Tag: Sooners in the NFL

Former Sooner Mark Andrews becomes first Ravens’ tight end with over 1,000 yards in a single season

Former Oklahoma Sooners’ tight end Mark Andrews became tight end in Baltimore Ravens history to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

The Sooners have become well represented across the National Football League at many different positions. From quarterbacks to running backs, to offensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties, the Sooners are represented by some of the best in the world.

At the tight end position, one name stands above the rest in terms of recent Oklahoma players. Mark Andrews is widely considered a top-five tight end in the NFL. He’s been nothing but productive as the starting tight end for the Baltimore Ravens for a few years now. In his latest game, Andrews accomplished what no other tight end in the history of the Baltimore Ravens franchise ever has.

Andrews became the first Baltimore Ravens tight end to surpass the 1,000-yard receiving yards milestone in a single season with an early reception against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Earlier this season, Andrews had already exceeded Todd Heap’s previous Ravens record for tight ends with 855 yards receiving in 2005.

Andrews became the first Ravens 1,000-yard receiver since Mike Wallace and finished the game with an incredible 10 catch, 136-yard, and two touchdown performance.

It’s not difficult to believe Andrews had this in him. He broke records while at Oklahoma too.

He’s the all-time leader in receiving yards and second in receptions among Oklahoma Sooners tight ends. He’s also the only Oklahoma tight end to win the John Mackey award, given to the best tight end in college football.

Andrews has emerged as the number one guy for the Ravens, who are currently playing without their 2019 MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Despite being the number one guy, Andrews has continued to produce in the face of double teams on a weekly basis.

He and the Baltimore Ravens have a few more games to try and figure out their way into the playoffs, but if they don’t make it, it will hardly be due to a lack of production from Mark Andrews, who’s tput together the single best season for a tight end in franchise history.

2 Former Sooners among the highest graded Offensive Linemen per Pro Football Focus

Oklahoma’s long been known for producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen and two former Sooners are among PFF’s top-graded in 2021.

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The Oklahoma Sooners have long been known for their ability to produce strong offensive lines and to put players into the NFL. And not just in recent years either. Their recruitment and development of offensive linemen goes back a decade or more.

And NFL teams are reaping the rewards.

Drafted 11 years apart, former Oklahoma Sooners Trent Williams and Creed Humphrey have been two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL in 2021. According to Pro Football Focus, they’ve graded out as the top offensive linemen at their position this season.

At tackle, Trent Williams leads the next highest tackle by more than seven points in the Dallas Cowboys’ Tyron Smith. Since coming into the NFL, Williams has had the two highest graded seasons (2016 and 2021) for an NFL left tackle according to Pro Football Focus.

Williams has allowed just one sack and 15 total pressures on 417 pass-blocking snaps this season. He’s been the backbone of a San Francisco 49ers offensive line that is eighth in the NFL in rushing yards in 2021.

As a rookie, Creed Humprey is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded center in the NFL. He’s earned the highest grade from PFF since Jason Kelce’s 2017 performance. Humphrey has been a steal for the Kansas City Chiefs after falling to the end of the second round.

Humphrey has allowed just one sack and 10 quarterback pressures this season, helping Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs rejuvenate their offense this season.

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

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Former Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman ranked No. 1 right tackle in the NFL

The Sooners have produced some of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. A former Sooner was named No. 1 at his position. by Trench Warfare.

Make no mistake, Oklahoma is QBU.  Two of the last four Heisman winners are Sooners in Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018). Now, they both start on Sundays in the NFL. Jalen Hurts enters the season as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. And OU’s current signal-caller, Spencer Rattler, is a Heisman favorite and a projected first-round draft pick in 2022. That trend is expected to continue when five-star prospect Malachi Nelson arrives in 2023.

Under Lincoln Riley, the Oklahoma Sooners have built a quarterback pipeline in Norman.

But quarterbacks aren’t the only thing the Sooners pour into the NFL. Oklahoma has done a great job recruiting and developing offensive line talent over the years, with Lane Johnson, Trent Williams, Creed Humphrey, and Orlando Brown just a few of the Sooners currently in NFL trenches.

Johnson, who enters his ninth year at tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, was named the No. 1 right tackle in the NFL by Trench Warefare analyst Brandon Thorn.

Although an ankle injury limited Johnson to seven games in 2020, both Thorn and the Eagles expect him to return to form as one of the league’s most consistent linemen.

Johnson started 15 of the 16 games during Philadelphia’s 2018 Super Bowl run. The following season, he posted a career-best passing grade of 88.8 per Pro Football Focus.

The three-time Pro Bowler enters the season blocking for another former Sooner in second-year quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Much like their division rival Dallas Cowboys, injuries across the offensive line shipwrecked the offense last season. Johnson’s return should provide a cleaner backfield in 2021 and give Philadelphia’s Miles Sanders and Jalen Reager room to use their lethal speed.

WATCH: Rhamondre Stevenson unleashes physicality at Patriots training camp

Rhamondre Stevenson displayed some of his trademark physicality at New England Patriots training camp.

It felt like an absolutely perfect fit when the New England Patriots drafted Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Memories of LeGarrette Blount running over defenders to help the Patriots win big playoff games and Super Bowls sprung to mind.

Stevenson hasn’t taken long to bring the same physicality he displayed for the Oklahoma Sooners to the NFL. Yesterday, at New England Patriots training camp, he went through Patriots safety Myles Bryant before picking up a huge gain in the padded practice.

To be fair to Mr. Bryant, this isn’t the first time Rhamondre’s done something like this, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Stevenson comes into Patriots training camp in an interesting situation. New England has Damien Harris, Sony Michel, and James White on the running back depth chart, limiting Stevenson’s role in his rookie season.

Harris looks like he’ll start the season as the lead back. James White is the pass-catching back. Sony Michel has the most experience, but his injuries have kept him from developing beyond a solid rotational runner. That doesn’t leave a lot of work for Stevenson.

Despite not being locked into a featured role for the Patriots at the moment, Stevenson could still make a significant impact.

His physicality, quick feet, and excellent vision should force Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels to get him on the field early in his career as a short-yardage runner. In goal-line situations and on third and fourth and short, Rhamondre Stevenson should be the guy carrying the ball.

Even if only used as a situational runner in his rookie season, Rhamondre Stevenson will have an opportunity to make a big impact for the New England Patriots. And when he does, it won’t be long before he gets more opportunities to carry the ball on early downs.

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CeeDee Lamb cracks Good Morning Football’s breakout players under 25

CeeDee Lamb among Good Morning Football’s projected breakout stars under 25 for the 2021 season.

Each year, there are young players that dazzle between the hash marks. There is no exact science that dictates production on the gridiron but projections can be made based on a playmaker’s previous campaign. On Good Morning Football, each of the four hosts announced which player under 25 they believe will have a breakout season in 2021. Nate Burleson’s pick was second-year Cowboy, CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb’s acrobatic catches mesmerized last season, garnering praise from the morning talk show aficionado.

“Going into his second year, I expect huge things from this young man,” Burleson emphatically stated.  “Last year, he was second among rookies in receptions with 74 and yards with 935. So, he was literally tap-dancing on 1,000 yards in his rookie season. That trailed Justin Jefferson with the Vikings, who was fantastic and who we continue to praise. We forget just how good CeeDee Lamb was last year. The most important thing, he did this all without his starting quarterback Dak Prescott.”

What makes Lamb’s performance in 2020 so impressive is the fact that he put up those numbers with a revolving door at quarterback, and an offensive line that was decimated by injuries. As a rookie, there is immense pressure to perform regardless. But tack on playing for America’s Team, donning the club’s prestigious No. 88 worn by legends, and first-round draft status.  Lamb had big shoes to fill and lofty expectations put on his shoulders to become an immediate impact player for Dallas.

He exceeded them. Lamb’s ball skills and rare ability to adjust to the ball in flight make him elite already. His body control is exceptional. A natural receiver that is a challenge to tackle after the catch. The former Oklahoma Sooner is also a willing blocker, creating lanes for his teammates. He may have been overlooked last season due to the organization’s lackluster 6-10 finish, but credit is due nonetheless.

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Lamb checks all of the boxes and is poised for a stellar year in 2021. With Prescott’s return and a healthy offensive line battling in the trenches, the sky is the limit for CeeDee Lamb.

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Where would CeeDee Lamb fall in a 2020 NFL re-draft?

If there was a re-draft for the 2020 class, would former Oklahoma Sooner CeeDee Lamb still go to Dallas?

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During the 2020 NFL draft, the Oklahoma Sooners produced two first-round draft selections: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Kenneth Murray. The duo were instant impact players for their respective clubs. Lamb joined a loaded offense with the Dallas Cowboys while Murray looked to help turn around the Los Angeles Chargers. Both were great picks for where they were drafted.

What if you were able to see the future through your own crystal ball. If a football team was able to see the type of season these two former Sooners would have, would that change where they were drafted? Draft Wire took a stab at a 2020 NFL re-draft in which the two players could have changed teams.

The Kenneth Murray selection remained the same in this scenario: He went to the Chargers at pick No. 23 in the first round. Murray had quite the season: 16 games started, 107 combined tackles, five TFL’s and one quarterback hit. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. As far as Lamb is concerned, he didn’t land in the same spot.

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CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Original Draft Slot: Pick 01.17

Re-draft Slot: Pick 01.11 (New York Jets)

In Draft Wire’s re-draft the talented wide receiver from Richmond, Texas, would be taken six spots higher in the draft. The New York Jets drafted an offensive lineman in this spot, but Lamb would have helped their offense immensely in the re-draft. Lamb finished the year with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, seven touchdowns, and was one of the best receivers from the slot. He would have been a welcomed sight for then quarterback Sam Darnold and the Jets, who had the worst offense in the entire NFL.

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Three former Sooners land on ‘101 best players in the NFL’ list

Which three former Sooners land on Touchdown Wire’s ‘101 best players in the NFL’ list?

There is no exact science when digging into the NFL’s biggest playmakers. Household names or the highest-paid are not always the most productive on the field. Difference makers come at every position and as the 2021 NFL season approaches, Touchdown Wire compiled a ranking of the top 101 players in the NFL today. For the list, they stuck to players mentioned on previous listings to avoid loading up on skill position players.

Three former Oklahoma Sooners landed on the compilation: offensive tackle Trent Willaims at No. 18, quarterback Baker Mayfield at No. 30, and tight end Mark Andrews at No. 84. Here is a breakdown of the elite Oklahoma products.

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Cowboys’ X-factor: Neville Gallimore poised for increased role in 2021

A look at Neville Gallimore’s potential entering Year 2 and placement in Dan Quinn’s scheme.

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line depth is crowded with recent acquisitions in free agency and the 2021 NFL draft, but second-year player Neville Gallimore is primed for a larger role in Dan Quinn’s scheme.

After injuries to both Gerald McCoy and Trysten Hill, Gallimore made his presence known in the trenches during his rookie campaign.

In 416 snaps from the interior, the three-technique player was productive wrapping up ball carriers at the line of scrimmage and collapsing the pocket with a lethal swim move. In an historically bad defensive output last season under then defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, Gallimore became a bright spot up front. The Canadian fell to the Cowboys in the third round, and they eagerly snagged their second-round target after Trevon Diggs was available at with their pick in the second round.

Gallimore will look to make a mark in 2021. He will compete with Hill and vie for a starting role in Quinn’s ‘Seattle’ system. The former Oklahoma star will transition to a new defensive staff and learn the playbook. He will absorb a different approach to leverage, technique and hand placement as he works on the fundamentals.

Quinn confirmed his scheme will consist of a 3-4 in base packages and a four-man front in nickel situations, which will be utilized 60-70 percent of the time with the prominence of pass-oriented offensive attacks. Gallimore took advantage of opportunities last season and has the chance to become a key playmaker for the Cowboys in 2021. In his second year, he is poised to take a leap.

A year ago, the Cowboys ranked 31st against the run. The most glaring issue is an obvious one. Dallas is scheduled to face many talented running backs in 2021, including Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara. With the addition of Brent Urban, Carlos Watkins, Gallimore, and Hill returning, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston and big-bodied one-technique Quinton Bohanna, this defense is in a much better position. They have a clearer vision and are being put into roles that will maximize talent and are tailored to fit their strengths. More organization will breed success.

After a full offseason of training and working with Quinn hands-on, Gallimore can develop into one of the team’s greatest X-factors. No. 96 can raise the defense and be the differing variable in the interior that takes the unit from solid to outstanding. With a quick get-off, Gallimore is a player to keep an eye on during training camp at the end of the month.

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Where Baker Mayfield ranks in Touchdown Wire’s quarterback rankings

Where does Touchdown Wire ranking former OU gunslinger Baker Mayfield in their top 15 quarterback rankings?

Lists and rankings, everyone loves them. For this edition, Touchdown Wire broke down the top 15 quarterbacks in the NFL. At the top is former Big 12 gunslinger Patrick Mahomes.

Not surprising, everywhere you turn there is a commercial, magazine cover, or even a story about the former Texas Tech quarterback. Former Texas Tech walk-on and Oklahoma Sooners No. 2 quarterback in all-time passing numbers, Baker Mayfield is just as marketable. Being marketable isn’t about the level of play on the field, but Mayfield has grown leaps and bounds since his days in Lubbock, Texas.

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Prior to the 2020 NFL season, many had questions on whether or not Mayfield was the guy for the Browns. Can you blame them? Their quarterback history isn’t exactly filled with top passers since football returned to Cleveland. In current standings, the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick sits No. 6 in Browns’ passing history. Following the 2021 season he will likely be No. 4.

Where does Baker land in Touchdown Wire’s top 15?

No. 11: Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the 2020 season, I was among many who argued that if Baker Mayfield was going to succeed in the NFL, he would not find a better situation than he did last season. Incoming head coach Kevin Stefanski installed an offensive system rooted in wide zone concepts with an emphasis on play-action and boot-action passing designs built off those plays. The Cleveland Browns also assembled an impressive offensive line, and when coupled with their stable of running backs, Stefanski was able to dial up shot plays downfield out of heavy personnel packages. – Mark Schofield, Touchdown Wire

Going into year four in the NFL, Mayfield is coming off his best season for the Browns. With weapons such as Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr, David Njoku, Kareem Hunt, and Nick Chubb there is no excuse for the team to not be successful. Cleveland broke through last year with a trip to the playoffs and even a win in the postseason. Baker Mayfield looks to lead Cleveland to a second-straight postseason appearance for the first time since the 1988-89 seasons.

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Kyler Murray, CeeDee Lamb named to NFL’s all under 25 offensive team

A pair of former Oklahoma Sooners were recently named to the all under 25 offensive team by CBS Sports.

When it comes to creating young offensive stars at the NFL, there are few coaches in the college game that have done as well as Lincoln Riley. Over his short tenure in Norman, Oklahoma, the Air Raid disciple has put many skill players in the NFL. Over the last four NFL drafts, he has produced three starting quarterbacks at the next level as well as a young budding star receiver in CeeDee Lamb.

According to Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports, two players coached by Riley made the all-under 25 offensive team. A look at the best young talent on that side of the ball in the league. While no player made it on the first team, two of Riley’s former talents were named to the second team.

Quarterback: Kyler Murray, Arizona

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Murray took the NFL by storm winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. In two seasons, he has proved that even a player of his size and stature can still make a difference. Murray has compiled a starting record of 13-18-1 in his two seasons as the full-time starter under center. In that time he has thrown for 7,693 yards with 46 touchdowns through the air. As a dual-threat in the NFL, he has added 1,363 yards on the ground with another 15 touchdowns. Year three could be a monster one for the NFL MVP award dark horse.

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Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

CeeDee Lamb exploded onto the scene for the Dallas Cowboys in his rookie year, it was clear early on that he was going to be a major factor. It wasn’t until a freak injury to his quarterback that his impact slowed some but he was still one of the best receivers in the league. Touchdown Wire recently ranked him among the best from the slot. Lamb touched the ball 84 times last season for 1,017 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns. He would add another on a kickoff return. With a fully healthy Dak Prescott in the fold once again, buy stock on Lamb in year two.

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