Danny Stutsman has commanded the Oklahoma Sooners defense for multiple years, and he’s slated to enter the next draft cycle. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman
Measurables:
- 6’4”
- 243 lbs
Player Background:
Danny Stutsman committed to Oklahoma as a non-consensus four-star recruit in the 2021 class out of Winter Garden HS in Florida. His presence was introduced during his first season with the Sooners, playing in 10 games his freshman year. He racked up 38 tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles in those games. He was their LB1 from 2022-onward, amassing a ridiculous 124 tackles in his sophomore campaign.
To go along with those numbers, Stutsman broke up five passes, three sacks, and two interceptions. He was once again a star the following season, finishing with 104 tackles, three PBUs, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pick in 12 games. His dominance has carried into his final year with OU, already reaching the 100-tackle mark for the third straight year.
Accolades:
- Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2022)
- Second Team All-American (2023)
- First Team All-Big 12 (2023)
- Lombardi Award Finalist (2023)
- Preseason First Team All-SEC (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Stutsman sees the game at a level that very few players come close to. His knowledge of the run game and ability to plug holes and disrupt plays are exceptional traits. He has a prototypical NFL frame and a love for contact that translates at any level. He has solid functional strength in his upper body and moves well enough to impact the game in multiple areas. His pursuit angles are sharp when working downfield, and he navigates smoothly through traffic.
He has a technical understanding of run plays, allowing him to be in a good position almost every time. Stutsman works with power as a pass-rusher and has violent hands that get him into the backfield efficiently. His mental prowess often flashes on inside run plays, knowing how to redirect concepts with just his presence. He’s a disciplined LB as a Quarterback Spy, staying in the QB’s field of vision and preventing most scrambles.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Instinctually, Stutsman has some work to do in all aspects. He will occasionally get too downfield-moving in the run game and hit the wrong hole prematurely. He also leaves other lanes unattended and will give up larger run plays to open up. These issues are prevalent in coverage, too, getting trapped at the line and leaving space open at the intermediate level. His trigger is inconsistent and seems not to trust himself at times, exploding downfield either early or late.
Stutsman’s wrap-up technique as a tackler needs to be refined. He lets ball carriers get away from him too often. One big issue as an athlete is his struggles with breaking down and containing ball carriers that are cutting back. His awareness in coverage also has some issues, with a tendency to try to keep an eye on the quarterback and get lost in the play.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Danny Stutsman has been the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s defense, and that should carry into the NFL quickly. He commands the run game well and can be an instant impact player in any scheme. He projects as a three-down LB from the get-go with the foundation and projectability to become a star. Improving his instincts will be necessary to become a long-term starter, but he possesses a lot of desirable traits.
Prospect Grade:
- Mid-Late Second Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Tennessee
- 2024 vs. Ole Miss
- 2023 vs. SMU
Main Image: Sarah Phipps – USA Today Sports
