Two Oklahoma Sooners defensive stars, Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman Jr., have officially signed their first NFL contracts after being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Stutsman was picked by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round, while Bowman was taken by the Atlanta Falcons just a few picks later. Both players showcased impressive stats during their college careers, with Stutsman recording 376 tackles and being recognized as a consensus All-American in 2024. Bowman's versatility and ability to create turnovers have made him a coveted asset for the Falcons.

Their transition to the NFL will see them face off in the competitive NFC South, where they will each play crucial roles for their respective teams. Head coaches from both sides expressed high hopes for their talents, with Bowman's knack for ball awareness earning him significant praise. As they embark on their professional journeys, fans and fantasy players alike are eagerly anticipating their on-field performances.

The New Orleans Saints have been proactive in securing contracts for their 2025 draft picks, aiming to finalize agreements swiftly. Notably, first-round selection Kelvin Banks Jr. has signed a four-year rookie deal, marking him as the highest draft pick for the franchise since 2008. The Saints have also completed contracts with several other picks, including linebacker Danny Stutsman and cornerback Quincy Riley, both of whom bring promising collegiate accolades.

Kelvin Banks, a standout offensive tackle from Texas, was essential to the Saints' strategy, as he potentially shifts the offensive line dynamics with his expertise at left tackle, impacting the positioning of 2024's first-round pick Taliese Fuaga. Meanwhile, Stutsman and Riley are expected to fortify the defense, stepping into roles left vacant by veterans, enhancing the squad's competitiveness in upcoming seasons.

Rookie contracts have started rolling in for the New Orleans Saints as they signed six of their nine 2025 draft picks just ahead of rookie minicamp. This group includes their top pick, Kelvin Banks Jr., who secured a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $27.73 million, highlighted by a $16.8 million signing bonus. Alongside Banks, linebacker Danny Stutsman, cornerback Quincy Riley, running back Devin Neal, tight end Moliki Matavao, and edge rusher Fadil Diggs also inked their deals.

With just three picks remaining to sign, the Saints are navigating a familiar challenge in securing contracts for their second and third rounders: quarterback Tyler Shough, defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, and safety Jonas Sanker. Historically, the second-round negotiations often lead to a prolonged signing process, a trend the Saints bucked last year by signing their second-round selection, Kool-Aid McKinstry, earlier than usual. The Saints aim to finalize these remaining contracts promptly to prevent distractions during the offseason.

The New Orleans Saints had a standout performance in the recent 2025 NFL draft, with five of their nine selections making it into ESPN's top 100 picks, showcasing their strategic drafting prowess. The headliner was OL Kelvin Banks Jr., who ranked as the 13th best pick overall, noted for his potential to solidify the Saints' offensive line. His pairing with Taliese Fuaga offers a dynamic duo that addresses the team's need for an identity up front. In the later rounds, CB Quincy Riley and RB Devin Neal also garnered praise for their potential impact, especially with Riley's ability to step in as a rookie slot cornerback.

Furthermore, QB Tyler Shough, despite being considered a reach at pick 40, brings much-needed experience to the quarterback room, especially with Derek Carr's injury concerns. Lastly, LB Danny Stutsman rounds out the list, recognized as a culture-building leader on defense, which could prove vital for the Saints in the upcoming season. Overall, the buzz around the Saints' draft choices reflects a hopeful outlook as they gear up for the season, with each player contributing to a more robust roster.

The Oklahoma Sooners saw a break in their longstanding tradition as only two players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the first time in 22 years that fewer than three players were chosen. Linebacker Danny Stutsman was picked by the New Orleans Saints, while defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. went to the Atlanta Falcons. However, several other Sooners found respective homes as undrafted free agents, with defensive lineman Ethan Downs signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and offensive lineman Michael Tarquin joining the Carolina Panthers.

Defensive linemen Da'Jon Terry and Trace Ford also secured UDFA contracts with the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, respectively. Tarquin, despite battling injuries, showed promise as a leader on the offensive line during his time in Norman, while Ford's impressive pro day indicated potential as a pass-rusher. The opportunity remains for more Sooners to join this year's UDFA class, following in the footsteps of successful undrafted players from the past.