Oklahoma football: Oklahoma’s five 1st overall NFL Draft picks – tied for 1st all-time

The University of Oklahoma is known for record setters. Most records the Oklahoma football program holds belong to individuals like the punt return touchdowns in a game record (Antonio Perkins) or the single-game rushing record (Samaje Perine). However, like the most all-time consensus All-American record (which OU also holds), this record is a program achievement.

The University of Oklahoma football program is tied with three other programs for the most players selected first overall in the NFL Draft, with five. Georgia, Notre Dame, and Southern Cal are the other three programs.

So, since it’s the annual football lover’s holiday today, it would pay proper homage to look at these five players and recognize the program’s draft day prowess.

Since last Saturday, all five players have a statue on Jenkins Avenue next to Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

This draft day celebration will begin with Lucious and Dewey’s little brother.

Lee Roy Selmon – 1976 NFL Draft

Lee Roy is one of two native Oklahomans on this list. Arriving on campus in Norman, from Eufala, in 1972, Lee Roy joined his two brothers in a program primed for college football history. Selmon was the key piece of a Sooner defense that won two national championships in 1974 and 1975. In Lee Roy’s senior year (1975), he won the prestigious Outland Trophy and Lombardi Trophy. Lee Roy was named a two-time All-American, receiving the prestigious (and scarce) unanimous distinction in 1975.

"“Lee Roy Selmon is the best football player I’ve ever coached.” – Barry Switzer."

Selected 1st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1976 NFL Draft, Lee Roy became the first player chosen by the newly formed Bucs franchise. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, recording 742 solo tackles and 78.5 sacks. He also recorded an unbelievable 28.5 forced fumbles and 380 quarterback pressures.

Lee Roy was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995, following an induction speech by his big brother Dewey.

Lee Roy Selmon was/is considered one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football history. He was the Bucs’ initial 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft… he was the University of Oklahoma’s too. OU would see its next just four short years later.

Billy Sims – 1980 NFL Draft

Billy came to Norman from Hooks high school in Hooks, Texas. Billy was the top running back in the State of Texas in 1975.

His career in Norman began in a somewhat rocky fashion. He only played in one contest as a Freshman. He was riddled with injuries during his sophomore campaign, seeing him eventually redshirt.

However, during his 1978 junior season, Billy led the nation in rushing and won the coveted Heisman Trophy, becoming only the sixth junior to do so. During Billy’s career in Norman, he gained 4,118 rushing yards for 53 touchdowns. Sims was named a two-time consensus All-American (1978, 1979), and he won the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy and Heisman in 1978. Billy currently sits second on the Sooners’ all-time rushing list, just four yards short of Samaje Perine.

"“BOOMER!” – Billy Sims (from the Heisman stage in NYC; every time a Sooner wins the Heisman)"

Billy was selected 1st overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He spent five years in the NFL, compiling 5,106 rushing yards and 42 rushing scores. He also accumulated 186 receptions for 2,072 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.

Billy was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and remains a constant fixture around the Oklahoma football program. BOOMER!

Sam Bradford – 2010 NFL Draft

Sam Bradford is our second Oklahoman on this list, coming to Norman from Putnam City North high school in 2006 as a three-star recruit. Bradford immediately made his immense work ethic apparent to the coaching staff. He earned the starting job during his second year in Norman.

Bradford’s freshman season saw him complete 237 passes for 3,121 yards and 36 touchdowns. The three-star recruit had officially become a Sporting News Freshman All-American.

Bradford’s sophomore year was historic. He led the top offensive unit in the nation behind his 4,720 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. Bradford also had 5 rushing touchdowns during the 2008 season.

In 2008, following one of the most historic seasons for a college football quarterback ever, Bradford was named a consensus All-American and the AP College Football Player of the Year. He won the Davey O’Brien Award, the Sammy Baugh Trophy, and the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

Bradford was drafted by the then St. Louis Rams with the 1st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Bradford played nine seasons in the NFL, where he was named as a team Captain with the Rams after breaking Peyton Manning’s rookie record for completed passes during a rookie season (326). He was named to the NFL’s All-Rookie team following the 2010 season.

Bradford went on to play eight more years in the NFL, where he seemed to never get the help he deserved. Bradford ended his professional career totaling 1,855 completions for 19,449 yards and 103 touchdowns.

"“Sam Bradford was one of the most humble and grounded players I’ve ever been around. He got it.” – Bob Stoops."

