Oklahoma Sooners: 2012 NFL Draft recap
The Oklahoma Sooners had a strong showing in the 2012 NFL Draft, with a total of seven players selected. Here's a rundown of where OU alums are headed and what kind of situation they are walking into.
*Ryan Broyles, WR (2nd Round, Detroit Lions)
Despite suffering a season-ending late in his senior year, Broyles arguably went higher than a number of draftniks expected. Broyles will almost certainly play as a slot receiver in Detroit and should end up competing for time right away. The Lions already have the best receiver in football, Calvin Johnson, playing on the outside. Broyles should complement Megatron and Titus Young nicely and eventually give Matthew Stafford a reliable target to help keep defenses honest.
*Donald Stephenson, WR (3rd Round, Kansas City Chiefs)
Stephenson tested this spring far better than he ever played at Oklahoma. Maybe a Missouri homecoming is what he needs. He should receive a hospitable welcome by Chiefs, who are woefully thin at offensive tackle. Don't be shocked if you see Stephenson starting at right tackle on opening day in K.C.
*Jamell Fleming, CB (3rd Round, Arizona Cardinals)
The Cardinals pass defense didn't exactly suck in 2011, ranking 17th in the league. However, with the Arizona brass looking to counteract the move to more wide-open offense, the Fleming pick makes more sense. Look for Fleming to contribute right away as a nickel corner. Eventually, he could make up half of a talented cornerback tandem alongside Patrick Peterson.
*Frank Alexander, DE (4th Round, Carolina Panthers)
Big Duke Robinson's washout apparently didn't scare Carolina off of Sooners. Alexander's all-around game at defensive end should add some depth for a D that finished 28th overall in 2011.
*Ronnell Lewis, OLB (4th Round, Detroit Lions)
The Hammer is a man without a position, but it looks like his freakish athleticism was too much for the Lions to pass up. Althought he frequently played with his hand on the ground in college, he doesn't have the size to play defensive end in the pros. Lewis could make for a terror coming off of the edge as a pass-rushing linebacker. He's also a monster on special teams, so he'll likely find a home in Motown.
*James Hanna, TE (6th Round, Dallas Cowboys)
It's Hanna time in Big D. Jason Witten isn't getting any younger, and Martellus Bennett wasn't the answer. Hanna offers wide receiver speed in a tight end's body. He also blocks like a wide receiver. If Jerry Jones' plan is to transition to full-time spread along the lines of the Saints, Hanna has a chance to build a future in Dallas as a split tight end.
*Travis Lewis, OLB (7th Round, Detroit Lions)
The third Sooner bound for Hockeytown, Lewis' stay could be the shortest of OU's three players drafted by the Lions. An injury-filled fourth year sent the boisterous linebacker's stock plummeting. The Lions already have a ton of bodies competing for jobs at LB, but Lewis was probably worth a flyer late. If Lewis doesn't catch on in Detroit, someone will give him a shot. Unfortunately, his small build and struggles fending off blockers likely limit his ceiling on the next level.