Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables shares his thoughts on Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman following their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft
For the 30th consecutive year and the 55th time in the last 56 years, the Oklahoma Sooners had two or more players chosen in the NFL Draft.
During the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, two Oklahoma alumni were selected: Linebacker Danny Stutsman was picked by the New Orleans Saints with the 10th pick of the round, at No. 112 overall, while safety Billy Bowman Jr. was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 16th pick of the round, at No. 118 overall.
The contributions both players made to the Oklahoma program during their time there are hard to quantify. However, head coach Brent Venables attempted to articulate their impact, sharing thoughts on both Bowman and Stutsman as they embark on their professional careers.
Bowman Jr. started in 41 of his 47 games during his four seasons, accumulating 199 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 11 interceptions that resulted in 251 return yards. He also forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and recorded 14 pass breakups. Notably, he scored four defensive touchdowns, including three interceptions and one fumble return. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he led the nation with 249 interception return yards and ranked third in the country with nine interceptions.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled for Billy,” Venables stated. “He gave his all to OU for four years, and he will be remembered as one of the top defensive backs in the program’s history.”
“He’s one of the most competitive players I’ve ever coached,” Venables remarked. “He gave everything he had every single day and served as a tone setter and a solid foundation for us. His mix of determination, intelligence, athleticism, unwavering effort, and loyalty have led him to this moment. Now he’s on the brink of achieving a lifelong dream. I couldn’t be happier for him and will support him every step of the way as he begins this journey with the Atlanta Falcons.”
Stutsman participated in 47 career games, starting each of his last 37 over the past three seasons. He amassed a total of 376 tackles, placing him ninth in Oklahoma history. He is tied for fifth among OU inside linebackers with 36 career tackles for loss. In addition, he recorded eight career sacks and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Stutsman led the team with 109 tackles last season, marking his third consecutive season with triple-digit tackles, making him the first Sooner to achieve this feat since Travis Lewis.
“I can see that Danny is truly cherishing this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Venables shared. “He developed significantly both on and off the field during the three years I coached him, and he was undeniably one of our program’s leaders.”
“He has truly earned this opportunity, and I have full confidence that he will maximize it,” Venables continued. “New Orleans is getting a tough, determined, athletic linebacker who gives everything on every play and is meticulous in his preparation. He ranks among the best linebackers in the rich history of Oklahoma football, and I’m excited to see what he accomplishes at the next level. His future is incredibly bright!”
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