It took just one day of practice for former Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. to draw attention to himself.
Bowman will play in Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl, and practices for the all-star game started on Tuesday in Mobile, Alabama. And after Day 1, Bowman already had some hype.
Media and NFL Draft experts are in Mobile all week to see practices, and many are gushing over Bowman already.
Every year there’s a safety who is undersized but plays with elite instincts and quickness. They usually work out in the NFL.
— Brady Balhorn - BNB Football (@BnbFootball) January 28, 2025
This year it’s Billy Bowman.
Production was down this year but it’s not his fault opposing teams were afraid to target him.
pic.twitter.com/PoiWs34yYB
Solid PBU made by @OU_Football Safety Billy Bowman Jr. #BoomerSooner #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/wC7FkHBb5W
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) January 28, 2025
Bowman was a staple on the Sooners' defense the past four seasons while playing in 47 games and making 41 starts. During his career, Bowman recorded 195 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 14 pass breakups.
He was best known more making big plays, especially during the 2023 season, returning three interceptions for TDs during his career. Bowman was asked about being a "playmaker" by CFB Nation.
Oklahoma DB Billy Bowman Jr Following Day 1️⃣ Of @seniorbowl
— CFB Nation 🏈 (@TheCFBNation) January 28, 2025
GM Calls 📞 & Ask What Type Of Player They Are Getting In You?
'PLAYMAKER!'#BoomerSooner #GoCFB #CollegeFootball #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE @Billy2Bowman pic.twitter.com/K72VbQaLlp
Despite all that experience and all those big plays, Bowman's NFL Draft stock has still been low. Most of that could be because he's considered undersized at 5-foot-10.
Bowman is rubbing elbows with the best NFL Draft prospects in the class this week, though, and standing out while doing so. He's still making big-time plays, even against the best.
Bowman had one of the top highlights from Day 1 of practice on Tuesday when he picked off Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Billy Bowman Jr. Intercepting Jalen Milroe@AtoZSportsNFL pic.twitter.com/iaMKXHH7Zr
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) January 28, 2025
This rep from Billy Bowman Jr. was one of the highlights of the day
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 29, 2025
pic.twitter.com/20laH54Jl3
.@OU_Football DB Billy Bowman has some safety/slot versatility due to his build and CB-like movement skills
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 28, 2025
Slot rep here. Good recovery speed to capitalize on the underthrown ball, ball skills to get the INT (one foot down, but we’ll take it) pic.twitter.com/FCdB006HON
So far, Bowman has improved his draft stock during Senior Bowl festivities. Most mock drafts so far haven't went beyond the second round and haven't included Bowman. However, after the Senior Bowl and with the NFL season coming to end next week, mock drafts will become more detailed and Bowman's possible NFL destination will become more known.
The Reese's Senior Bowl will kick off at 1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday and be televised on NFL Network. OU linebacker Danny Stutsman was also invited to the all-star game but will not participate.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be April 24-26.