Oklahoma football: Several Sooners expected to test NFL undrafted free agency
By Chip Rouse
Four former Oklahoma football players were officially invited into the NFL this past weekend via the tradition route: the NFL Draft. Several others are expected to try their luck by signing on as undrafted free agents.
Defensive back Parnell Motley and wide receivers Lee Morris and Nick Basquine were hopeful of having their names called in this year’s NFL Draft, but that did not happen. The door is not completely closed, however, because now they have the opportunity to sign with one of the 32 NFL teams as a free agent.
Although players selected in one of the seven rounds of the NFL Draft have the inside track to make an NFL roster, it is no more of a guarantee than the opportunity afforded to an undrafted free agent. It largely depends on how well a UDFA candidate fares in rookie camp and in preseason training camp leading up to the final roster decisions.
At this time. less than 48 hours after the conclusion of the 2020 draft, Motley is the lone Sooner from the 2020 class to sign on to an NFL team as a free agent, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Ryan Aber, OU beat writer for The Oklahoma City Oklahoman, Motley wasted little time securing his NFL opportunity after going undrafted. He reportedly had several offers from NFL teams, but decided to go with the Buccaneers, agreeing to terms on Saturday night.
Motley greatly helped his prospects of playing at the next level with a strong senior season. He was regularly assigned to defend the opposing teams best receiver, and this past season he was credited with 13 pass breakups and a team-high five forced fumbles, which ranked second nationally.
Morris and Basquine are also likely to sign free-agent contracts with an NFL team, but had not done so as of Monday morning.