Sooners in NFL – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Trio of former Oklahoma offensive linemen among PFF’s top 32 for 2023 at offensive tackle

Oklahoma sees three former Sooners inside PFF’s top offensive tackles. Trent Williams, Lane Johnson, and Orlando Brown Jr. ranked.

Oklahoma’s track record over the last 15 years with the offensive line in the NFL is only matched by Notre Dame and Wisconsin. However, right now, when it comes to offensive tackle, no school is doing it better than the Sooners.

Pro Football Focus continued their rankings of the best 32 players at each position ahead of the 2023 season, and when looking at offensive tackle, Oklahoma has the top two.

[autotag]Trent Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Lane Johnson[/autotag] slot in at No. 1 and 2 in PFF’s offensive tackle rankings, and it’s hard to argue with either. No tackle has been as dominant and consistent as Trent Williams, who, at 34, is comfortably one of the league’s best players regardless of position.

Here is what the curator of the list, Gordon McGuinness, had to say about Trent at the top spot.

Williams has been with the 49ers for three seasons now and has finished all three with the highest PFF grade among offensive tackles. From 526 pass-blocking snaps in the regular season and playoffs last season, he allowed 19 total pressures, just three of which were hits or sacks. – McGuinness, PFF

Williams’ consistency at left tackle has helped propel San Francisco’s offense in new ways. Trent’s ability to win against any opposition makes it much easier for head coach and play caller Kyle Shanahan to orchestrate his dynamic offense.

Elsewhere in the NFC, Lane Johnson holds down the right tackle spot for the defending NFC champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson came to Oklahoma as a quarterback and tight end. He switched briefly to defensive end before ending up on the offensive line. That switch changed his career. Since then, he’s been magnificent at right tackle.

Johnson dealt with injuries throughout the 2022 season but still put together his best season in pass protection since entering the NFL. His 90.1 PFF pass-blocking grade trailed only Laremy Tunsil at the position, with Johnson not allowing a single sack or hit through the regular season and playoffs. – McGuinness, PFF

Johnson has the responsibility of protecting former Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts and Johnson held it down all last season. He didn’t give up a single sack or quarterback hit in 2022. Johnson also thrives as a physical and dominant force in the running game which is a significant part of the Eagles’ offensive attack.

Oklahoma’s list of talented offensive tackles does not end there. Orlando Brown also slots in on the list at No. 14.

Brown has developed into a high-floor NFL player, with his PFF grade sitting between 73.0 and 78.0 in each of the past four seasons. Five seasons into his NFL career, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll ever be a top-10 tackle. But at the very worst, he is a more-than-capable starting player on the left side.

Brown was a starter on the Chiefs team that won the Super Bowl last year and is a four-time Pro Bowler. He’s plenty been a really good player for the Ravens and Chiefs and now moves from protecting Patrick Mahomes to protecting Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. He signed a four-year, $64 million deal this offseason to head north to Ohio.

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Pair of former Sooner RBs included in PFF’s top 32 in the NFL ahead of 2023

Rhamondre Stevenson and Joe Mixon were included in Pro Football Focus’ top 32 running backs in the NFL ahead of the 2023 season.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a long history of producing fantastic running backs. In recent years, [autotag]Joe Mixon[/autotag] and [autotag]Rhamondre Stevenson[/autotag] have taken up the mantle for Oklahoma at the NFL level after [autotag]Adrian Peterson[/autotag] and [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] passed the torch.

As Pro Football Focus goes through its position rankings, Stevenson and Mixon were included in the top 32 running backs in the NFL ahead of the 2023 season. Stevenson came in at No. 16, and Mixon came in at No. 22.

Stevenson has been very solid to start his NFL career. In each of the past two seasons, he has recorded an 80.0-plus rushing grade. And in both years, he averaged more than 4.7 yards per carry with more than 3.4 yards after contact. The arrow is pointing even higher for Stevenson into 2023 and beyond. — Trevon Sikkema, PFF

Stevenson earned his first 1,000-yard season in 2022, carrying the ball 210 times for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 69 receptions for 421 yards and a touchdown, making him an invaluable part of the New England Patriots’ offense.

