Football

David Stone Poised to Anchor Oklahoma’s Defense Ahead of 2027 NFL Draft

The standout tackle’s blend of size, athleticism and production places him among the nation’s top prospects.

David Stone, a defensive tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners, has been ranked No. 31 overall by Pro Football Focus for the upcoming 2026 season and is projected as a first‑round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

What sets Stone apart is his rare combination of size, athleticism, quickness and raw strength, allowing him to dominate the interior line and disrupt opposing offenses.

A Unique Skill Set

At 6‑4 and 310 pounds, Stone moves with the agility of a smaller player while delivering the punch of a seasoned veteran. His ability to penetrate the backfield and collapse the pocket has made him a focal point of the Sooners’ defensive schemes.

In 2025, Stone logged a career‑high 26 pressures, tying for third among SEC defensive tackles, and posted a run‑stop rate of 13.0 percent, ranking second nationally among FBS tackles. He also led the team in pass‑rush snaps and finished fourth in total pressures while ranking third in Pro Football Focus’ stops metric.

Despite drawing double‑teams and constant attention from opposing offensive lines, Stone remained a disruptive force in the middle of the defense, helping the Sooners maintain a top‑tier front.

Draft Outlook

Analysts expect Stone’s blend of production and upside to translate into a high‑value pick in the 2027 draft, where his impact could be immediate for any NFL franchise seeking a dominant interior defender.

With head coach Brent Venables overseeing the unit, the Sooners will look to Stone as a catalyst for a defense that aims to elevate its national standing in the coming season.

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