Tag: Sooners in the NFL

Mark Andrews makes history on Monday Night Football

Former Oklahoma star Mark Andrews makes history on Monday Night Football.

Monday night was entertaining for Oklahoma fans who watched Monday Night Football. [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], Sterling Sheperd, [autotag]Mark Andrews[/autotag], and [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] highlighted the slate.

In Arizona, Murray helped lead the Cardinals to a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayfield and the Buccaneers squad took on Mark and his Ravens squad in Tampa. Andrews got the best of Mayfield as the Ravens triumphed 41-31 in large part to a record-breaking night for Andrews.

Andrews, who shined as a unanimous All-American and the Mackey Award winner at Oklahoma for the nation’s best tight end, has had a terrific pro career. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and has been named a Pro Bowler thrice. On Monday night, he reeled in four catches for 41 yards. Two of his four catches were touchdowns, with the first touchdown cementing him atop the Ravens history books.

https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1848527797201080805

Andrews passed Todd Heap for the most touchdown receptions in Baltimore Ravens history.

“Incredibly grateful,” Andrews said on breaking the record. “Getting drafted to this incredible organization, I’ve been blessed with incredible teammates, obviously No. 8 (Lamar Jackson) and having that connection. … You got to look back at the guys like Todd Heap and the guys that have done it before you and just be grateful that I’m in this situation.”

Andrews has now hauled in three touchdowns in two games after murmurs that he can no longer be an integral part of the Ravens’ offense. The Ravens look like one of the NFL’s best offenses, and Andrews’ resurgence makes them even more challenging to defend.

Watch: Kyler Murray signals he’s going to score from 40 yards away

Kyler Murray sped by San Francisco defenders on his way to a bug touchdown run.

Former Oklahoma Sooners Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] had one of the plays of the day on Sunday during week five of the NFL season.

Murray and his Arizona Cardinals were heavy underdogs on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, who won the NFC last season. But in an NFC West division rivalry game, it was Arizona who came out on top, winning 24-23.

The play of Murray was obviously a huge factor in the upset win, and one play in particular stood out.

A little over a minute into the game, Murray called his own number and took off with the football, darting through the San Francisco defense. With green grass in front of him, one of the most unique athletes at the quarterback position in the entire league “called his shot” from the 40-yard line, knowing no one was going to be able to catch up to him. The play put Arizona on top 7-0. It was one of many great plays from Murray on the day, and certainly was reminiscent of a few of his great breakaway runs back in his 2018 season at Oklahoma.

Murray went 19 of 30 for 195 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also ran seven times for 83 yards and and that 50-yard sprint to help the Cardinals improve their record to 2-3.

Former Sooners RB Rhamondre Stevenson signs extension with Patriots

Former Sooners running back Rhamondre Stevenson signs four-year extension with the New England Patriots.

[autotag]Rhamondre Stevenson[/autotag]’s had a really nice NFL career to date with the New England Patriots. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Sooners running back will continue to do so.

Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that Stevenson signed a four year contract extension for $36 million with $17 million guaranteed. At an average annual value of $9 million per year, Stevenson is the seventh-highest paid running back in the league, just behind another former Sooner, Joe Mixon. According to OverTheCap.com, the $17 million guaranteed is the sixth-highest guarantee on the books for a running back heading into 2024.

Stevenson is coming off of a season in which he played just 12 games, but he ran for 619 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He also caught 38 passes for 238 yards. He was one of the few bright spots for a New England team that averaged just 13.9 points per game and finished 31st in the NFL.

Despite playing in just 12 games, Stevenson finished just 98 yards behind Ezekiel Elliott in total yards and had just one touchdown fewer.

With Drake Maye slated to take over at quarterback, the Patriots are hoping their offense can be more of a threat through the air. Having a runner like Rhamondre Stevenson toting the rock can help take a lot of pressure off of their rookie quarterback.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Sterling Shepard signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sterling Shepard signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, reuniting him with QB Baker Mayfield

It’s been nine seasons since [autotag]Sterling Shepard[/autotag] caught passes from [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], but that is about to change.

The two beloved former Oklahoma Sooners will be playing together once again in the [autotag]NFL[/autotag] after Shepard signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday.

The pair were teammates at Oklahoma in 2014 and 2015. After Mayfield had to sit out the 2014 season due to the transfer rules, he and Shepard lit up the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] in 2015. OU captured a conference championship, leading to a berth in the [autotag]College Football Playoff[/autotag].

Shepard tallied 11 touchdown catches and nearly 1,300 receiving yards in his senior season, providing OU fans with plenty of memorable moments. His performance in the Sooners comeback win over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium ranks among the best. Shepard recorded seven receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns to help the Sooners earn the top 25 win.

According to Bucs Wire, Mayfield was instrumental in getting Shepard to Tampa, convincing the veteran wideout to give it one more go in 2024. Mayfield is entering his second season with the Bucs, looking to build on a career year in 2023.

