Former Sooners look to improve draft stock at all-star games

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, several former Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to capitalize on their opportunity to improve their draft stock by showcasing their talents at various all-star games. These prestigious events, including the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Bowl, and Reese’s Senior Bowl, serve as key platforms for college prospects to prove their worth to NFL scouts and coaches. The all-star games provide former college stars with a final chance to refine their skills, demonstrate their football IQ, and impress at the professional level before they enter the highly competitive draft process.

For players coming from a powerhouse like Oklahoma, the pressure to perform at these events is palpable. The Sooners have long been a program with an impressive history of producing NFL talent, and as a result, many of the prospects participating in these all-star games carry the hopes of their fanbase and program. These players know that a standout performance in an all-star game can propel them up the draft board, significantly improving their chances of being selected higher than previously projected.

In this article, we will dive into the former Oklahoma Sooners who are looking to make an impact at all-star games, assess their performances during their college careers, and explore what they need to do to improve their draft stock heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. These former Sooners have the potential to become key contributors for NFL teams, and this final stretch of their college careers could be the moment that determines their professional future.

Why All-Star Games Matter for NFL Draft Prospects

For many players, all-star games represent their final opportunity to impress NFL teams before the draft. After years of college football experience, these players have a chance to perform in front of professional scouts, general managers, coaches, and other key figures in the NFL. The stakes are high, as the evaluations made at these games can significantly impact a player’s draft stock—whether it’s solidifying a high-round selection or providing a late push into the middle rounds.

Each all-star game is structured to highlight different aspects of a player’s skill set. For example, the Senior Bowl, one of the most well-known and prestigious events, offers prospects the chance to practice with NFL coaching staffs and compete in front of NFL scouts. It allows players to face off against some of the best talent from around the country and showcase how they perform in a professional setting.

Scouts also pay close attention to the interviews and mental tests that take place during these games. They are looking for players who can adapt quickly to new systems, show leadership and maturity, and demonstrate the mental toughness required to thrive in the NFL.

Former Sooners Looking to Improve Their Draft Stock

Several former Oklahoma Sooners are participating in the 2024 all-star game circuit. These players have the opportunity to boost their draft status and potentially become impact players in the NFL. Let’s break down some of the key names and examine what they need to do in these games to solidify their place in the draft.

1. Marvin Mims – Wide Receiver

Marvin Mims was a standout receiver at Oklahoma, known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. Mims finished his college career with over 2,400 receiving yards and 20 touchdown receptions. His deep-threat ability and speed made him a key part of the Sooners’ offensive attack under former head coach Lincoln Riley.

However, to increase his draft stock, Mims will need to show that he can be more than just a deep-ball threat. In all-star games like the Senior Bowl, Mims will be asked to demonstrate his ability to run a full route tree, catch passes in traffic, and contribute as a reliable target over the middle of the field. NFL teams are looking for receivers who can provide consistent separation, so Mims will need to showcase his ability to work as a complete wideout and not just a vertical option.

Additionally, Mims’ hands and ball security will be under the microscope. If he can prove that he has the ability to consistently make catches in tight coverage and demonstrate strong hands in contested situations, it would solidify his position as a top prospect in the draft.

2. Key Lawrence – Safety

Key Lawrence is a safety who played an integral role in Oklahoma’s secondary. A transfer from Tennessee, Lawrence brought a physical presence and versatility to the Sooners’ defense. He showed that he could cover both the run and pass, displaying excellent tackling ability as well as solid coverage skills in the backfield.

Lawrence’s biggest opportunity to improve his draft stock will come by demonstrating his coverage ability in these all-star games. His ability to cover wide receivers in man coverage, as well as his awareness and positioning in zone coverage, will be crucial. NFL teams are always looking for safeties who can cover a wide range of roles, and Lawrence’s ability to show that he can excel in both coverage and run support will make him an attractive prospect.

In the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Bowl, Lawrence will also have the opportunity to display his leadership skills and football IQ, both of which are highly valued at the next level. If he can show that he has the instincts and intelligence to read offenses, make quick decisions, and adapt to different schemes, he could increase his draft stock significantly.

3. Anton Harrison – Offensive Tackle

One of Oklahoma’s most important players over the past few years has been Anton Harrison, a highly regarded offensive tackle. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 316 pounds, Harrison has the size and athleticism to succeed at the NFL level. Throughout his college career, he was known for his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and his strong work in both the run and pass game.

While Harrison was solid at Oklahoma, he still has room for improvement to elevate his draft status, particularly in terms of his technical skills and ability to perform against top-tier defensive linemen. At the all-star games, Harrison will need to demonstrate his proficiency in pass protection, particularly in one-on-one drills. NFL teams will want to see how well he handles speed rushers and his ability to mirror pass rushers without getting beaten off the edge.

Harrison’s potential is clear, but to solidify his place as a first-round pick, he will need to show that he can handle a variety of defensive fronts and demonstrate the ability to lock down opponents in pass protection and run blocking. The Senior Bowl will be a critical event for him to show that he is capable of translating his college success into a consistent performance at the next level.

4. Isaiah Coe – Defensive Tackle

Isaiah Coe, a defensive tackle for the Sooners, had a solid career at Oklahoma, contributing in both run defense and pass rush situations. Standing at 6’2″ and 305 pounds, Coe has the size to be an NFL defensive lineman, but he needs to prove his worth in one-on-one matchups and demonstrate his ability to consistently create pressure in the pocket.

Coe’s biggest challenge is improving his pass-rush techniques and demonstrating that he can be a disruptive force in the backfield. At the all-star games, scouts will be paying close attention to how he performs in one-on-one drills against some of the best offensive linemen in the country. If he can use his strength and explosiveness to generate pressure in these situations, it would be a huge boost to his draft stock.

Additionally, Coe’s ability to contribute in both the run game and pass rush will be key in determining his value to NFL teams. If he can show versatility and the ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line, he could boost his stock and secure a spot on an NFL roster.

5. Jalen Redmond – Defensive Lineman

Jalen Redmond, another former Oklahoma defensive standout, is also looking to improve his draft stock at the all-star games. Redmond has the quickness, explosiveness, and versatility to play across multiple positions on the defensive line, but his consistency and technique will be closely scrutinized by scouts.

Redmond will need to demonstrate his ability to disrupt passing lanes, get pressure on the quarterback, and maintain a high motor throughout drills and practice sessions. He has shown flashes of brilliance at Oklahoma, but to maximize his potential in the NFL, Redmond will need to prove that he can be a consistent presence in the trenches. His success in these all-star events will help determine whether he can be a day-two or day-three pick in the NFL Draft.

 What’s at Stake for the Former Sooners

The all-star games provide these former Oklahoma Sooners with a golden opportunity to prove themselves in front of NFL scouts and improve their draft stock heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether they are trying to raise their profile or solidify their spot among the draft’s elite, these prospects know that their performance in these games will be a critical factor in where they are selected.

For Marvin Mims, Key Lawrence, Anton Harrison, Isaiah Coe, and Jalen Redmond, the pressure is on to show their skills and demonstrate that they are ready to compete at the highest level. As these players take the field in all-star games like the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Bowl, they are fighting for a chance to prove that they belong in the NFL. How well they perform in these showcase events will be crucial to determining their future in professional football.

For the Sooners’ fanbase, these former players represent a legacy of excellence at Oklahoma, and their success at the all-star games will only continue to enhance the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier NFL talent. As the 2024 draft approaches, Oklahoma fans will be watching closely to see which of their former stars takes that final step toward NFL success.