Known for offensive firepower, the Big 12 Conference will be well represented on draft weekend, at least on that side of the ball. Below is a look at the top 10 offensive prospects from the Big 12 available in April's 2018 NFL draft (defensive preview coming later in the week).
10. Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
The face of the Cyclones program the last few seasons, Lazard leaves Ames with every receiving record in school history, including at least one catch in 48 straight games (every game of his career). He lacks dynamic traits to be a consistent separator, but Lazard has the focus, hand strength and toughness that makes him an intriguing possession weapon, especially in the red zone.
9. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
An ideal fit for Mike Gundy's offense, Rudolph flourished in Stillwater, rewriting the Oklahoma State passing record books with the prettiest deep ball in college football. He checks the boxes with his size, presence and character, but the most important question: When the first read is taken away, can he efficiently go through progressions while feeling the rush? It's not that Rudolph can't do what is required at the NFL level, but his tape doesn't show that he can either. His pro transition requires patience.
8. Dimitri Flowers, FB/TE, Oklahoma
Equal parts tight end, fullback and H-back, Flowers has served as the safety valve of the Oklahoma offense, making things easier for Baker Mayfield. For a 250-pounder, Flowers has some serious juice as a ballcarrier and after the catch, forcing poor angles due to his acceleration. He can be a mismatch in short-yardage situations with his ability to storm the hole and win head-on collisions vs. linebackers.
7. Keke Coutee, WR, Texas Tech
A junior who declared early, Coutee finished among the nation's leaders in receiving this season, posting 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Red Raiders. He can be outmuscled down the field and bumped off his route, but his suddenness and speed allow him to threaten every level of the defense. Coutee has home run potential with the ball in his hands.
6. Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
Although not the more well-known receiver on the Cowboys' roster, Ateman was just as valuable for Oklahoma State's offensive attack, providing a different style pass-catcher for Rudolph. He is a leggy, upright route runner, and if you are a receiver who doesn't create consistent separation, you'd better be comfortable catching the ball in traffic - and Ateman is. A high percentage of his receptions are working with his back to the football and attacking at the earliest point and NFL teams can use a weapon like that.
5. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
The most prolific receiver in school history, Washington has been extremely productive with 1,000-plus receiving yards in three different seasons (third Big 12 player to do that). Although he needs to develop better nuance as a route runner and NFL press coverage will be a new challenge, Washington has the football character and ball skills to contribute early in his NFL career.
4. Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield's favorite target, Andrews led the Sooners with 62 catches and eight touchdown grabs in 2017, serving as the slot receiver in the Oklahoma offense. He is unproven as a true inline tight end and his blocking will need time to develop, but Andrews has the size/athleticism combination that creates mismatches in coverage, especially down the seam. He has a chance to be the first tight end drafted in April.
3. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
After producing first-round quality tape in 2016, Williams entered this season with high expectations. Unfortunately, things didn't go according to script as he struggled mightily in September and missed most of the season with a knee injury. If he works out well this spring, NFL teams will be more willing to rely on the 2016 tape to project his pro transition.
2. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The son of 13-year NFL veteran Orlando Brown, the Oklahoma left tackle is an interesting prospect because unlike most highly drafted tackles, he is heavy-footed with sluggish tendencies. However, Brown blocks out the sun with his size, and his wide base and humongous wingspan allow him to compensate for his lack of elite quickness. He might not be the prototype from an athleticism perspective, but Brown consistently gets the job done.
1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The top college player in the Big 12 this season is also the top NFL prospect. Mayfield is an accurate passer and does a great job using his instincts and athleticism to extend plays and deliver downfield strikes. The size and maturity concerns aren't ideal, but his competitive nature and toughness are the type of traits that NFL teams will happily invest in. Bottom line, Mayfield isn't the type of player you bet against, and an NFL team will take a chance on him in the top 15 picks.
