Billy Bowman Jr. 2025 NFL Draft: Oklahoma S Scouting Report

Billy Bowman Jr. enters the  2025 NFL Draft as a dynamic playmaker with elite ball skills, instincts, and versatility. A four-year contributor at Oklahoma, he racked up 41 starts in 47 games, proving to be a turnover-generating force in the secondary. Continue reading all about the talented S in this in-depth scouting report.

Billy Bowman Jr. 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Bowman Jr. enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, bringing a rare combination of ball skills, football intelligence, and competitive tenacity. A four-year contributor for the Sooners, Bowman transitioned from a two-way high school standout to a full-time defensive back, evolving into a turnover-generating machine.

With 41 starts in 47 career games, he’s showcased versatility and a knack for game-changing plays. Notably, this was highlighted by his record-setting 2023 season. Unfortunately, his size and tackling inconsistencies raise questions. However, his instincts and range make him a compelling prospect for NFL teams seeking a centerfield presence.

Furthermore, Bowman’s ceiling hinges on his ability to shore up tackling and adapt to the physicality of NFL tight ends and backs. If paired with a strong run-support strong safety, he could develop into a reliable starter. However, early on in his career, he’s likely a third safety and special teams ace with the tools to grow into more.

Overall, Bowman projects best as a free safety in a two-high system (e.g., Cover 2, Cover 4), where his range and ball skills can be maximized while minimizing exposure in run support. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who prioritize deep coverage and turnover creation, could deploy him effectively. Due to size and man coverage limitations, he’s less suited for heavy box roles or man-heavy schemes.

HT: 5097
WT: 192
HAND: 858
ARM: 2848
40: 4.42

Strengths:

• Ball-Hawking Instincts: Bowman’s ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate throws is elite. His 11 interceptions over three seasons (2022-2024) and three touchdown returns in 2023 demonstrate a nose for the ball that’s rare among safeties. He thrives in zone coverage, baiting QBs into mistakes with his positioning and closing burst.
• Range and Speed: A verified 4.42 40-yard dash translates to sideline-to-sideline range. He’s at his best in deep alignments, tracking the ball in flight and erasing mistakes from underneath defenders.
• Football IQ: Bowman’s understanding of route concepts and pre-snap recognition allows him to disguise intentions and jump passing lanes. His experience in Brent Venables’ complex scheme speaks to his mental processing.
• Versatility: Played single-high, two-deep, slot, and even robber roles at Oklahoma. Nearly 400 special teams snaps add value as a potential four-phase contributor.
• Competitive Toughness: Brings a swagger and physical edge to the secondary. He is willing to mix it up in coverage and shows no hesitation attacking downhill when his reads are clear.

Areas for Improvement:

• Tackling Consistency: Bowman’s aggression doesn’t always translate to sound tackling. He tends to drop his head or lunge at ball carriers, resulting in a missed tackle rate above 25% in college. His smaller frame struggles to wrap up bigger backs and tight ends.
• Size and Length: At nearly 5’10” with sub-30” arms, he lacks the prototypical build for an NFL safety. This limits his catch radius in coverage and tackle radius against the run, often forcing him to rely on speed over leverage.
• Run Support Hesitation: While willing to engage, Bowman can appear tentative when filling alleys against the run. He opts for low-cut tackles rather than squaring up, leading to inconsistent production in this area.
• Man Coverage Limitations: He’s best suited for zone schemes, as his shorter arms and lack of elite hip fluidity show up when mirroring receivers in tight man-to-man situations. Bigger targets can box him out downfield.
• Over-Aggressiveness: His playmaking instincts occasionally lead to gambles, biting on fakes or abandoning discipline to chase a big play, which savvy NFL QBs could exploit.

Conclusion:

Billy Bowman Jr. is a high-IQ, playmaking safety whose turnover production and athleticism will excite NFL defensive coordinators. His 4.42 speed and ball-tracking ability make him a natural centerfielder, but his undersized frame and tackling woes temper expectations. For a team willing to scheme around his strengths, he offers immediate special teams value and the potential to carve out a starting role in the right system—a classic boom-or-bust prospect with a tantalizing skill set.

Like Jordan Poyer, Bowman is an undersized, instinctive safety with a knack for creating turnovers. Both rely on speed and IQ over physical dominance, though Bowman needs to refine his tackling to reach Poyer’s level of consistency. Look for Bowman in the 4th round of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft.

Round Grade: 4th Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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