The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine provided a significant opportunity for draft prospects to showcase their skills ahead of April’s NFL Draft. For the Oklahoma Sooners, three standout players—Ethan Downs, Danny Stutsman, and Billy Bowman—put on impressive performances in Indianapolis last week. Their showings in athletic and positional drills likely bolstered their draft stock, garnering praise from scouts and analysts across the country.
Ethan Downs, DE: Strength and Speed on Display
Ethan Downs proved he belongs among the elite defensive ends in this draft class. Perhaps the most impressive feat was his dominance in the bench press, where he put up 32 reps—leading all defensive ends at the Combine. This display of power underscored his ability to play with strength at the line of scrimmage and hold his ground against offensive linemen at the next level.
Key Combine Results:
- 40-yard dash: 4.69 seconds (10th among DEs)
- 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds (6th among DEs)
- Vertical jump: 34 inches (12th among DEs)
- Broad jump: 9 feet, 11 inches (14th among DEs)
- 3-cone drill: 7.58 seconds (10th among DEs)
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.59 seconds (7th among DEs)
- Bench press: 32 reps (1st among DEs)
Downs also demonstrated agility and acceleration that exceeded expectations. According to Next Gen Stats, he had the second-fastest max acceleration among edge rushers at the Combine, a key metric for evaluating a pass rusher’s explosiveness. While some scouts still question his pass-rushing upside due to his shorter arm length (31 inches), others see him as a reliable run defender who can contribute early in his NFL career.
Danny Stutsman, LB: Speed and Instincts Stand Out
After an outstanding college career that saw him log three consecutive 100-tackle seasons, Danny Stutsman came to the Combine looking to solidify himself as a top linebacker prospect. He did just that with a stellar 40-yard dash time of 4.52 seconds, ranking fourth among inside linebackers.
Key Combine Results:
- 40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds (4th among LBs)
- 10-yard split: 1.55 seconds (5th among LBs)
- Vertical jump: 34 inches (10th among LBs)
While Stutsman didn’t participate in all agility drills, his numbers reaffirmed his sideline-to-sideline range. One AFC scout called him a “throwback-style linebacker” who brings toughness and leadership to a defense. His ability to process plays quickly and react to the ball carrier makes him an ideal fit for teams looking for a plug-and-play starter in the middle of their defense.
Though the linebacker position has trended toward smaller, faster players in recent years, Stutsman’s blend of size and athleticism makes him a valuable asset. Scouts widely project him as a Day Two selection, but the buzz surrounding him suggests he may not make it past the second round.
Billy Bowman, S: Versatile and Explosive
Billy Bowman entered the Combine with questions about his top-end athleticism, but he left Indianapolis as one of the most talked-about safeties in the class. His 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds ranked fourth among safeties, and his explosiveness in drills like the broad jump (10 feet, 3 inches) and vertical jump (35.5 inches) further confirmed his high upside.
Key Combine Results:
- 40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds (4th among safeties)
- 10-yard split: 1.52 seconds (6th among safeties)
- Vertical jump: 35.5 inches (9th among safeties)
- Broad jump: 10 feet, 3 inches (8th among safeties)
- Bench press: 17 reps (4th among safeties)
Bowman also posted impressive GPS tracking numbers, reaching a top speed of 23.13 MPH—fourth among all defensive backs. His acceleration (6.11 MPH max burst) was second in the class, a testament to his quick-twitch ability and change-of-direction skills.
One NFC scout praised Bowman’s versatility, comparing him to Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Some teams view him as a potential nickel corner at the next level due to his ability to play aggressively against the run and excel in coverage. His strong Combine showing could push him into Day Two consideration, with the possibility of hearing his name called in the late second or early third round.
The Draft Stock Outlook: What’s Next for the Sooners?
The performances from Downs, Stutsman, and Bowman at the NFL Combine have positioned each player well heading into the final stretch before the draft. However, their journey isn’t over. The next steps include:
- Oklahoma’s Pro Day: Each player will have another opportunity to impress scouts with additional workouts and positional drills.
- Private Team Meetings: Stutsman, Bowman, and Downs will visit team facilities, conduct interviews, and go through further evaluations.
- Final Draft Rankings: As teams finalize their draft boards, all three Sooners have a chance to rise even further with continued strong showings.
Bottom Line: Sooners Continue to Make an Impact on the NFL
With the Combine behind them, Downs, Stutsman, and Bowman have solidified their status as legitimate NFL prospects. Stutsman’s speed and leadership make him a potential Day Two pick, Bowman’s athleticism and versatility could elevate him into a starting role, and Downs’ strength and agility give him a shot to be an early contributor at the next level.
Oklahoma fans will be watching closely as these three former Sooners continue their journey toward the 2025 NFL Draft. If their Combine performances are any indication, they won’t have to wait long to hear their names called on draft weekend.
OU has supplied 416 players all-time in the NFL Draft (fourth-highest total of all schools). Forty-nine of those players were taken in the first round, including five No. 1 overall picks. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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