Trio of Oklahoma Sooners invited to NFL Combine

Trio of Oklahoma Sooners Invited to NFL Combine

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, a trio of standout players from the Oklahoma Sooners football program have received invitations to the prestigious NFL Scouting Combine. This is a significant milestone in their respective journeys to professional football, as the Combine is one of the most important events for NFL prospects. The three Sooners have a chance to showcase their skills and make a lasting impression on NFL scouts and coaches ahead of the draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine, set to take place in Indianapolis later this year, serves as a major step for college players as they transition into the NFL. The event features a series of drills, interviews, and evaluations designed to assess athletic ability, mental sharpness, and overall football IQ. For players hoping to improve their draft stock, a strong performance at the Combine can make all the difference.

This year, the Oklahoma Sooners will be represented by three players who have proven to be key contributors throughout their college careers and are now looking to take the next step into the professional ranks. Here’s a breakdown of the trio and what makes them stand out.

1. Dillon Gabriel – Quarterback

Perhaps the most high-profile of the three Sooners invited to the NFL Combine is Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma’s starting quarterback. After transferring to Oklahoma from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Gabriel quickly became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the Big 12. His ability to read defenses, along with his strong arm and mobility, made him a standout player in Norman. Gabriel had a productive 2024 season, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, proving his talent and leadership under center.

Gabriel’s skill set will be closely scrutinized at the Combine. Scouts are particularly interested in his arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making. At UCF, Gabriel was known for his deep ball accuracy and quick release, and now NFL teams will want to see how well that translates to the next level. Despite being shorter than some of the prototypical NFL quarterbacks, Gabriel’s leadership, poise in the pocket, and athleticism are what make him a promising prospect.

The Combine will be an important opportunity for Gabriel to prove that he can be a starting quarterback at the professional level. His strong showing could push him into the first few rounds of the NFL Draft, but his ability to perform under pressure in drills, as well as the interviews, will play a crucial role in determining his draft stock.

2. Jalen Redmond – Defensive Lineman

Another key player for Oklahoma who has received an invite to the NFL Combine is Jalen Redmond, a powerful defensive lineman who has been a dominant force on the Sooners’ defense. Redmond, who plays primarily as a defensive tackle, has impressed scouts with his blend of size, strength, and agility. Throughout his time in Norman, Redmond was known for his ability to disrupt both the passing and running game, earning him a reputation as one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12.

In his final season at Oklahoma, Redmond posted 6 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles, demonstrating his explosive first step and ability to collapse the pocket. His versatility to play both inside and on the edge has made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams in need of a versatile defensive lineman.

At the Combine, Redmond will be looking to show off his athleticism and physicality. His bench press, 40-yard dash, and agility drills will be critical as scouts evaluate his potential as a pass rusher at the next level. Redmond’s explosiveness and motor have already been well-documented, but a strong performance in front of NFL evaluators will solidify his standing as one of the top defensive line prospects available.

For Redmond, the Combine could prove to be the perfect opportunity to show that he has the tools to thrive at the next level, and he will be hoping to leave a strong impression as he looks to hear his name called early in the draft.

3. Anton Harrison – Offensive Tackle

Rounding out the trio of Oklahoma Sooners invited to the NFL Combine is Anton Harrison, one of the top offensive tackles in college football. Harrison’s physicality and size (standing at 6’5” and weighing 315 pounds) made him a key anchor on Oklahoma’s offensive line throughout his career. He earned praise for his pass protection, ability to open up running lanes, and overall blocking technique.

Harrison’s ability to dominate in both run and pass blocking sets him apart from many other prospects at his position. In 2024, he allowed just a handful of sacks, a testament to his quick feet, balance, and hand placement. Scouts will be closely monitoring his footwork, strength, and ability to handle top-tier edge rushers in one-on-one drills. The Combine will give Harrison the chance to showcase his technical skills, including his ability to move laterally and keep his quarterback clean in passing situations.

As an offensive tackle, Harrison’s stock could see a significant boost with a solid performance in Indianapolis. Offensive linemen are often evaluated based on their ability to handle speed and power from defenders, and Harrison has the tools to demonstrate that he can succeed in a high-level NFL offense.

A strong Combine showing could put Harrison in contention for a first-round draft pick and would firmly cement his place as one of the premier offensive line prospects in the country.

What the NFL Combine Means for These Sooners

For all three players—Dillon Gabriel, Jalen Redmond, and Anton Harrison—the NFL Scouting Combine represents a chance to improve their draft stock and leave a lasting impression on NFL teams. The event is crucial for every draft prospect, as it gives scouts and coaches a chance to see players in person, evaluating their athleticism, mental acumen, and overall fit for the professional game.

These three Sooners have already accomplished plenty at the college level, but the Combine offers a chance to prove that they can make the transition to the NFL successfully. For Gabriel, this may be a chance to showcase his skills as an NFL-caliber quarterback. For Redmond and Harrison, it’s an opportunity to further prove that they have the size, strength, and technique to be successful on the NFL’s biggest stage.

What’s Next for the Sooners

After the NFL Combine, the trio of Sooners will continue their preparations for the NFL Draft, which will take place later this spring. These players have spent years building their careers at Oklahoma, and now they are on the verge of starting a new chapter in their football journeys.

As the draft draws closer, there will be plenty of analysis and buzz surrounding their performances at the Combine. For Oklahoma fans, there’s a strong sense of pride knowing that three talented players will be representing their school at one of the most important events of the NFL offseason.

For Dillon Gabriel, Jalen Redmond, and Anton Harrison, their futures are bright, and the NFL Combine could be the final step toward realizing their dream of playing professional football.

Stay tuned as the 2025 NFL Draft nears, and keep an eye on these Oklahoma Sooners as they continue their journey to the next level.

Leave a Comment