Cowboys could steal Oklahoma's rising star in Round 2 of the 2027 NFL Draft

Arch Manning’s pass sailed over Cam Coleman’s head. As time nearly stood still at the Cotton Bowl, Peyton Bowen left his feet, grabbed the ball, and ran full speed into Red River Rivalry lore.

And up draft boards? Despite cementing himself as a Sooner legend Oct. 10 in OU’s 27-24 victory over Texas, the Oklahoma safety is still a dark horse in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Bowen is no stranger to making big plays at Oklahoma. And if his draft stock continues to rise, the Dallas Cowboys could have an opportunity to bring the Denton, Texas, product back home as a potential second-round steal.

Just a year ago, Bowen delivered three massive moments for the Sooners. At Tennessee, he intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards to set up a go-ahead field goal. At Alabama, he broke up a pass to seal the victory. And against LSU, after already recording an interception in the end zone for a touchback, Bowen jumped and knocked down LSU's final pass of the game to send Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff.

Following the big win over Texas, Bowen was praised by Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables for his leadership in keeping the team focused on the task at hand.

Despite the Sooners falling short against Kentucky the following week, Bowen did his part in recording five tackles and a pass breakup.

What makes Peyton Bowen an intriguing 2027 NFL Draft prospect?

As mentioned before, Bowen's impact extends well beyond his play on the field in terms of leadership. But his play on the field speaks volumes.

Bowen earned second-team All-SEC honors from the conference's coaches in 2025 after recording 47 tackles, two interceptions, a team-high seven pass breakups, a tackle for loss, a QB hurry and a blocked field goal.

Those game-changing plays showcase his coverage instincts, versatility, and ball skills. But if you watch Bowen on a weekly basis, you will see that beyond the numbers he is always one of the most reliable players on the Oklahoma defense in any situation.

As an added bonus, Bowen is a former punt returner at both the high school and collegiate levels, serving as Oklahoma's primary punt returner in 2024 with 25 returns.

How high can Peyton Bowen climb in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Oklahoma players have made a habit of impressing NFL personnel beyond their on-field abilities at the NFL Combine during the Brent Venables era, particularly with Jim Nagy's recent arrival in Norman.

Don't expect Peyton Bowen to be any different.

I fully expect Bowen to crush the interview process with his leadership, maturity and character.

And as far as the Combine workouts? Don't be surprised if Bowen turns heads with his 40-yard dash time. In addition to his time as a punt returner, Bowen's speed was on full display during his Red River Rivalry pick-six, where he shifted into top gear to take it to the house.

Even as an OU legend, Bowen hasn't yet established himself as a consensus early-round prospect.

Pro Football Network previously ranked Bowen ninth among draft-eligible safeties, while other projections have placed him in the middle rounds.

While some early projections have Bowen falling into the third day of the NFL Draft, don't be surprised if someone takes a chance on him on Day 2.

The tape is there. The size (6-foot, 204 pounds) is there. What is missing? To me, the missing piece is the Combine. I don't think there's much he can do that he doesn't already do on a game-by-game basis to show something new on tape.

If he's able to post the numbers he's capable of at the Combine, I could see him climbing as high as the second round.

Could Peyton Bowen land with the Dallas Cowboys?

So, where will he end up?

I'm a sucker for a hometown hero, and Bowen landing with the Cowboys would be intriguing given the lengths Dallas has been going to shore up its much-maligned defense.

Pairing the Denton Guyer product with Caleb Downs and the recently acquired Joey Porter Jr. would form quite the formidable defensive backfield. Bowen and Downs both feature the versatility that would allow them to move back and forth from the strong and free safety roles.

Jerry Jones is no stranger to making bold selections in the NFL Draft, so I'll go out on a limb and send Bowen to the Cowboys with the No. 46 overall pick in the second round of my projection. Currently without a third-round pick, Dallas will have to take a big swing to get Bowen. And if they don't, someone else will.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow