Former Sooners aim to boost their draft stock by showcasing their skills and abilities at prestigious all-star games.

In the world of college football, the journey from a standout collegiate athlete to a professional player is one paved with hard work, dedication, and, often, a critical series of events. One of the most significant moments in this journey comes during the all-star games, where some of the top college football players are given the chance to showcase their skills and abilities in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. These games are designed to provide an additional platform for draft-eligible players to increase their visibility and, ideally, improve their draft stock.

For the Oklahoma Sooners, a program with a rich history of producing NFL talent, former players are always aiming to make the most of these opportunities. As we head into the 2025 draft season, a number of former Sooners will be participating in some of the most prestigious all-star games in an effort to boost their draft stock and make a lasting impression on NFL decision-makers. These events represent one last chance to improve upon their collegiate legacies and take their games to the next level.

This article will explore how these former Sooners can capitalize on the opportunity to showcase their talents and why these all-star games are so important for their futures in the NFL. We’ll also examine which Sooners have the potential to rise during these events and what aspects of their games they need to highlight to make an impact.

Why All-Star Games Matter

For many college football players, all-star games are their final chance to prove they belong at the next level. After a season of individual performances, team goals, and plenty of film for NFL scouts to evaluate, these games allow players to take their talents onto a national stage in a controlled environment.

NFL teams pay close attention to the all-star games for several reasons:

1. Visibility: All-star games bring together top talent from around the country, and NFL teams use these events to evaluate players outside of their regular scouting film. This gives players an opportunity to impress with one final performance.
2. Position-Specific Drills: During all-star games, players participate in position-specific drills where they can demonstrate skills that may not always be visible during a game. This is especially valuable for players who may have been overlooked due to their team’s offensive or defensive system, as the all-star format highlights individual skill development.
3. Character Assessment: Scouts also look for intangible qualities such as leadership, maturity, and how well players handle pressure. The atmosphere of an all-star game, with its competitive nature and spotlight, gives NFL teams a clearer picture of how players react to the demands of a professional environment.
4. Player Comparisons: These games allow coaches and scouts to compare a player’s skills against other highly talented athletes, providing context to their abilities and helping teams make more informed decisions.
5. Networking and Exposure: Players also benefit from the connections they can build during the all-star game week. NFL coaches, scouts, and front office personnel use these events as an opportunity to evaluate players in person and sometimes even offer advice or feedback directly to the athletes. This networking can sometimes be just as valuable as the game itself.

Former Sooners in All-Star Games

The Oklahoma Sooners have a long history of producing NFL talent, and 2025 promises to be no different. Several key Sooners, including offensive and defensive standouts, are poised to take part in prominent all-star games like the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl, and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the former Sooners who will be participating in these prestigious events, their skill sets, and what they need to showcase to improve their draft stock.

1. Jalen Redmond – Defensive Lineman

Jalen Redmond is one of the most explosive defensive linemen in college football, and his performance at the 2025 Senior Bowl could be his final opportunity to solidify his place in the 2025 NFL Draft. Redmond is known for his athleticism and quickness off the edge, traits that have helped him become a disruptive force on the field. Throughout his career at Oklahoma, Redmond displayed an ability to rush the passer and control the line of scrimmage, making him one of the more exciting defensive linemen in the Big 12.

However, his draft stock has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with some scouts wondering if he can be consistent enough to thrive at the NFL level. The Senior Bowl will provide him the chance to answer these questions by showing his ability to dominate against top-tier competition.

For Redmond, the key will be his ability to showcase his versatility. NFL teams value defensive linemen who can rush the passer from multiple positions on the line, and Redmond has the physical tools to do just that. He needs to demonstrate the ability to convert speed to power, use his hands effectively to shed blockers, and show that he can be a versatile, disruptive player in multiple defensive schemes.

2. Marvin Mims – Wide Receiver

Marvin Mims is one of the most dynamic wide receivers to come out of Oklahoma in recent years. With a proven track record of making plays down the field, Mims has the potential to be a top-tier receiver in the NFL. He has the speed, agility, and ball skills that NFL teams covet, and his performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl will be crucial in determining his draft position.

Mims has an innate ability to separate from defenders with his quick burst and sharp route running, and his explosiveness as a deep threat makes him a potential game-changer at the next level. However, he will need to demonstrate that he can be more than just a deep ball specialist. NFL teams want wide receivers who can run a full route tree, catch in traffic, and make plays in all areas of the field.

At the Shrine Bowl, Mims will need to showcase his versatility and ability to win in a variety of ways. This means getting off the line of scrimmage against tight coverage, running sharp routes at all depths, and proving that he can make tough catches in contested situations. If Mims can display the full range of his talents in this environment, he could see his draft stock soar.

3. Anton Harrison – Offensive Tackle

The offensive line is often an underappreciated aspect of football, but players like Anton Harrison are proving that the position can be a springboard to the NFL. Harrison, one of the most consistent offensive tackles at Oklahoma, is known for his strength, balance, and technique. As a member of the Sooners’ elite offensive line, he has consistently been tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside and paving the way for the running game.

For Harrison, the key to raising his draft stock will be to prove that he can compete against elite edge rushers and defenders from across the country. At the Senior Bowl, Harrison will face some of the best defensive players in the nation, giving him a golden opportunity to showcase his skills in one-on-one drills and team periods.

NFL scouts will be paying close attention to Harrison’s footwork, hand placement, and ability to anchor against powerful rushers. His physicality and athleticism are evident, but he must prove that he can consistently execute at a high level against top competition. If Harrison can show that he is capable of locking down pass rushers and controlling the line of scrimmage in the running game, his draft stock will likely rise.

4. Eric Gray – Running Back

Eric Gray, the former Sooners running back, had a standout career at Oklahoma, earning a reputation as a versatile, playmaking back. His ability to make defenders miss, combined with his vision and balance, makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. Gray was also highly effective in the passing game, demonstrating soft hands and the ability to be a weapon out of the backfield.

At the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Gray will have the chance to showcase his skills against a loaded field of talent. He’ll need to prove that he can consistently produce as a runner between the tackles, but also continue to highlight his ability to be an asset in the passing game. In the NFL, running backs who can both carry the ball and catch passes out of the backfield are highly valuable, and Gray will need to show that he can contribute in both facets of the game.

Gray will also need to display his agility and quickness in drills, showing that he can be elusive in tight spaces. Additionally, scouts will be looking for signs that he can be an every-down back, with the physicality to pick up blitzes and handle a full workload at the next level.

5. Isaiah Coe – Defensive Tackle

Isaiah Coe has been a reliable force on the interior of Oklahoma’s defensive line. Known for his ability to clog running lanes and generate pressure on the quarterback, Coe has the traits of an NFL-caliber defensive tackle. However, the biggest question surrounding Coe’s draft prospects is whether he can be as impactful in the NFL as he was in college, especially when facing more refined and talented offensive lines.

At the East-West Shrine Bowl, Coe will have the chance to prove his worth as a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. He will need to show that he can generate consistent push, defend against the run, and create pressure up the middle. With the NFL placing a premium on interior defensive linemen who can rush the passer, Coe’s ability to develop into a pocket-pushing force will be vital for his draft prospects.