Danny Stutsman NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Oklahoma LB

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 240

POSITIVES

— Great size and frame for a modern NFL linebacker.

— Impressive movement skills with good speed and change of direction to go along with fluid hips to help stay in phase when playing man coverage.

— Has plenty of speed to get to the flat or cover the deep middle when playing Tampa 2. Also closes well in zone coverage.

— As a run defender, he can be effective when blitzing with his acceleration and a solid rip move to defeat blocks.

— Also has the athletic ability and a solid shoulder dip to make offensive linemen miss when taking on blocks in space.

NEGATIVES

— Instincts as a run defender are a big work in progress. He'll often fit to the wrong gap and has a bad habit of leaving the backside of run early, creating second-level rushing lanes.

— Lacks some strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen when taking on blocks at the second level.

— Awareness in zone coverage is sub-par, his eye discipline isn't consistent and he will often play too shallow as the middle hook defender, creating big windows and easy throws against dig routes.

— Pad level is inconsistent when tackling as he'll get caught being both too high and leaving his feet, leading to misses.

NOTES

— Born March 10, 2003

— A 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2021 (Elbow, missed 3 games); 2023 (Ankle, missed 1 game)

— 2023 Second-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big 12

— 2022 Honorable Mention All-Big 12

OVERALL

With Danny Stutsman's combination of size and movement skills, he has plenty of potential to become a quality linebacker in the NFL. Granted, the 240-pound number above stems from Oklahoma's roster and looks a little generous, but he has a good frame and fits the body type of a modern linebacker perfectly.

In coverage, Stutsman's speed is apparent as he can cover the flat quickly, close to converge on the ball after the catch and be effective when playing Tampa 2. Also, his impressive change of direction skills and fluid hips will help him take away running backs and tight ends in man coverage.

He needs to improve his awareness and eye discipline when playing zone to help tighten windows, as he has the athletic ability to get the job done, but his instincts aren't up to par yet.

As a run defender, the Sooner is best when blitzing as it allows him to play fast and use his impressive speed rather than sit back and read the play. Also, he has a solid rip move to defeat blocks when coming downhill.

However, it often looks like he's guessing—especially against zone runs—when asked to stay on the second level which leads to him getting caught out of position.

Overall, Stutsman has the physical profile of a linebacker who can be an every-down contributor, but the team that drafts him will need to be patient and work with him on his instincts in both phases of the game.

GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup / Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 34

POSITION RANK: LB4

PRO COMPARISON: Logan Wilson

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.