After climbing as high as No. 5 overall in 2021, the Oklahoma State Cowboys came crashing down in 2022. With a 7-6 finish and an offseason that saw quarterback Spencer Sanders transfer out, head coach Mike Gundy faces a tough rebuilding season. After adding a slew of transfers, we dive into the Cowboys’ 2024 NFL Draft class.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Roster and Depth Chart Changes
Gundy is no stranger to maximizing less-heralded prospects and overhauling how his team wins based on his personnel. But this season appears especially challenging because the roster is lacking a star quarterback and running back. There’s unusual pressure on incoming transfers to make an impact right away.
Losing Sanders to Ole Miss isn’t insurmountable, but the Cowboys rolled the dice by adding former Texas Tech and Michigan quarterback Alan Bowman. Bowman starred as a true freshman for the Red Raiders, but his flame quickly blew out after injuries racked up. Five years later, he’s the best option ahead of Garret Rangel and Gundy’s son, Gunnar.
The Cowboys’ defense also needs to improve, but it won’t be easy. Star safety Jason Taylor II and EDGE Tyler Lacy head to the NFL, marking major losses, and leading linebacker Mason Cobb transferred to USC. The hope is that incoming pass rusher Anthony Goodlow will make a big difference.
Oklahoma State NFL Draft Prospects
Alan Bowman, QB
Bowman’s career has gone sideways in recent years, but it’s worth monitoring how he performs in Stillwater. He was an excellent downfield thrower until he lost the starting job as a third-year sophomore in 2020, showing off a strong arm and touch to all levels of the field. His efficiency and decision-making dwindled with a weaker supporting cast as his career progressed, and then he moved to Michigan as a backup for two years.
The Cowboys have a system and surrounding cast that should help Bowman rebound a bit. He thrived in Texas Tech’s spread offense under Kliff Kingsbury and with two massive receivers in Antoine Wesley and T.J. Vasher. Jaden Bray and incoming transfers Leon Johnson III and De’Zhaun Stribling can potentially aid Bowman’s revival.
Brennan Presley, WR
Standing only 5’8″ and 176 pounds, Brennan Presley isn’t going to physically impress evaluators. The slot receiver was very productive in 2022 thanks to his strong hands and a short stride that allows him to make clean routes with ease. However, his overall burst and speed aren’t great, making him more of an effort player who has to win in the margins whenever possible.
Jaden Bray, WR
Though Bray has only 18 catches in two seasons, his flashes are encouraging. His 84-yard outburst against Tulsa in his second career game looms as what Bray could become with his large 6’3″ frame and solid downfield speed.
He’s far from a surefire prospect right now, but his best-case scenario with Bowman could lead to a major breakout season.
Anthony Goodlow, EDGE
A big defensive lineman at 6’4″ and 281 pounds, Goodlow can move between the edge and interior of the line with ease. He wins with speed while inside as a nickel DT, showing good burst and quickness. Goodlow’s pad level and motor help him stay productive against the run as well, increasing his effectiveness and tackle output in 2022.
The NFL may prefer Goodlow plays as a 5-technique or add more bulk to be an interior defender in 4-3 fronts. He has a great spin move, but he generally doesn’t have enough speed and bend to win as a 4-3 or 3-4 edge defender when it matters most.
Kendal Daniels, S
Kendal Daniels has an unorthodox usage for being 6’4″ and 195 pounds, mostly lining up closer to the line of scrimmage. He racked up tackles but is more of a gang finisher than someone who reliably makes plays in space due to poor form. He may have more upside in coverage than what his usage has led to, as he showed capable of being in position on vertical routes.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: vs. Central Arkansas Bears - Week 3
Sept. 9: at Arizona State Sun Devils - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. South Alabama Jaguars - Week 5
Sept. 23: at Iowa State Cyclones - Week 6
BYE - Week 7
Oct 6: vs. Kansas State Wildcats - Week 8
Oct. 14: vs. Kansas Jayhawks - Week 9
Oct. 21: at West Virginia Mountaineers - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. Cincinnati Bearcats - Week 11
Nov. 4: vs. Oklahoma Sooners - Week 12
Nov. 11: at UCF Knights - Week 13
Nov. 18: at Houston Cougars - Week 14
Nov. 25: vs. BYU Cougars - Week 15
BYE
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