Sooners defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. is already impressing NFL coaches at the Shrine Bowl, and the game hasn’t even happened yet
The Sooners loved having Jones Jr.
The Oklahoma Sooners have fielded an elite defense for two consecutive seasons. In the 2025 season, they were especially effective at getting to the quarterback—an achievement credited mainly to their exceptional depth along the defensive line.
Marvin Jones Jr. didn’t get much attention this season, but he is already drawing notice from NFL coaches at the Shrine Bowl, even before the game starts. Jones Jr. stood out in 1-on-1s with a theoretical sack. Soon after, NFL defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton of the Dallas Cowboys gave him a fist bump.
Jones Jr. can end up being a hidden gem in the 2026 NFL Draft
At defensive tackle, the Sooners had four players who could start on most college teams. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, David Stone and Jayden Jackson—who often acted as second-string players as sophomores in 2025—are expected to be among the best in college football. On the edge, R Mason Thomas, Taylor Wein, PJ Adebawore, and Jones Jr. formed another elite group. Thomas and Jones Jr. are likely headed to the NFL.
While Thomas is projected as a first- or early second-round pick and ranks among the top edge rushers in the country, Jones isn’t expected to go as high. His tape and stats aren’t as strong, and that’s okay—Thomas stands out. Still, Jones is making an impression at Shrine Bowl practices and even earned a fist bump from an NFL coach.
During the last few days of Shrine Bowl practice, Jones Jr. has been showing off, especially in the 1-on-1 reps against offensive linemen. This is usually where guys like Jones Jr. show off what they can really do, because there are no other offensive linemen to help over, or no running backs and tight ends to chip.
Jones Jr. is currently ranked 334th in the draft by Pro Football Focus. After the Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine, people will better understand his abilities.
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