Ideal landing spots for Oklahoma’s top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft

Fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners showed up and showed out at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Ten Sooners initially participated, including Owen Heinecke, who won a hearing to regain his collegiate eligibility and pave the way for his return to Oklahoma in 2026. That leaves nine participants to evaluate, but we’ll focus on the top five prospects for OU and where they best fit in the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 249 lbs | Age: 21

NFL Draft projection: No. 42 overall to the New Orleans Saints

If you watched the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025, Thomas jumped off the tape with his ability to wreck a game and take control, no matter how many eyes were on him.

The moments that stand out are his game-sealing sack safety against Auburn where he absolutely devoured a double team, and his scoop and score against Tennessee where he fought off a tackler and was able to take it to the house while limping in with an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the regular season. He returned to play Alabama in the CFP, but was unable to really affect the game to swing it in OU's favor. He is far and away Oklahoma's top prospect, ranked No. 47 by PFF. He will likely go on day two if he doesn't sneak into the first round.

• The projection here has Thomas going in the second round and joining fellow Sooners alum Danny Stutsman on the Saints defense after New Orleans addresses WR in the first round.
  
  Other teams with eyes on Thomas: Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 292 lbs | Age: 22

NFL Draft projection: No. 77 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

"Amazin'" Gracen Halton put the NFL on notice at the Combine with a breakout performance, putting the final polish on a résumé that should have teams circling his name heading into the Draft. His rare athleticism consistently translates on film.

A key contributor to a Sooners defense that ranked sixth nationally in total defense and seventh in scoring defense, Halton finished fourth on the team with 3.5 sacks and seventh with seven tackles for loss, totaling 67 yards lost by opposing offenses. In 2024, he finished second on the team with five sacks (59 yards) and fourth with six tackles for loss (47 yards).

Ranked No. 70 by PFF, Halton projects as a solid Day 2 pick. The projection here lands him in the third round with Tampa Bay, a franchise in clear need of defensive help after finishing in the bottom half of the league in total defense.

• Other teams with eyes on Halton: Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys

3. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Height: 5’9” | Weight: 188 lbs | Age: 23

NFL Draft projection: No. 82 overall to the Minnesota Vikings

“Underutilized” might be the best way to describe Burks’ time at Oklahoma, but his stat line doesn’t fully capture the impact he can have. Burks clocked an official 4.30 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing his elite speed.

Against Alabama in the CFP, Burks saved his best for last, hauling in seven receptions (tied for a season high) for 107 yards and a touchdown. He consistently showed up in big moments, making a case as a true big-game riser. Burks posted 101 yards and a score against Michigan—his home state team—along with 64 yards versus Texas, 61 yards and a touchdown against LSU, and another 107-yard, one-touchdown performance on the biggest stage.

For his career, he totaled 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing the quick-twitch explosiveness and playmaking ability that translate well to the next level. Ranked No. 78 by Pro Football Focus, Burks projects as a Day 2 selection.

The projection here sends him to the Minnesota Vikings in the third round, adding depth behind Justin Jefferson and co.

Other teams with eyes on Burks: Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Washington Commanders

4. Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 213 lbs | Age: 22

NFL Draft projection: No. 227 overall to the Miami Dolphins

Another Combine riser, "RSJ" surprised even the most dedicated of Oklahoma fans with his blazing 4.32 in the 40-yard dash. No stranger to big plays, he recorded two interceptions, forced five fumbles and recovered two during his four-year career at Oklahoma.

One of the defining moments of the 2025 season came in Knoxville, where he returned an interception 37 yards in the Sooners’ 33–27 win at Tennessee, a play that helped spark a four-game winning streak. Ranked No. 222 by Pro Football Focus, Spears-Jennings projects as a late-round pick or priority undrafted free agent.

The projection here lands him in the seventh round with the Miami Dolphins, a team that could be looking to uncover value late in the draft.

• Other teams with eyes on Spears-Jennings: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers

5. Kendal Daniels, S, Oklahoma

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 242 lbs | Age: 23

NFL Draft projection: No. 241 overall to the Chicago Bears

One of my biggest dark horses in this draft, Daniels simply has a feel for the game you can’t teach. He plays with a natural instinct for the football and processes things at a level that stands out on tape.

While the hit against Michigan will always stick with Oklahoma fans, there’s another moment that really captures what he brings. Against Ole Miss, as quarterback Trinidad Chambliss motioned the running back out, Daniels immediately diagnosed the play but didn’t overplay his hand. At the snap, he subtly turned away to disguise himself, then immediately bolted to the running back as Chambliss delivered the ball, blowing up the play.

Ranked No. 365 by Pro Football Focus, Daniels isn’t a lock to be drafted, but the projection here has the Chicago Bears taking a flier on him in the seventh round.

• Other teams with eyes on Daniels: Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts

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