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Who are OU football's top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft?

justin martinez, oklahoman
·4 min read

NORMAN — The Sooners were well-represented in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Five OU players heard their names get called in the seven-round draft. That list consists of Anton Harrison (Jacksonville Jaguars), Marvin Mims (Denver Broncos), Wanya Morris (Kansas City Chiefs), Eric Gray (New York Giants) and Brayden Willis (San Francisco 49ers).

The group is now pro bound, and a new wave of Sooners figures to join it in 2024.

Here are five OU players who could hear their name called in next year's NFL Draft:

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Andrew Raym, senior, center

In the past three seasons, nine OU offensive linemen have been selected in the NFL Draft. The remaining nine Big 12 teams have only combined for 13 offensive linemen draftees during that time.

OU is known for producing NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and Andrew Raym figures to continue that trend in 2024. The senior center is the anchor of the Sooners' offensive line, earning an All-Big 12 honorable mention in each of the past two seasons.

Raym checks all the boxes. Size. Strength. Physicality. Athleticism.

The only knock on Raym's résumé is inconsistent health. The veteran Sooner has missed four games in the last two seasons. But if he can stay on the field this upcoming season, he'll surely hear his name called on draft night.

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Billy Bowman, junior, safety

Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) and David Ugwoegbu (2) celebrate a Bowman fumble recovery in the third quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma and the Kent State Golden Flashes at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 10, 2022.
Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) and David Ugwoegbu (2) celebrate a Bowman fumble recovery in the third quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma and the Kent State Golden Flashes at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 10, 2022.

OU's secondary played some of its best football at the end of last season thanks in large part to Billy Bowman.

After missing Week 6 and Week 7 due to injury, the sophomore safety picked up where he left off. He finished the campaign with 60 tackles (two for loss) and three interceptions, which earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

There's plenty for NFL scouts to like about Bowman's game. He's an aggressive hitter who plays with good anticipation, and he's a proven playmaker.

OU's secondary figures to be better this upcoming season. And if Bowman can lead the way, he'll be in a good position to go pro in 2024.

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Danny Stutsman, junior, linebacker

Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman (28) celebrates a defensive play in the first quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma and the Kent State Golden Flashes at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 10, 2022.
Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman (28) celebrates a defensive play in the first quarter during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma and the Kent State Golden Flashes at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept., 10, 2022.

Danny Stutsman embraced a larger role this past season. He racked up 125 tackles (10.5 for loss) and three sacks as a sophomore, which earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

Stutsman recorded the hefty stat line due in part to a lack of depth at linebacker. And while the Sooners have more options this time around, Stutsman still figures to be the group's leader this upcoming season.

Stutsman has the tools to make a jump to the NFL. He has a strong nose for the ball and good closing speed, and he's also a capable blitzer.

Stutsman's snap count likely won't be as high this time around. But if he can continue to polish his game, the junior will end up on some draft boards in 2024.

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Dillon Gabriel, redshirt senior, quarterback

Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter during the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter during the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Dillon Gabriel didn't boost his draft stock much last season.

The UCF transfer threw for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns on a team that finished 6-7 (3-6 Big 12). He also completed a career-low 59.3% of his passes.

Still, Gabriel can make a good case for a draft selection this upcoming season. The redshirt senior quarterback will have to increase his efficiency, and he'll also have to continue to evolve as a run threat.

But most importantly, Gabriel must lead OU to some more wins. If he can do that, he could land on the radar of some NFL teams come draft night.

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Austin Stogner, senior, tight end

Oklahoma's Austin Stogner (18) celebrates after a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Oklahoma won 16-13.
Oklahoma's Austin Stogner (18) celebrates after a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Oklahoma won 16-13.

After beginning his career at OU in 2019, Austin Stogner spent last season at South Carolina.

But the senior tight end is now back with the Sooners, and he's in a good position to thrive this upcoming season.

Stogner rejoins an OU team that recently watched the graduation of Willis, who recorded career-highs of 39 catches, 514 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Willis got selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (No. 247 overall) of the most recent NFL Draft, and Stogner could certainly gain draft consideration with a strong campaign as OU's top tight end.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Five Sooners who could get selected in the 2024 NFL Draft