Oklahoma Sooners star safety Billy Bowman puts his name firmly back on NFL Draft radars against Auburn
Despite their defensive dominance, it's been a quiet season so far for Oklahoma Sooners' safety Billy Bowman. He has one interception so far this season after posting six in 2023 and teams have taken advantage of his aggressive nature at times this season. However, he posted a terrific outing against Auburn that reminded everyone of […]
Despite their defensive dominance, it's been a quiet season so far for Oklahoma Sooners' safety Billy Bowman. He has one interception so far this season after posting six in 2023 and teams have taken advantage of his aggressive nature at times this season.
However, he posted a terrific outing against Auburn that reminded everyone of just how talented a player he is.
Oklahoma Sooners’ defense may have found a new young breakout starter at key position against Auburn Tigers
The Oklahoma Sooners' defense has been a revelation this season, carrying the team to a 4-1 start and earning their comeback win over the Auburn Tigers. Several standout individual performances defined their game against Auburn and it might have revealed a long-term solution for the team at a key position. Against Auburn, Oklahoma's corners repeatedly […]
Bowman flew around the field on Saturday, leading the way for a Sooners defense that led the team to a comeback win over Auburn.
He led the team in tackles with eight and finished tied with Kip Lewis for the most stops with four. Bowman might be a smaller defensive back, but he's not afraid to fill downhill against the run; a trait that will endear him to NFL scouts.
This has been the tale of Bowman all season. He's third on the team in total tackles and has been a key cog in the Sooners' superb run defense so far this season.
Even in coverage, Bowman has still been strong. He's played over 150 snaps in man coverage so far and hasn't allowed a single catch, posting one interception as well.
His zone instincts are superb as well, leading him to close off passing lanes quickly. His 48 yards allowed are eighth in the SEC despite being targeted more than every safety above him except for Alabama's Malachi Moore.
His skill set is fascinating from an NFL draft perspective as well. The NFL does not have a lot of safeties who can play well from deep, in the box, and hold up in coverage in the slot. I can count the list of reliable man coverage safeties on one hand.
When you combine that with his range deep, his ball skills, and his willingness to play the run, it's not hard to envision Bowman's NFL future and why he's still likely to be drafted high despite his small stature.
Yes, he hasn't posted the same production he was on pace for last season. However, Billy Bowman has been an integral part of the Sooners' defense this season. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
