Brayden Willis NFL Draft projection: How high could Oklahoma Sooners TE go?

Texas Tech v Oklahoma
Tight end Brayden Willis of the Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners TE Brayden Willis will likely be selected on the third day of the 2023 NFL draft. The Sooners' tight end is a decent pass catcher at his size and is well-equipped to block college-level players. However, the jury is still the same regarding his ability to translate his college form to the NFL.

Willis provided value to the Oklahoma Sooners' programme in various ways, showcasing exciting versatility that makes him an appealing prospect. He delivered his most impactful season in 2022 while improving in several vital areas.

Hauling in 39 receptions for 503 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022, Willis became a trusted option in the passing game. The Sooners gave him opportunities to win in space and over the middle of the field, where his athleticism and ability to create as a ball carrier led to production. He has reliable hands while taking advantage of spacing and quickness to separate to make a fair amount of plays.

A capable blocker, he has ability to serve as a lead blocker into gaps and in space. He has an aggressive mindset and does well in controlling himself to find consistency.


Brayden Willis Pre-draft measurements

These are Brayden Willis' measurables taken at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

  • Height: 6′ 3 1/2”
  • Weight: 241 lbs
  • Arm Length: 33 1/4”
  • Hand Size: 9 3/4”
  • 40-yard Dash: TBD
  • Vertical Jump: 32”
  • Broad Jump: 9′ 9”
  • Short-Shuttle: 4.36s
  • Three-Cone: 7.30s
  • Bench Reps: 20 reps

How did Brayden Willis perform in college?

Brayden Willis was a stud in the later part of his college days, as he took quite some time to evolve into the dual threat he's now. He barely featured for the Sooners in his first season, putting up a paltry stat line of one reception for 29 yards and zero touchdowns.

Willis decided to put in more effort during the 2019 College Football off-season and came into the 2019 season with a chip on his broad shoulders.

He made improvements across all statistical categories, putting up a stat line of 11 receptions for 168 yards and three touchdowns. However, he wasn't nearly as effective in his third season, and his stats told the story. Willis posted a stat line of nine receptions for 110 yards and a sole touchdown for the season.

Once again, he had something to prove, and Willis decided to return for another season of College Football to show that he could perform at that level. He put up a stat line of 15 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns.

However, more was needed to prepare the Oklahoma State faithful for what he would do in the 2022 College Football season. Willis played like a decent college wide receiver, putting up a stat line of 39 receptions for 514 yards and seven touchdowns (more than his four previous seasons put together). He subsequently declared for the 2023 NFL draft.

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Edited by Bhargav