Somewhere, [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag] has to be smiling.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

Tyler Guyton among Dane Brugler’s top-50 prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft

Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton is the lone Sooner in Dane Brugler’s initial 2024 top 50 draft board.

Oklahoma is just a week away from kicking off its 2023 season. They’ll take on Arkansas State at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The  Sooners look to distance themselves from a squad that started 3-0 but struggled inside Big 12 play.

Along the offensive line, the Sooners lost three starters from last year. Chris Murray graduated, and the tackles Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris were drafted in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL draft.

Enter Tyler Guyton, a former transfer from TCU who played in 10 games and made five starts last year. His best performance came against Jared Verse and Florida State in the Cheez-It Bowl.

Verse would have been a top-ten pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but opted to stay in school one more year. It’s likely he’ll be a top-ten pick in the 2024 draft.

It was a nice back and for the battle between the two, with both Guyton and Verse winning snaps.

That performance and his noteworthy physical traits have caught the eye of the NFL and draft aficionados. Dane Brugler, one of the best scouting and draft experts in the business, released his initial top 50 draft board for the 2024 NFL Draft (subscription required). Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton was the lone Sooner to crack the top 50.

If he were to be drafted there, Guyton slotted in at No. 31. He’s currently Dane Brugler’s No. 6 offensive tackle in the 2024 class. With a premium placed on offensive tackles in the draft, there’s a good chance Guyton could be a first round pick.

Now, there are a couple of ways to look at that. As it stands, Guyton is comfortably a top-100 pick. Anton Harrison was similarly in the same range to start last season and stayed in the top 50 range until the draft before being selected 27th by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Guyton has more to prove than Harrison, as this year would be his first full season as a starter. Harrison started the 2021 season and played a lot in his true freshman season in 2020.

This is a prove-it year for Guyton. Pro Football Focus said he played 400 snaps and allowed two sacks and no hits on 191 pass-blocking plays in 2022. Those numbers work, but how will they play when teams consistently gameplan for you? That will be one of Guyton’s challenges.

Offensive line coach Bill Bedenabugh had a glowing review for his starting right tackle. “He’s got all the ability in the world,” Bedenbaugh said. “He’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever seen, and we’ve had some pretty talented guys come through here.”

Guyton’s size and athletic traits will make him one of the more intriguing prospects in draft circles next spring. The stage is set for Guyton to become one of the best players on Oklahoma’s roster. He can also position himself as a first-round draft choice next April.

If he can take his game to the next level and secure Dillon Gabriel’s blindside, he has a great chance of becoming Oklahoma’s next first round offensive tackle.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

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

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

Eric Gray on his way to the Big Apple after being selected by the New York Giants

Oklahoma’s Eric Gray is headed to the Big Apple after being selected by the New York Giants in the 2023 NFL draft.

After having two Sooners off the board on Friday night, Oklahoma finally sees their first Sooner off the board on Saturday as running back Eric Gray will head to the northeast and join the New York Giants.

Gray was taken in the fifth round with pick No. 172.

The New York Giants took a step forward this year behind first-year head coach Brian Daboll. Daboll earned his stripes helping transform Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense into a machine over the last few years.

He entered the facility light on playmakers, aside from former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley, one of the league’s most gifted athletes, has struggled with injuries since coming into the NFL. While he put together a relatively healthy year culminating in a Giants playoff berth, Eric Gray’s provides significant value to the Giants roster.

 

Gray offers insurance in the event of an injury or Barkley’s contract negotiations stall. New York gave their star running back the franchise tag, but the two sides have until mid-July to work out an extension. Otherwise they’ll do the dance again in the 2024 offseason.

Gray’s effortless-looking running style provided the catalyst for a breakout season in 2022.

He ran for 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 229 receiving yards on 33 catches. Gray was arguably Oklahoma’s best player on the offense. For his efforts, he earned first-team All-Big 12 recognition from PFF and was an All-Big 12 second-team selection by league coaches and the Associated Press.

Gray earned Academic All-Big 12 first-team honors while being one of three recipients of the program’s coveted Don Key Award (presented for excellence on and off the field).

Gray’s final season in Norman was a marked improvement from his first year where he struggled to establish himself behind running back Kennedy Brooks. The numbers and production weren’t there, but a full offseason working with running backs coach DeMarco Murray and more opportunities gave him the runway to take off. Now he’s taking his talents to the next level with the New York Giants.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.

5 Sooners selected in latest CBS Sports 7-round NFL mock draft

Led by Anton Harrison, five Oklahoma Sooners were selected in CBS Sports’ latest 7-round mock draft.

With the NFL draft starting on Thursday, several Sooners are getting looks in the draft. The two that stand out are offensive lineman Anton Harrison and wide receiver Marvin Mims. Wanya Morris, Eric Gray, and Jalen Redmond will get looks too, and should hear their name called at some point during this weekend.

In Josh Edwards Jr.’s latest mock draft, five Sooners found new homes at the NFL level. One surprise is that tight end Brayden Willis wasn’t considered. Here’s a look at where the five Sooners went in the mock draft.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]