Bradford’s humble demeanor and tough-nosed leadership have made him one of Sooner Nation’s most beloved players ever.

Baker Mayfield – 2018 NFL Draft

Baker Mayfield is one of Sooner Nation’s most loved Sooners. The former Texas Tech walk-on from Austin made his presence known in Norman quickly. Baker had to sit out his 1st year in Norman was due to transfer rules, but starting in 2015, all he did was get better.

Baker had an “NCAA Football Road to Glory” type career in Norman. In Bakers ‘ year collegiate stretch, he passed for 14,607 yards and 131 touchdowns. Bake also ran the ball 404 times for 1,083 yards and 21 rushing scores. In Baker’s 2017 year, he finished 1st in Oklahoma Football history for single-season yardage gained with 4,983 yards.

In 2017, Baker loaded up on hardware, winning the Heisman, Manning, Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien awards. He finished his collegiate career with 3 first-team All-Big 12 selections, 2 All-American selections, and 1 Burlsworth trophy (awarded to the Nation’s best walk-on player).

Baker was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly won the hearts of the Cleveland fans after showing up and ending a Browns 19-game winless streak by beating the New York Jets 21-17. Baker continued his Browns career for another 3 seasons.

While in Cleveland, Baker had to play for several different offensive coordinators and head coaches. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he played in 7 games.

Mercifully, Baker was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, where he revived his spark. Baker led his Rams on a 98-yard game-winning drive against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night football, proving he’s still dangerous.

In March of 2023, Baker signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where I fully expect him to take over the NFC South. Baker is on a roster capable of winning playoff football games and making a push to contend for a Super Bowl. If you have YouTube TV and get to purchase Sunday Ticket this season, when the Cowboys games aren’t on, tune in to Bucs games to see Baker sling the rock all over the field.

"“When I woke up this morning, I was feeling pretty dangerous” – Baker"

Kyler Murray – 2019 NFL Draft

Kyler was special. During his lone starting season in Norman, Kyler was unbelievable. Kyler was named the Big 12 player of the week five times, tying a league record. He became the first FBS player to average at least 300 passing yards (311.5) and at least 60 rushing yards (71.5) per game for an entire season. Kyler led the nation in total yards (school-record 5,362) and points, responsible for (324).

Following the 2018 season, Kyler was named Oklahoma’s 7th Heisman Trophy winner, along with many other awards. Kyler also owns a Davey O’Brien and Manning Award. He was named the first-team All-Big 12, first-team All-American, and the Big 12’s player of the year.

Kyler was also a tremendous baseball player. Kyler’s lone Sooner baseball season saw him bat .296 with 10 HRs, 47 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. He was selected 9th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 MLB Draft.

Kyler Murray is an intelligent man, evident by his All-Big 12/All-Academic selection, so fittingly, he chose football. He was selected with the 1st overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. Besides having the second-best jerseys in the NFL (behind the Cowboys), he has yet to have much help while in Phoenix. He’s had to play for Kliff Kingsbury, the fired Texas Tech coach, and now Lincoln Riley coffee-getter.

During his 4 years in the NFL, Kyler has been named to 2 Pro Bowls, NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the one bright spot in Arizona’s franchise. So far, Kyler has passed for 13,848 yards and 84 touchdowns while rushing for 2,204 yards and 23 touchdowns.

"“You ever chased a chicken before?” – Cleveland Browns EDGE Myles Garrett when asked what it’s like to try and tackle Kyler Murray."

In 2023 week 14 saw Kyler tear his ACL in a contest against the Patriots in a noncontact football injury. According to all reports out of Phoenix, Kyler’s rehab is progressing exceedingly well, and he’s prepared to come back ahead of schedule. I hope the Cardinals can get Kyler some help in Arizona so he can get the Lombardi trophy and NFL MVP award he deserves.

2023 NFL Draft

Be sure and tune in to the 2023 NFL Draft beginning tonight at 7pm CT and see the current Sooners make their way into the league.

Follow all of the latest up to the minute NFL Draft coverage with FanSided and the FanSided NFL Draft site.

Be sure and stay tuned into Stormin’ In Norman’s up to the second LIVE NFL Draft thread as well for the latest news on the Sooners who hear their names called in Kansas City this weekend.

Follow along with Stormin’ in Norman on Twitter and FanSided’s OU co-expert @BrandonSelf77