Oklahoma State has produced a long list of NFL talents over the last few years. But this 2020 NFL Draft class could be legendary for the Cowboys.
Oklahoma State had running back Justice Hill and defensive end Jordan Brailford drafted in 2019, with four more players signing as undrafted free agents. The 2020 NFL Draft class looks to be even more impressive, and it starts with two elite play-makers on offense.
RB Chuba Hubbard
Chuba Hubbard is a former track star whose speed shows up on the field. Hubbard tagged in an insane 31 runs of 10 yards or more last season. Hubbard also forced 45 missed tackles on only 124 carries last season.
With Oklahoma State losing incumbent starter Taylor Cornelius at quarterback, they could place more of an emphasis on the running game. If that occurs, Hubbard can and will take over games for the Pokes next season. The level of athleticism Hubbard plays with is rare and his game is a constant highlight reel. Now that teammate Justice Hill is off to the NFL, Hubbard will be the lead back for Oklahoma State. After a relatively down year at running back in 2019, Hubbard joins a deep 2020 NFL Draft class.
WR Tylan Wallace
Somehow, I was impressed with another Oklahoma State player more than Hubbard. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace was jaw-droppingly impressive in the games I caught of him. While other junior wide receivers deservingly get highlighted, Wallace is right up there with them.
At first glance, I thought Wallace was at least 6’4 with the body control and contested catch ability he displayed. Wallace is only 6’0 185 pounds, making his ability in these areas even more impressive. Pro Football Focus charted him with 23 contested receptions last season, placing first in the country in that category.
While Wallace isn’t devastatingly fast, there’s good explosiveness and quickness in his game. Due to his scheme at Oklahoma State, Wallace’s routes are limited and somewhat raw. But there are good traits to build off of in this area. He’ll need to cut down on the drops if he wants to be a first-round selection, however.
Other names to note
Hawaii transfer quarterback Dru Brown could be the Cowboys starting quarterback after backing up Cornelius last season. Brown is undersized at 5’11 and 200 pounds, but he showed a live arm and good dual-threat ability as a runner. As he is the only quarterback on the roster with any starting experience, Brown has an advantage over the younger Spencer Sanders. New offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson is a creative coach and could use Brown’s athleticism to his advantage. With other undersized Big 12 quarterbacks making a name for themselves, Brown could give his draft stock a boost with a quality season.
Right tackle Teven Jenkins had some good moments of play down the stretch last season. Jenkins has played at four different spots on the offensive line but settled in at right tackle with 13 consecutive starts. Jenkins was an Honorable Mention All Big-12 lineman last season. A full season of development at one position and Jenkins could boost his stock in 2019.
Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have a couple of intriguing options.
Defensive end Kyle Junior is a graduate transfer from Bowling Green. Junior led the Falcons sixth-rated passing defense in tackles for loss and pressures last season. With Jordan Brailford now with the Washington Redskins and other defensive linemen transferring, Junior provides a good and established player to anchor the Pokes defensive line. He’ll look to continue where Oklahoma State left off last season when they finished tenth in sacks last season.
Linebacker Calvin Bundage is the most athletic player I noticed on the Cowboys defense last season, especially early on in the season. Bundage was at his best blitzing as an extra pass rusher and firing in to hit the quarterback. He lacks discipline in his game, causing way too many penalties. His coverage skills are still a work in progress as well, but the athletic ability is there for Bundage to build off of.
Cornerback A.J. Green is another solid prospect for the Pokes. He’s got good size and length at 6’1. Green stepped up for Oklahoma State down the stretch, shutting down Texas and West Virginia in key upset victories. After a good spring showing, Green looks primed to build off a successful junior season in which he led the Big 12 conference with 11 passes defended. He’ll need to shore up his technique if he wants to be seen as a top prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft.