(4/22) 14 Sooners Could Be Taken This Weekend, 8 Likely

Friday, April 22, 2005 Notes and Articles

14 Sooners Could be Taken, 8 Likely: We mention these records because 14 Sooners are considered viable candidates for this weekend's NFL Draft, an alarming number considering the event is now just seven rounds. Ohio State holds the seven-round draft record with 14 picks last year. The most OU players drafted in the first round is three, in 1970 and 1976. OU director of football operations Merv Johnson is a man of reason. This will be the 48th NFL Draft he’s lived through as a college assistant, dating back to his graduate days at Arkansas in 1958.His team’s draft hype has exceeded expectations before, and this weekend figures to be no different. “I don’t think we’ll get into double-digits,” Johnson said. “Maybe I’m a pessimist, I don’t know.” Johnson spoke in a whisper so not to offend, but consider it a warning shot. If the draft were still 12 rounds, Johnson said 14 Sooners might be selected. But with only seven rounds, a more reasonable estimate would be closer to eight. And that should be good news for the half-dozen OU players thought to be on the draft bubble. Because as closing rounds approach, it’s better not to hear your name called. (NewsOK)

NFL Draft includes 14 former Sooners, including four potential first-rounders: Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma NFL Draft Central: SoonerSports.com