Oklahoma State Cowboys Top NFL Prospects for 2012 and Beyond
Oklahoma State is always known for their top of the line offense, and this year will be no different. The top flight unit is led by quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who hooked up for 20 touchdowns through the air last year. This is a high powered offensive attack, and it’s no coincidence that that side of the ball is where the major talent is coming from. There are a couple of blue-chip guys coming out of the ‘Pokes’ system, and they have some guys who could be big time contributors in the NFL right away.
73 Levy Adcock (Seni0r), OT, 6’6″ 325
Massive offensive tackle prospect with size and athletic ability. Obviously excels in pass protection, and was a first team All-Big 12 selection in 2010. Former junior college transfer from the class of 2009, who can play either guard or right tackle, and has lined up as a fourth tight end in some sets. It’s definitely possible if not probable that Adcock will move to guard in the NFL, but we will see how he fares in 2011. He is certainly athletic enough to hold up as a right tackle, and he has the size to play either spot and be an immediate starter. An education major who wants to someday be a coach, and a guy who is tough as nails on the interior. Very solid prospect, and a big reason why the Oklahoma State offense will have great success. Not a similar player to Russell Okung, by any means, but a 2nd-3rd round guy in all likelihood.
3 Brandon Weeden (RS Senior), QB, 6’4″ 224
Really emerged in 2010 as a first year starter for the Cowboys and ignited the offense to the tune of 4,277 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Helped lead the Cowboys to third in the nation in scoring and total offense, and was an All Big 12 selection. We know that Weeden can dominate bad defensive teams, but now we need to see him step up his accuracy and decision making against teams like Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Weeden is a guy whose story will be receiving a lot of attention in the coming months. He was a 2nd round pick of the New York Yankees in 2002, and was born in 1983, so he is going to be an older NFL rookie. Because of that, his stock will probably take a hit, and he might be a second round pick similar to John Beck a few years back. Still, there is no question about this guy’s ability, and if he can repeat on his 2010 performance, he should be a real hot name in NFL Draft circles. He joined the Oklahoma State program in 2007, and returns in 2011 as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
81 Justin Blackmon (RS Junior), WR, 6’1″ 211
An absolute beast at the wide receiver position who is considered one of the top two receiver prospects for next year, and one of the top overall prospects in the entire potential 2012 class of players. Broke out as a redshirt sophomore in 2010 with 111 receptions for 1,782 yards, 20 touchdowns, a 16.1 yards per reception average, and a 69 yard rushing touchdown. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Blackmon’s sophomore season was that he did not go a single game without 100 yards or more receiving. If he were to out-do himself, it’s that he didn’t go a single game without catching a touchdown pass despite being the focus of opposing defensive units. Blackmon is a guy who is going to be a high pick in the draft barring significant injury or character flaws. He was arrested for a DUI in late October, but hopefully he can push that issue behind him, as stupid as it is. He should be one of the top offensive players in the country in 2011 with stability at the quarterback position and a healthy season.
10 Markelle Martin (Senior), S, 6’1″ 195
Martin is a guy that combines his outstanding speed (4.43 40) with tackling ability (100 tackles over the last two seasons) and could make an impact in the NFL on special teams. He had 3 interceptions in 2010 and led the team with 11 pass breakups in 2009 as a sophomore. Sleeper at the safety position who might have limited upside, but with a productive senior season could rocket up the draft boards because of his consistency, athleticism, and speed. 21 pass breakups over the last two seasons and an All-Conference player who will have three solid years of starting when all is said and done. Not an elite safety prospect at this point, but certainly a player to keep an eye on. Really dedicated himself off the field in the classroom, and has essentially turned his life around in that regard. Heads into the season as the essential “leader” of the Oklahoma State defense. Teams are going to pass on the depleted secondary, which could be an area of weakness, but keep an eye on this guy, he is a playmaker.