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Oklahoma football: Sooners’ Top 5 NFL draft classes since 2000

By John Makuch

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Jan 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. 2018 NFL Draft

Three years ago may seem like a short amount of time, but these former Oklahoma players have already shown their impact early in their NFL careers.

This NFL Draft class began with seeing an Oklahoma player being the first player selected. Baker Mayfield was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns in what was a bit of a shocker, but appears to be working out just fine for them.

Mayfield in his rookie season led the Browns to their first win in over a year, against the New York Jets, this would begin many firsts for the Browns led by none other than Mayfield.

After throwing 27 touchdowns in 14 games, a rookie record at the time, Mayfield had a down year in 2019 under head coach Freddie Kitchens.

With future Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski in 2020, Mayfield looked like a brand new player, especially in the second half of the season. He threw for 26 touchdowns along with just eight interceptions and showed massive improvement under competent head coaching and an improved offensive line.

This allowed the Browns to make their first playoff appearance in two decades, and Mayfield looks to continue to add his name to Cleveland Browns lore going forward.

Orlando Brown Jr. and Mark Andrews were both selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round, and have both shown to be studs that slid farther than they should have.

Brown is now a two-time Pro Bowler for the Ravens offensive line but is now looking to be traded be a full-time left tackle. Brown has been a solid contributor, and whatever team acquires his services will be more than happy with their decision.

Andrews is a similar story, as he slid down draft boards as many tight ends tend to do because of their perceived value.

He has shown that a team should have used a first-rounder on him but has also found a great fit in this Baltimore offense. Being Lamar Jackson’s favorite red-zone target has led to plenty of touchdowns so far, and Andrews has proven to be one of the best in all of football in that area.

Ten touchdowns in 2019 would lead to Andrews first Pro Bowl season, and he has showed consistency with seven touchdowns in 2020 despite losing touches to an upcoming Nick Boyle.

Former Sooner linebacker Ogbonnia “Obo” Okoronkwo was drafted in the 5th round of the 2018 Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He has shown to be solid depth for the Rams squad and reached the Super Bowl in his second season.

Although he has not seen the field as often as he may like, he has stayed with the Rams and could see more opportunities going forward.

This class is still young and has plenty of potential to boom even more, but they have already proven plenty enough to earn their spot on this list.

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