The reason Drake Stoops wasn’t drafted had nothing to do with his abilities to play the game of football. The son of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, Drake walked on at the program where his father won a national championship in 2000.
However, this wasn’t done as a favor to the Sooner legend as Drake Stoops turned an opportunity into a Big 12 selection while becoming a Sooner icon due to his fierce play and unwillingness to let his size and lack of speed get in the way of his performances.
The Rams signed Stoops as an undrafted rookie on Saturday night and may have found a gem at wide receiver.
Stoops is pure heart. Standing at only 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, the slot receiver would get rag-dolled by defenders. Despite the punishment taken, Stoops would get up, brush himself off, and continue to make plays on his way to setting career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2023.
𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
Congratulations @Drake_stoops! #OUDNA
@RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/k1FyIhoi6i
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) April 28, 2024
Stoops is oozing Wayne Chrebet vibes and considering not only his excellent senior season but also his tremendous football IQ stemming from his family (Drake Stoops’ father and both his uncles Mike and Mark have been D1 head coaches) would be enough to get him a UDFA contract. But when you consider he was also coached under Lincoln Riley and Brent Venables, Stoops has tremendous knowledge of different offensive schemes and defensive coverages. That’s the type of knowledge that gives a player an advantage before they even step on the field.
Stoops is a baller who gives max effort – a locker room guy, and the type of player that swings momentum back to the Rams. I have no doubts that he will at least earn a practice squad role at the end of the offseason and don’t be surprised to see him get playing time during the year as well.
Though the Rams gave him an opportunity, other teams around the league are likely keeping an eye on him. Drake Stoops, one for the future.