands route concepts, and understands defense. Was a big time defensive back in high school. Gritty player who is not afraid to put his body out there for contact. Owns 10 Oklahoma records, and is the first WR in 72 years of recorded history at Oklahoma to lead the team in scoring (2009). Broyles is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and has 16 plays of 40 or more yards.

12 Landry Jones (RS Junior), QB, 6’4″ 230

Started 24 of 27 games that he has played at Oklahoma, and has vaulted himself into the discussion as a potential top 10 pick in 2011. Saw his accuracy increase dramatically as a sophomore in 2010 when he went from 58.1% completion to 65.6%. Honorable mention All-American in 2010 after throwing for 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns (12 interceptions). Works primarily out of the shotgun but has very good vision down the field, as well as excellent footwork in the pocket. Goes through his progressions and knows how to read defenses. Has the arm strength to be able to fit the ball into tight spaces. His accuracy has dramatically increased, as I pointed out, and he has a very quick release. Not a scrambler by any means, but knows how to work outside of the pocket and use his athleticism to his advantage. Arm strength overall is very good to excellent. Great placement on his deep throws, and I would love to see him decrease his interception totals even though the Sooners are a big time passing offense. Could compete with Andrew Luck to be the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft if he chooses to come out.

82 James Hanna (Senior), TE, 6’4″ 237

This is a big guy who has potential as an h-back or rotational tight end in the NFL. Caught 18 passes last season, and seven of them went for touchdowns. Four receptions for 130 yards in a win last year against Oklahoma State, including a 76 yard reception that put the game on ice for the Sooners. Would love to see him emerge in 2011 as one of the top pass receiving TE’s in the nation.

76 Jarvis Jones, (RS Senior), OL, 6’6″ 308

Former LSU transfer who came to Oklahoma in 2008 and was a Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2009. Injury concerns are definitely a problem for Jones, who will probably be a mid round pick in the NFL unless he really emerges as an elite starter this year, and he certainly could. Jones was a top rated high school recruit for LSU, and played there for one year. Powerful lineman with great size and athletic ability.

77 Stephen Good (Senior), OL, 6’4″ 293

Very solid offensive guard prospect. Hard worker and an excellent run blocker, but in order to succeed for the Oklahoma offense, you have to be a stellar pass protector. Will be starting for his third straight year this year. Has played in an unprecedented amount of snaps for the Sooners. Very valuable player for this team, and will likely be a starting offensive guard in the NFL.

84 Frank Alexander (Senior), DE, 6’3″ 260

Alexander is consistently coming into his own as a pass rushing defensive end, but is one of the more complete DE prospects available next year. Probably a better overall athlete than Jeremy Beal was coming out this year, but is really just scratching the surface of what he can be. Has been in a three man rotation at defensive end for most of his career, but has still been productive. Had six sacks last year and 11 tackles for loss. Had his best game against Nebraska with four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a forced fumble. Probably a mid-round pick at this point, but should get a fair shake in the NFL.

32 Jamell Fleming (Senior), CB, 5’11” 191

Productive two year special teams player for the Sooners, which will be extremely valuable going to the NFL level. 27 special teams tackles over the last two seasons are the best on the team. Had an excellent junior season where he intercepted five passes to go along with 71 tackles and a sack. Really emerged as a cover corner in 2010 and should continue to improve. Not the fastest cornerback or the most imposing physical specimen, but should be a starter in the NFL.