While the spotlight of the NFL Draft may have shone on just two Oklahoma players, the story doesn’t end there. Undrafted Sooners have stepped up, showing grit, resilience, and determination to find their place in the league.
After the draft dust settled, nine former Sooners earned their shot at an NFL career, four signed as undrafted free agents, and five more received coveted invitations to rookie minicamps. The Sooners’ impact goes far beyond the draft board.
A Quiet Draft Day, But a Loud Aftermath
The 2024 NFL Draft may have seemed quiet for Oklahoma fans, with only two names called: Billy Bowman heading to the Atlanta Falcons and Danny Stutsman to the New Orleans Saints, both in the fourth round. Nevertheless, what followed reflected the depth and raw talent within the program.
Importantly, defensive ends Ethan Downs and Trace Ford, as well as interior lineman Da’Jon Terry, all found homes quickly after the draft. Downs is set to suit up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Ford joins the New York Giants.
Meanwhile, Terry was picked up by the Los Angeles Rams. Each of these players demonstrated standout skills throughout their college careers and now gets the opportunity to develop within professional systems.
In addition, offensive lineman Michael Tarquin, who transferred to Oklahoma for his final season, was signed by the Carolina Panthers. Although his stint with the Sooners was short, it was impactful enough to catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Undrafted Sooners Who Are Still in the Game
Competing Through Minicamps
Minicamp invites may not come with guaranteed contracts, yet they provide a vital opportunity. They’re a foot in the door, a chance to prove something to coaches and earn a place on the 90-man preseason roster. This year, five Undrafted Sooners have seized that chance.
Tight end Jake Roberts is one of the most interesting stories in this group. After starting his collegiate career at North Texas, then transferring to Baylor, he finally landed at Oklahoma for his final season.
There, he made an immediate impact, catching two touchdowns and starting seven games. He’s been invited to rookie minicamps by both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, doubling his odds to impress.
Special teams also got representation with punter Luke Elzinga, who earned an invite to the Tennessee Titans’ minicamp. Punting often flies under the radar, but strong performances at the college level frequently translate into professional success when given the chance to compete.
On the offensive side, Spencer Brown will head to Tampa Bay’s rookie camp. As an offensive lineman, his job might be among the most physically grueling, but that’s where Oklahoma’s training shows.
Additionally, two defensive players, Caiden Woullard and Woodi Washington, received invites from the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.
Talent Beyond the Draft
The path to the NFL is rarely linear. For most athletes, especially those labeled as Undrafted Sooners, the journey involves unexpected turns, delayed recognition, and relentless perseverance. What’s impressive is how many of these athletes embraced the challenge head-on.
The sheer number of Sooners finding post-draft opportunities speaks volumes about the strength of Oklahoma’s football program.
Despite a quiet showing in the draft itself, the presence of so many players in NFL discussions proves the coaching, development, and competitiveness of the team still rank among the best in college football.
Just as importantly, rookie minicamps are set to begin as early as this weekend. That means these players will need to make quick impressions not just in athletic performance, but in understanding playbooks, showcasing discipline, and displaying leadership qualities that coaches value.
The Bigger Picture for Oklahoma Football
Though the headlines often focus on the draft’s early rounds, many of the NFL’s most reliable players started as undrafted free agents.
From Hall of Famers like Kurt Warner to current stars like Jason Peters, the league is filled with examples of players who beat the odds. So, it’s entirely possible that among this group of Undrafted Sooners, future starters or even stars will emerge.
In this transitional time, Oklahoma continues to prove that it doesn’t just produce stars, it nurtures resilience, versatility, and NFL-ready toughness.
As more players make their mark through training camps, it’s only a matter of time before a few of these under-the-radar Sooners become household names.
Expert Editorial Comment
In closing, the journey for these nine former Sooners is far from over, it’s just beginning. The stories of these Undrafted Sooners reflect more than individual ambition; they symbolize a tradition of excellence, even in the face of uncertainty.
Whether they were signed directly or invited to prove themselves at minicamps, each one now holds the power to shape their own NFL destiny.