Seven Oklahoma Sooners heard their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, showcasing SEC-honed toughness and NFL-ready talent from edge rushers to linemen
The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and Oklahoma Sooners fans have every reason to feel proud.
While the program didn’t land a first-round pick this year, seven Sooners heard their names called seven times in the final two days, continuing Brent Venables’ track record of developing NFL-caliber talent in Norman.
From a standout edge rusher who anchored the defensive front to versatile offensive and defensive contributors, this class showcases the depth, work ethic, and SEC-honed toughness that define Sooner football.
The draft got off to a strong start for OU when the Kansas City Chiefs selected edge defender R Mason Thomas in the second round at No. 40 overall. The 6-2, 241-pound pass rusher from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, emerged as one of the most productive defenders in the SEC during his final two seasons.
Thomas racked up significant sacks and tackles for loss, using his explosive first step and relentless motor to pressure quarterbacks. Chiefs fans and Sooner supporters alike see him as an immediate rotational piece who can elevate Kansas City’s pass rush.
His selection marked the highest OU player taken in this draft and set an excited tone for the weekend.
Offensive line depth received a boost when the Houston Texans picked guard/center Febechi Nwaiwu in the fourth round (No. 106 overall). The former walk-on from Coppell, Texas, transferred from North Texas and became a reliable starter for the Sooners, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2025 while showcasing elite pass protection and high football IQ.
His journey from unheralded prospect to NFL draftee resonates deeply with Oklahoma fans who love a good underdog story.
Defensive tackle Gracen Halton went shortly after to the San Francisco 49ers (No. 107 overall). The 2025 second-team All-SEC selection and team captain brought disruption inside with 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in his senior year.
His quickness and high motor make him a natural fit for San Francisco’s scheme.
Native Oklahoman Kendal Daniels, who began his career at Oklahoma State before transferring to OU, landed with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 134 overall.
The lengthy 6-5, 242-pound linebacker/hybrid defender delivered consistent production in coverage and run support during his lone season in Norman.
In the seventh round, the pipeline kept flowing. Safety Robert Spears-Jennings, a Broken Arrow product known for his blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash and physical run support, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 224.
Tight end Jaren Kanak, who made a successful position switch from linebacker to offense and earned third-team All-SEC honors with 44 catches for 533 yards, joined the Tennessee Titans at No. 225.
Finally, speedy slot receiver Deion Burks was taken by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 254. Despite medical questions that caused him to slide, his 4.30 40 time and explosive playmaking ability give him legitimate upside if he can stay healthy.
From an Oklahoma perspective, this draft class highlights what Venables’ staff does best: turning committed, high-character players into pros ready for the league’s physical and mental demands.
Whether it was Thomas terrorizing SEC quarterbacks, Nwaiwu grinding in the trenches, or Kanak embracing a position change, these Sooners bought into the culture and left Norman better.
The Sooner pipeline remains strong, and this seven-player haul adds to OU’s proud legacy of producing NFL talent.
2026 Oklahoma Sooners NFL Draft Results:
- R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs – Round 2, Pick 40
- Febechi Nwaiwu, OL, Houston Texans – Round 4, Pick 106
- Gracen Halton, DL, San Francisco 49ers – Round 4, Pick 107
- Kendal Daniels, LB, Atlanta Falcons – Round 4, Pick 134
- Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Pittsburgh Steelers – Round 7, Pick 224
- Jaren Kanak, TE, Tennessee Titans – Round 7, Pick 225
- Deion Burks, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Round 7, Pick 254