Mixon has a ton of production in his career. His 814 rushing yards, 16 explosive runs and 3.9 yards per carry average in 2022 were lower than what you would want to see from both a volume and efficiency standpoint, but he remains comfortable with a heavy workload. That includes the passing game, where he recorded a career-high 60 catches and 414 receiving yards in 2022. – Sikkema, PFF

Joe Mixon has been a steady contributor for the Cincinnati Bengals in his six seasons. He’s had three 1,000-yard seasons and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Mixon’s scored 50 touchdowns during his tenure with the Bengals.

Even though he had his lowest yardage total when playing at least 14 games since his rookie season, Mixon’s still an incredibly important part of the Bengals’ offensive attack. As Joe Burrow and the passing game have become the focal point, Cincinnati’s offense will allow Mixon to shine through the passing game.

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PFF ranks CeeDee Lamb the No. 9 WR in the NFL ahead of the 2023 season

Oklahoma star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ranked among an elite group of players in PFF’s top 32 receiver in the NFL ahead of the 2023.

Considered one of, if not the best and most complete receivers in Oklahoma history, production has never been an issue for CeeDee Lamb. In three seasons, Lamb finished top three among Oklahoma wide receivers in yards and touchdowns.

It’s possible that with one more full year, he would’ve eclipsed the legendary Ryan Broyles in both categories. Instead, Lamb opted to forgo that final season and head to the NFL, where he has become a star for the Dallas Cowboys.

Lamb’s finest professional season came last year as he ascended to the No. 1 receiver role for America’s Team. Lamb didn’t disappoint.

He finished 2022 with 107 catches for 1,359 yards and scored nine touchdowns. His 107 catches are the third-most in franchise history, while his 1,359 yards are the fifth-most in a single season in Cowboys history.

Couple that with his production the two years prior, and it makes sense why Pro Football Focus believes he’s one of the 10 best receivers in the NFL.

In the rankings of each position group, Lamb came in as the No. 9 wide receiver in the league. He slots in behind Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, Stefan Diggs, Cooper Krupp, A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin.

Sam Monson said this of CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb’s production should only go up in 2023 now that Brandin Cooks is on the roster to keep defenses on their toes. Last season, with no Amari Cooper, Lamb set career highs in targets, catches, yards, touchdowns and yards per route run. He posted the lowest drop rate of his career and looked like one of the best receivers in the game. This season could be even better. – Monson, PFF

Monson brings up a point that many are overlooking when discussing Lamb’s prospects for this season. Lamb flourished last year despite a legitimate No. 2 receiver opposite him.

With Brandin Cooks handling the other side of the field, Lamb should see more single coverage. Cooks is a bonafide playmaker in his own right and will force teams to stop doubling Lamb nearly as much as they attempted to last year.

All in all, Lamb’s stock as a alpha receiver in the NFL should rise as he prepares for his fourth season playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

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Mark Andrews No. 2 on Pro Football Focus rankings of top tight ends in the NFL

In their 2023 preseason rankings, Pro Football Focus ranked Mark Andrews the No. 2 tight end in the NFL.

Since entering the league in 2018, [autotag]Mark Andrews[/autotag] has far exceeded his third-round draft status with the Baltimore Ravens. He was the second tight end taken in that draft by Baltimore; it picked Hayden Hurst in the first round.

Heading into their fourth season, Hurst is on his fourth team while Mark Andrews has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Andrews came in at No. 2 on Pro Football Focus rankings of the top tight ends in the league ahead of the 2023 NFL season.

