Danny Stutsman NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Oklahoma LB

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 233

HAND: 9"

ARM: 32⅛”

WINGSPAN: 77½”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.52

VERTICAL: 34"

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POSITIVES

— Great size and frame for a modern NFL linebacker.

— Impressive speed to carry running backs and tight ends in man coverage.

— Has plenty of speed to get to the flat or cover the deep middle when playing Tampa 2. Also closes well in zone coverage.

— Quick to key and diagnose gap runs to beat offensive linemen/pullers to the spot and get unblocked tackles near the line of scrimmage.

— As a run defender, he can be effective when blitzing with his acceleration and a solid rip move to defeat blocks.

— Has some thump behind his pads when coming downhill.

— Also has the athletic ability and solid shoulder dip and cross-chop moves to make offensive linemen miss when taking on blocks in space.

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NEGATIVES

— Instincts against zone runs are shaky. He'll occasionally fit to the wrong gap and has a bad habit of leaving the backside of run early, creating second-level rushing lanes.

— Takes on blocks with high pad level and wide hand placement, making it difficult for him to anchor and/or stack and shed against offensive linemen.

— Awareness in zone coverage is poor, his eye discipline isn't consistent and he will often play too shallow as the middle hook defender, creating big windows and easy throws against dig routes.

— Pad level is inconsistent when tackling as he'll get caught being both too high and leaving his feet, leading to misses.

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NOTES

— Born March 10, 2003

— A 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2021 (Elbow, missed 3 games); 2023 (Ankle, missed 1 game)

— 2024 Consensus All-American, First-Team All-SEC

— 2023 Second-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big 12

— 2022 Honorable Mention All-Big 12

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OVERALL

With Danny Stutsman's combination of size and speed, he has plenty of potential to become a quality linebacker in the NFL. He has a good frame and weight, and he fits the body type of a modern linebacker perfectly.

In coverage, Stutsman's speed is apparent as he can cover the flat quickly, close to converge on the ball after the catch and be effective when playing Tampa 2.

However, he needs to improve his awareness and eye discipline when playing zone to help tighten windows. He has the athletic ability to get the job done, but his instincts aren't up to par yet.

As a run defender, the Sooner is best when blitzing as it allows him to play fast and use his impressive speed rather than sit back and read the play. Also, he has solid rip and cross-chop moves to defeat blocks when coming downhill.

However, it often looks like he's guessing against zone runs when asked to stay on the second level, leading to him getting caught out of position. He is good at key and diagnosing gap runs, though.

Overall, Stutsman has the physical profile of a linebacker who can be an every-down contributor, but the team that drafts him will need to be patient and work with him on his instincts in both phases of the game.

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GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup / Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 93

POSITION RANK: LB7

PRO COMPARISON: Logan Wilson

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.