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Oklahoma Football: Sooners All-Time NFL Offensive Unit

By (Featured Columnist) on November 4, 2011

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The Oklahoma Sooners have churned out a boatload of NFL talent throughout the years, from the Bud Wilkinson days all the way to the Bob Stoops teams of the 2000s.

Several outstanding NFL runningnbacks played their college ball in Norman, as well as a handful of all-pro offensive linemen. Some Sooners made such an impact on the pro level that they changed the way the game is played.

Who exactly are the best all-time NFL players from Oklahoma at each position? Let's put together the Sooners all-time offensive unit.

Center: Chuck Thomas

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Oklahoma doesn't have a long list of all-world NFL centers to brag about, but Chuck Thomas did the Sooners proud during his brief NFL career.

Thomas played center for the Sooners during the Barry Switzer era in the 1980s, alongside the likes of Troy Aikman and Tony Casillas.

He was drafted in the third round in 1985 by the Houston Oilers, but ended up playing for the Atlanta Falcons and snapped the ball to Joe Montana in a pair of Super Bowl victories with the San Francisco 49ers.

Tackle: Jammal Brown

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Jammal Brown had a great college career with the Sooners, and has had an equally impressive professional career. He's a 6'6", 310-pound force whose professional football story isn't yet complete.

The All-American and 2004 Outland Trophy winner was drafted 13th overall in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Saints. During his time with the Saints, Brown earned Pro Bowl honors in 2006 and 2008, anchoring the line for Drew Brees' high-octane attack.

An ACL injury sidelined him in 2009, and he was then traded to the Washington Redskins. No matter what happens during the rest of his career, Brown will be remembered as an elite blocker on both the college and pro level.

Guard: Davin Joseph

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Davin Joseph was an All-Big 12 guard who played in 50 games for Bob Stoops' Sooners from 2002-2005. 

His size, impressive college resume and upside earned him a first-round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft. He didn't disappoint, as he quickly became a reliable lineman for the Bucs, and he has started in 73 games already in his career.

Joseph's stellar play merited a Pro Bowl selection in 2008, and he continues to be a great asset to an improving Tampa Bay franchise.

Fullback: Billy Pricer

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Fullback isn't a glamorous position; it doesn't earn the fame and prestige of other skill positions. But a good fullback can be the foundation for championships.

After three undefeated seasons at Oklahoma under coach Bud Wilkinson, Pricer had a short but sweet NFL career as a fullback and running back for the Baltimore Colts and Dallas Texans. He was a member of the 1958 and 1959 NFL Championship teams with the Colts.

Pricer ran for just 316 yards in his entire career, but he's the No. 1 fullback on our list because he blocked for championship rushers.

Running Back: Adrian Peterson

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Adrian Peterson is still a youngster, but he has already proven that he is the best NFL running back to come out of Oklahoma's system.

In fact, I have never seen any running back with his combination of strength, speed, power and agility.

After breaking all sorts of Sooner records during his brief time in Norman, Peterson was drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He was outlandishly successful in his rookie season, rushing for 1,341 yards, including a record 296 yards in a single game. Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl MVP honors soon followed.

In his short career he already has more than 6,000 yards and has scored 64 touchdowns. Look out, NFL defenses, there's much more to come.

Tight End: Keith Jackson

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Jackson, the "Boomer Sooner" who won a National Title at Oklahoma 1985, also had a championship-caliber career as a tight end the NFL.

During his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers, Jackson amassed 49 touchdowns and more than 5,000 yards. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and was a key member of the 1996 Super Bowl Champion Packers.

That 1996 Super Bowl season was Jackson's last season, but also one of his best. He reeled in a career-high 10 touchdowns to help the Brett Favre-led offense to the promised land.

Wide Receiver: Tommy McDonald

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A two-time national champ with Oklahoma, wide receiver Tommy McDonald took the NFL by storm in the 1960s.

He was an All-American running back for the Sooners during the Bud Wilkinson era, earning the Maxwell award in 1956. When he turned pro, he switched to wide receiver. McDonald's position might have changed, but his level of excellence didn't skip a beat.

His 12-year career included six Pro Bowls, 8,410 receiving yards, 84 touchdowns and a 1960 NFL Championship with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fun fact: He was the last non-kicker in the NFL to wear a helmet without a facemask.

Quarterback: Jack Jacobs

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After a highly-successful college career at Oklahoma, "Indian" Jack Jacobs went on to play five different positions (notably quarterback and punter) in the NFL and the Western Interprovincial Football Union in Canada.

He enjoyed NFL stints with the Cleveland Rams, Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers, and he finished his football career in Canada with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Jacobs is credited for championing the effectiveness of the forward pass. The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame said, "He will go down in history as the man who introduced the forward pass as an integral element of the offence."

Many apologies to Sam Bradford, who has a good chance to eventually become the best Sooner quarterback in the NFL.

Honorable Mention

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Quarterback: Sam Bradford, 2010

Running Back: Greg Pruitt, 1973

Wide Receiver: Eddie Hinton, 1969

Tight End: Joey Mickey, 1993

Tackle: Ralph Neely, 1965

Guard: J.D. Roberts, 1954

Center: Tom Brahaney, 1973

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