Andrews comes in at No. 2 on this list due to the number of targets his offense feeds him in comparison to the next man on this list. The Ravens have had very little outside of Andrews over the years, and he continues to put up elite numbers. Over the past two years, Andrews’ 1.05 WAR is second best at the position. If he has one weakness in his game, it’s his ability after the catch, as he forced just three missed tackles in 2022 to go along with a middling 3.6 yards after the catch per reception. — Kosko, PFF

Though he plays tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, Andrews has been the top target in the passing game. He’s given Lamar Jackson a threat over the middle and down the seam in the passing game. Only three players had more catches and yards than Andrews did in 2022, and he played five games without his starting quarterback last year.

The only player ranked higher than Andrews is Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Kelce is one of the most valuable players in the NFL and is the go-to option in the league’s best offense. For Andrews to be slotted behind Kelce and in front of San Francisco’s George Kittle is quite the statement of how good the former Sooners standout has been in his NFL career.

The average annual value of Andrews’ contract with the Baltimore Ravens ranks fifth among tight ends at $14 million, according to Over The Cap. Just like he was when Baltimore took him in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft, Andrews is a steal.

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CeeDee Lamb one PFF’s best NFL players under 25

CeeDee Lamb was named one of Pro Football Focus’ best players under 25 ahead of the 2023 season.

A legendary Oklahoma Sooner in his own right, CeeDee Lamb has become every bit the star anyone a fan of the Crimson & Cream imagined he would be when he declared for the NFL Draft.

He enters his fourth year in the NFL and has become a star for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are trying to regroup from another playoff loss. They haven’t reached the NFC Championship in nearly 30 years.

For Lamb, last year was a major turning point in his NFL career.

Lamb was tasked with becoming the number-one receiver in the Cowboys’ receiving corps after a pre-draft trade sent former No.1 receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. The front office and his coaches put the onus on the Cowboys’ newest No. 88 to live up to the illustrious standards held by receivers who wear that number.

Early on, Lamb struggled with the task and lost his starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a thumb injury on his throwing hand for five games. Lamb had to adjust to backup QB Cooper Rush.

The season rumbled on, Prescott returned, and the duo unlocked a chemistry they hadn’t before.

The result?

Lamb finished 2022 with 107 catches for 1,359 yards and scored nine touchdowns. His 107 catches are the third-most in franchise history, while his 1,359 yards are fifth-most for a single season. Lamb also did this with defenses keyed in on him weekly. The remaining Cowboys receivers were ranked at or near the bottom of the league in separation. Meaning they struggled to get open, allowing opposing defenses to double CeeDee without fear of paying for it elsewhere in the passing attack.

Lamb answered the bell, and now, with a year under his belt as the alpha in the room, he will look to build on that and take his game to another level.

Pro Football Focus believes Lamb is the ninth-best player in the NFL under 25. His teammate and fellow All-Pro, Micah Parsons, is No.1. Trevor Sikkema of PFF also believes Lamb is the third-best wide receiver under 25 behind two former LSU Tigers in Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.

Lamb has been an immediate impact player for the Cowboys since they drafted him in 2020. He recorded just under 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie years and has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each of the past two seasons. His receiving grade has increased rapidly, from 72.6 in 2020 to 84.8 in 2021 and 87.0 in 2022. The only player with more explosive plays of 20 yards or more in the past two years is Justin Jefferson. – Sikkema, PFF

The Top-10 WRs under 25, per @TampaBayTre pic.twitter.com/QX5x8FhdKO

— PFF (@PFF) May 18, 2023

What’s next for CeeDee Lamb? Aside from the pursuit of a Super Bowl, an extension is looming for the talented wide receiver out of Richmond, Texas. The Cowboys picked up his fifth-year option, something only available to first-round picks. He’s coming off a career season in which he was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro and is expected to count $17.99 million against the cap in 2024, assuming Dallas doesn’t get a long-term deal in place before that season. Lamb will count just $4.45 million against the cap in 2023, with a $2.52 million base salary.

Owner Jerry Jones has been a proponent of paying guys drafted by the team. With an ever-increasing salary cap, the Cowboys will pay the money necessary for CeeDee. It’s simply a matter of when.

In the interim, Lamb’s attention will be on 2023. He has a new offensive coordinator in Brian Schottenheimer and now a new play-caller in head coach Mike McCarthy.

