Brown, Ford among NFL early entrant possibilities
NORMAN — Oklahoma’s offense has been historic this season, so it’s no surprise that several underclassmen are candidates to leave college early to pursue a professional career.
Injured running back Rodney Anderson has already declared for the NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at four other players who could make such a move, starting with the most obvious:
Kyler Murray, quarterback
Chances he leaves: Almost a sure thing. The question is he headed to play football or baseball.
Why go: Murray is already the highest-paid college football player in the nation after signing a baseball contract worth more than $4.6 million after being drafted by the Oakland A’s over the summer. Murray’s NFL stock has risen dramatically over the past few months, even with his 5-foot-10 frame. Returning to college seems extremely unlikely, and according to his baseball agent, Scott Boras, Murray’s path is set in stone and he’ll join the A’s after the Sooners’ season ends.
Who’s next: On the current roster, Austin Kendall is the logical choice. Lincoln Riley said Kendall took Murray down to the wire for the starting quarterback job before this season, though it’s hard to see that it was as close as it was made out to be given Murray’s performance this season. Tanner Mordecai, who redshirted this season, will get a chance as well. Incoming freshman Spencer Rattler is likely to be the quarterback of the future, but since he’s not coming in January, it’s hard to envision him competing for the starting job next year.
Oklahoma figures to be in on potential graduate transfer quarterbacks — especially Arizona’s Khalil Tate or Alabama’s Jalen Hurts should either decide to transfer.
Marquise Brown, wide receiver
Chances he leaves: 90 percent
Why go: Brown has been one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football over the past two seasons, averaging 18.3 yards per catch is 25 career games. This season has been a challenge at times as he’s dealt with a pair of injuries, the first of which limited him through much of the middle part of the season. The second one knocked him out of the Big 12 Championship Game and could keep him out of the Orange Bowl. When Brown arrived in Norman, he was fast but lacked strength. Brown has proved himself to be a more versatile receiver this season and he’s put on size to be able to withstand more contact.
Who’s next: CeeDee Lamb is the clear No. 1 receiver next season if Brown goes. Beyond him, Charleston Rambo is a player who has seen his role grow over the second half of the season and could be ready for a
breakout next year with Brown gone. Oklahoma also has a pair of five-star receivers who are set to sign next week — Theo Wease and Trejan Bridges — that could make a quick impact.
Cody Ford and Bobby Evans, offensive tackles
Chances they leave: 75 percent that both leave
Why go: The two have been a part of one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country, with Evans starting 39 games over the past three years and Ford starting 20 games with his first full season as a starter coming this year after he moved to tackle. Ford is expected to be a first-round pick in some circles and is expected to play guard in the NFL. Evans figures to be picked a bit lower but still should be taken in the top three rounds.
Who’s next: Oklahoma’s offensive line will be in transition next year if both leave, as the Sooners will then have to replace four of the five starters there. The first players up figure to be redshirt sophomore Erik Swenson, Evans’ backup on the left side, and redshirt freshman Tyrese Robinson who backed up Ford on the left side.