Seven Oklahoma Sooners were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, so now their pro careers begin, and some ended up in better situations than others, regardless of draft slot. Edge rusher R Mason Thomas was the only Sooner picked in the first three rounds as the Kansas City Chiefs' second-round pick before a whopping six former OU players went on Day 3.
Between where they were picked and what situation they're walking into, here's how each players' NFL Draft landing spot graded.
R Mason Thomas was part of the Chiefs using the 2026 NFL Draft to completely rebuild their defense. It was disappointing he didn't go in the first round, but he still went early in the second and ended up with a legit Super Bowl contender, at least when quarterback Patrick Mahomes is healthy again.
Thomas, especially with his lack of size, will have a tough time cementing himself as a starter in Kansas City anytime soon, but the Chiefs should give him plenty of opportunity to contribute immediately as a pass rusher.
The Texans snatching Febechi Nwaiwu way earlier than most expected proves how much they believe in him and also foreshadows they likely plan on using him a lot in a hurry. Houston needs more help protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud, and last season, according to PFF, Nwaiwu didn't allow a single sack in 505 snaps while starting at both right guard and center. That ability and his versatility should carve out Nwaiwu an early role in Houston.
There's no denying Gracen Halton was a steal in the fourth round, but that doesn't mean the situation in San Francisco will give him a chance to show that. Halton was the third time in the last two drafts the 49ers used at least a fourth-round pick on a defensive tackle. The 49ers are clearly wanting to improve their interior, but what they really needed was a pass rusher, and Halton can clog up a hole, but getting to the quarterback is a weakness. There's a chance Halton gets buried on the depth chart in San Francisco.
Kendal Daniels is certainly versatile between time at safety, linebacker and OU's hybrid cheetah position. However, that leaves questions on how an NFL team will actually use Daniels as he's yet to actually perfect one position. This grade, though, was bumped up to a C+ because it seems like new Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's system could get the most out of Daniels' ability, which was the difference during his short time with the Sooners.
Robert Spears-Jennings probably won't be getting much playing time on defense anytime soon, but that's expected for a seventh-round pick. He does, though, fit the mold of a throwback safety in Pittsburgh, so could create a solid career with the Steelers, even as a reserve, once given the chance to show what he can do.
This was probably going to be the grade no matter where Jaren Kanak ended up. Just average, with a chance to go in either direction. He converted from linebacker to tight end last year, so has just one season of experience at the position. That means he's raw and still needs a lot of development, which means no early playing time at TE, but it also gives him breakout potential down the road. However, his experience makes him perfect for special teams, so he should still earn a roster spot as a rookie.
It's hard to give Deion Burks an A after a catastrophic fall to the seventh round, but he couldn't ask for a better situation as a player who was almost the last pick of the draft. The Colts need help at receiver, and there should be plenty of opportunity for Burks as the only receiver they drafted. This could be one of the steals of this draft looking back with this talent in this situation.
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