As Oklahoma fans have learned, change doesn’t stop CeeDee Lamb. From a different quarterback every year in college to playing with multiple in the NFL, Lamb has delivered.

The 2023 season should be no different.

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Sooners legend Adrian Peterson shares why he chose Oklahoma over Texas

While being inducted to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Adrian Peterson shared what led to him choosing Oklahoma over the Texas Longhorns.

The world of collegiate recruiting has seen some crazy stories throughout the years. Especially football. Oklahoma has seen its fair share. The Sooners have been on the wrong end of some insane sagas and came out on top in others. Most recently, Peyton Bowen.

Very few recruiting wins stand out more than the one that centers on Sooners legend Adrian Peterson.

How did the nation’s number-one overall prospect and running back leave the state of Texas? What gravitated him to Norman, Oklahoma? Texas had the home-state advantage and had put more running backs in the NFL in recent years than Oklahoma had. So, what put Oklahoma over the edge?

At his induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame this weekend, Adrian Peterson told the world why he chose Oklahoma over Texas.

#Sooners legend Adrian Peterson was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. During his speech, he had a funny story about how he ended up at OU instead of Texas.

"If you're gonna be mad at anybody, be mad at Coach Mack Brown." pic.twitter.com/I0Dnl02CMD

— Holden Krusemark (@HoldenKrusemark) April 17, 2023

Peterson said, “I know there’s a lot of Longhorns and Aggies and Bears. And the number one question I get is, ‘why did you go to Oklahoma? Why didn’t you stay?’ My uncle played with Priest (Holmes) and Ricky (Williams) and those guys, and I remember when I watched them play, I remember sitting outside the stadium waiting for my uncle to come out, and I’m looking and I’m like, ‘I’ll be back here one day.’ I was Texas all the way.”

“But for the people that find themselves mad at me for going to Oklahoma, this is what I’ll say. You going to be mad at anybody, be mad at Coach Mack Brown.

“And this is why I say that. I sat in Coach Brown’s offense and I asked him the same thing I asked everyone else.”

Peterson then shared that he asked Bob Stoops, Pete Carroll and Nick Saban if he would have the chance to compete for a starting job as a true freshman.

Mack Brown’s open and honest loyalty to late Texas running back Cedric Benson. Benson returned to Texas for his senior year instead of bolting for the NFL, and Brown told Peterson in a conversation that he would have no shot to compete for starting snaps with Benson’s return. Peterson was known as a heavy Texas lean during his recruitment until he wasn’t.

The ability to fight for a starting job was arguably Peterson’s biggest question to the schools recruiting him, and Texas was the only one out of the main suitors that said no. Mack Brown told him he’d have to wait and sit behind Benson. Peterson never outright said it, but he refused to do that, and Peterson would eventually sign with their Red River rivals to the north and promptly have one of the best freshman seasons of all time in college football’s history.

Peterson galvanized Oklahoma’s team the moment he stepped on campus.

He was the focal point for the Sooners’ offense and helped them reach the 2005 BCS National Championship against USC. He finished third in school history, and 73 yards short of passing Billy Sims as the all-time leading rusher.

It took him only three years of playing, and he did it while missing multiple games in 2005 and 2006. He was the first true freshman to finish as a runner-up for the Heisman and was the first Sooner ever to be recognized as a first-team Associated Press All-American as a freshman. Simply put, he is a legend.

Things worked out for the Sooners and Peterson as Peterson dominated at Oklahoma before being drafted No. 7 overall to the Minnesota Vikings. He was the NFL MVP in 2012 and racked up four first-team All-Pro awards and seven Pro Bowl selections.

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Oklahoma Sooners on the move in NFL free agency

Several Oklahoma Sooners on the move in the first week of NFL Free Agency.

Oklahoma recently sent seven Sooners to the NFL Scouting Combine to participate in the most extensive interviews of their lives. They hope to hear their names called at the end of April in the 2023 NFL draft.

