Could Oklahoma Sooners' defensive superstar be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Much has been made about the relative talent of the 2025 NFL Draft, especially at the top. Multiple scouts have claimed that the true first-round talents of the draft class don't even exceed 10 players, which is going to push guys up into the first-round conversation despite positional value. This is good for players like […]
Much has been made about the relative talent of the 2025 NFL Draft, especially at the top.
Multiple scouts have claimed that the true first-round talents of the draft class don't even exceed 10 players, which is going to push guys up into the first-round conversation despite positional value.
This is good for players like Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman, whose draft buzz hasn't faded. According to A to Z Sports Draft Insider Ryan Roberts, Stutsman is a favorite among NFL scouts to be the first linebacker drafted.
"Even though the position has been somewhat undervalued in recent years, we typically see at least one linebacker drafted in the first round every year. The best guess for who that will be right now is Oklahoma star Danny Stutsman. From every source I’ve spoken to, Stutsman has a lot of fans around the league.
Obviously, it starts with his physical profile, standing at 6-4 and 240 pounds with impressive movement skills. Stutsman has steadily gotten better. He is also profiting off of an underwhelming class, which will continue to push him up the board right or wrong."
It makes sense why Stutsman appeals to many scouts around the league, with his impressive athleticism as well as leadership ability. The ability to move has become a priority for NFL defensive coordinators in recent years, and processing has become a relatively diminished trait.
Teams want linebackers who can cover ground well and match up seams with tight ends in the passing game. There's been a huge emphasis on linebackers who are capable blitzers as well, something Stutsman excels at with his size, physicality, and athleticism.
With LSU linebacker Harold Perkins suffering a torn ACL, the first linebacker off the board is totally up in the air. Stutsman has been the leader for a resurgent Sooners' defense this season. If he keeps that play up, especially against talented offenses like Texas, Ole Miss, and Alabama, Roberts' prediction could come true, and Stutsman could hear his name called early on in the 2025 NFL Draft.
