Billy Bowman Jr. S Oklahoma | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Billy Bowman Jr. S Oklahoma
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (96%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.10 DOB: 01/29/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Zone Slot/Nickel Safety | |
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (96%*) | |
| Age: 21.10 DOB: 01/29/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 83.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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81% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 77.9 | |
| Tackling: |
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49% |
| Run Defense: |
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70% |
| Coverage: |
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79% |
| Zone: |
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74% |
| Man/Press: |
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77% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#114
Position rank:
#24
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| College Games: 45 College Snaps: 2499 | ||
ESPN RATING: 85/100
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247 RATING: 97/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cam Taylor-Britt - Nebraska |
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86% |
| Sydney Brown - Illinois |
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78% |
| Kamren Kinchens - Miami |
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73% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Billy Bowman Jr. emerged as a defensive playmaker for Oklahoma, starting 29 of 35 career games. The Denton, Texas native accumulated 145 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and nine interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. His 249 interception return yards over 2022-23 led the nation, showcasing his game-changing ability.A consensus four-star recruit out of Ryan High School, Bowman made an immediate impact for the Sooners. He saw action in 11 games as a freshman before becoming a full-time starter in 2022. Bowman's junior season in 2023 was his breakout campaign, earning first-team All-American honors from CBS Sports/247Sports and first-team All-Big 12 recognition.
In 2023, Bowman recorded 63 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and four pass breakups. His three pick-sixes set a single-season school record, highlighted by a momentum-shifting 100-yard interception return against BYU.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite ball skills and anticipation, consistently putting himself in position to make game-changing plays on the ball
- Exceptional return ability after interceptions, demonstrating vision and elusiveness in the open field
- Versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary, including safety and nickel
- Quick trigger and closing speed when attacking downhill, allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield
- Fluid hips and smooth transition skills in coverage, maintaining tight coverage through route breaks
- High football IQ and instincts, routinely diagnosing plays pre-snap and reacting quickly post-snap
- Aggressive mindset in run support, willingly inserting himself into the box to make plays
- Special teams experience and production, adding value as a core contributor in the third phase
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Undersized frame at 5'10" and 200 pounds, potentially limiting his ability to match up with larger NFL tight ends
- Inconsistent tackling technique, often relying on arm tackles that can be broken by more physical runners
- Can be overaggressive at times, biting on play fakes and double moves in his pursuit of big plays
- Limited length may hinder his ability to contest catches against taller receivers at the catch point
- Occasional lapses in zone coverage awareness, losing track of receivers entering and exiting his area of responsibility
Scouting Report: Summary
A versatile defensive back with elite ball skills, Bowman fits best in multiple coverage schemes that maximize his instincts and range. His size limitations may restrict certain matchups, but positional flexibility compensates. Bowman's turnover creation ability and special teams value make him an attractive day two target.Scheme fits favoring Bowman include pattern-match zones and disguised coverages, allowing him to read and react. His experience at safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators multiple personnel options. While tackling technique needs refinement, Bowman's closing speed and willingness in run support are assets in the right system.
Bowman's game-changing interception skills and return ability elevate his draft stock. Teams emphasizing defensive playmaking and versatile defensive backs will value his potential impact, both in sub-packages and as a future starter.
Written By:
Eli Cooper (Big 12)
How other scouting services rate Billy Bowman Jr. (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
80.8
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
19.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.