While their careers are just getting started, Oklahoma’s representation in the NFL is rich. Several Sooners have established solid reputations but had interesting decisions to make early in the NFL free agency cycle.

We’ve taken the liberty and rounded up all the news about current Oklahoma Sooners and their situations with regard to free agency and new deals this offseason so far.

Baker Mayfield is headed to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal

Baker Mayfield is headed to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal with the chance to be Tom Brady’s successor with the Buccaneers.

One of Oklahoma’s most beloved players in recent memory has found his new home.

Former No. 1 pick [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag] and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth up to $8.5 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It signals a significant opportunity for Mayfield to revitalize a career that has had some tumultuous moments over the last few years.

Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in 2018, was playing in the final season of his rookie contract after the Cleveland Browns picked up his fifth-year option April of 2021. The Browns then acquired the controversial Deshaun Watson from via trade last summer. They shipped Mayfield off to the Carolina Panthers, where he played seven games in Carolina before he was released midseason.

Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per sources. Mayfield is now in line to be Tom Brady’s successor. pic.twitter.com/2ZldEPxHY8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023

He had a rough season up to that point statistically, but the Los Angeles Rams desperately needed healthy QB play and signed him for the final five games.

In those five games, Mayfield found a groove while completing 63.6% of his passes for 850 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He helped the Rams win a thrilling Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

With Mayfield headed to Tampa Bay, it also signals that the Bucs are less committed to former Florida Gators QB and third round selection Kyle Trask than they led on.

With Mayfield in the building, there will be a legitimate QB competition. Mayfield has far more NFL experience, which should give him a leg up as they both compete to learn the nuances of a new offense under new offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

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5 takeaways from the Oklahoma Sooners performance at the NFL Scouting Combine

Five takeaways from Oklahoma Sooners at the 2023 NFL Scouting combine.

One of the biggest weekends for the football world just came to completion. This weekend served as a massive evaluation tool for determining the future of the next stars of the NFL.

Oklahoma has no shortage of stars in the pro ranks at the moment but has the opportunity for a number of players to hear their names called in April.

Seven Sooners made the trek to Indianapolis to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Oklahoma Sooners, as a whole, put on a fine display of athleticism as multiple players put up great testing numbers. Social media was set ablaze watching [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag], [autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag], and [autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag] test. With the combine over, these former Sooners will begin preparing for their pro day.

Here are five takeaways about the Oklahoma Sooners from the NFL Scouting Combine.

Cowboys Executive says CeeDee Lamb in Dallas Cowboys long-term plans

After a 1,300-yard season for Dallas, Executive Vice President Stephen Jones shared that CeeDee Lamb is in the Cowboys long-term plans.

CeeDee Lamb has been fantastic for the Dallas Cowboys since coming into the league in 2020. Having played three years in the NFL, Lamb is eligible for a contract extension with America’s Team.

He had a fantastic season in 2022, taking over for Amari Cooper as the No. 1 wide receiver for Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. The front office’s trust in Lamb was rewarded after they moved Cooper to the Browns for a late round pick.

And according to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, Lamb is in their long-term plans.

“Obviously, they’re in our plans long-term,” Jones told media members, echoing the sentiment he used in a Monday report when talking about the club needing a plan “to ultimately extend” quarterback Dak Prescott.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs are both now eligible for contract extensions. And Jones says both fourth-year players stand to be key components of the roster moving forward.

It is expected the Cowboys will go this route with last year’s 1,300-yard receiver. The fifth-year option- due by May 1- would bump Lamb’s salary up to just under $18 million in 2024. That’s a massive raise over what he’s getting now, but still below what the league’s top receivers are hauling in. – Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire

As he did in his final year in Norman, CeeDee Lamb became the focal point of the passing offense and was nearly unstoppable along the way. He’s increased his production each year he’s been in the league and has been the most reliable option for one of the NFL’s best offenses.

And if things go the way the Dallas Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb want them to, the former Sooner will be playing with a star on his helmet for years to come.

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