Oklahoma State Football: Ranking the Most Draftable Prospects

By (Featured Columnist) on August 28, 2011

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20:  Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in action during the game against  the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Oklahoma State, as evidenced by their surge under head coach Mike Gundy in recent years, is one of the up-and-coming college football programs in the country.

That surge was capped off by the best season in school history last year, with an 11-2 record and a share in the Big South title.

The mark of an elite program is its ability to field draftable players for the NFL. The Cowboys are making that jump.

Here are their five most draftable prospects this year.

5. Johnny Thomas, Senior Safety

Johnnythomasoklahomastate_display_image

Thomas has 63 tackles and three interceptions last season.

He is an anchor to a very underrated Oklahoma State secondary.

He came up big in many key games (six tackles versus Oklahoma) and is a key veteran who makes few mistakes.

He's a bit small, but that shouldn't be a concern.

He's also versatile, averaging 15.5 yards on kickoff returns last season.

4. Levy Adcock, Senior Offensive Lineman

Ncf_a_levyadcock_cmg_300_display_image

Adcock came into last season with very little experience at the D-I level.

But he won the starting job last August and never looked back, starting every game of the season and not allowing a single sack.

Size is not a problem either. Adcock is huge at 6'6" and 322 pounds.

If he continues to be as good as he was last year, Adcock will playing on Sundays next year.

3. Markelle Martin, Senior Safety

WACO, TX - OCTOBER 24:  Safety Markelle Martin #10 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys breaks up a pass to Ernest Smith #3 of the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Waco, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Martin is very similar to Thomas, but he is seemingly a bit better.

He shows more big play ability and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Alamo Bowl last year en route to being named the player of the game.

At 6'1" and around 200 pounds, he'll need to get a bit bigger, but that shouldn't be a problem.

He'll continue to be a leader for the Cowboy defense this year and that'll lead to him getting a good shot in the NFL.

2. Brandon Weeden, Senior Quarterback

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 27:  Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks for an open receiver against the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Image
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Weeden came into last season completely unknown. A former minor league pitcher, Weeden was considered to be lazy and unmotivated by his coaches.

Fast forward a year and he is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12 and a candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award.

Weeden has everything NFL scouts want. He throws the ball beautifully, has good pocket presence, and has the physical and mental stature to handle the NFL game.

He is old though, as he will turn 28 this season.

That'll drop his draft stock some, but he will have a solid NFL career.

1. Justin Blackmon, Junior Wide Receiver

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05:  Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  The Cowboys defe
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Like Weeden, Blackmon was unknown last year. He wasn't recruited much coming out of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and no one could have predicted the leap he'd make as a sophomore.

Over 1,700 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns later, Blackmon is the reigning Biletnikoff winner and is the clear favorite to win the award next year.

He also has the skills for the professional game.

He's big enough at 6'1" and is an incredibly strong receiver, who often bullied opposing corners (including Nebraska's Prince Amukamara).

He also has fantastic hands and is very good at adjusting to the ball in the air.

Hands down, he is the most draftable Cowboy this season.

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