Billy Bowman Jr., a standout safety from the University of Oklahoma, has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 198 pounds, Bowman has consistently showcased his playmaking ability and versatility throughout his collegiate career.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
Player Background
Bowman, a native of Denton, Texas, was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of Ryan High School. He made an immediate impact at Oklahoma, starting 29 of 35 career games and accumulating impressive statistics: 145 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and nine interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns.
Strengths
Ball Skills and Playmaking Ability
Bowman’s most notable attribute is his exceptional ball skills and anticipation. He consistently puts himself in position to make game-changing plays, as evidenced by his nation-leading 249 interception return yards over the 2022-23 seasons. His ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes has resulted in numerous turnovers, including a school record of three pick-sixes in a single season.
Versatility
One of Bowman’s key assets is his positional flexibility. He has experience playing multiple roles in the secondary, including safety and nickel corner. This versatility allows defensive coordinators to utilize him in various schemes and matchups, increasing his value at the next level.
Football IQ and Instincts
Bowman displays a high football IQ and excellent instincts on the field. He routinely diagnoses plays pre-snap and reacts quickly post-snap, showcasing his ability to process information rapidly. This mental acuity compensates for some of his physical limitations and allows him to play faster than his timed speed might suggest.
Aggressiveness in Run Support
Despite his relatively smaller frame, Bowman is not shy about inserting himself into the box to make plays against the run. He shows a willingness to take on blocks and displays quick closing speed when attacking downhill.
Weaknesses
Size Limitations
At 5’10” and 198 pounds, Bowman’s size is a concern for his transition to the NFL. His lack of length may limit his ability to match up with larger tight ends and contest catches against taller receivers.
Inconsistent Tackling Technique
While Bowman is aggressive in run support, his tackling technique needs refinement. He often relies on arm tackles that can be broken by more physical runners at the next level.
Coverage Discipline
Bowman’s aggressiveness can sometimes work against him. He has shown a tendency to bite on play fakes and double moves, which could be exploited by savvy NFL quarterbacks and route runners.
Athletic Limitations
Although Bowman is a smooth athlete with fluid hips, he lacks elite top-end speed for his size. This limitation could affect his ability to recover when beaten in coverage or to keep up with faster NFL receivers.
NFL Projection
Billy Bowman Jr. projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, likely to be taken in the third or fourth round. His combination of instincts, ball skills, and versatility make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary and special teams units.
Bowman fits best in defensive schemes that utilize multiple coverage looks and allow him to play to his strengths. Pattern-match zones and disguised coverages would maximize his ability to read and react. His experience at both safety and nickel provides defensive coordinators with multiple options for deploying him in sub-packages.
Initially, Bowman is likely to contribute as a rotational defensive back and core special teams player. His football intelligence and playmaking ability should allow him to see the field early in specific packages designed to take advantage of his skills.
As he develops and refines his technique, particularly in tackling and coverage discipline, Bowman has the potential to grow into a starting role. His ceiling may be limited by his physical traits, but his instincts and versatility could make him a valuable defensive asset for years to come.
Conclusion
Billy Bowman Jr. enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a high-floor prospect with the potential to outperform his draft position. While he may not possess the elite physical traits teams covet in early-round selections, his production, football IQ, and playmaking ability make him an intriguing mid-round target.
Teams valuing defensive backs who can create turnovers and contribute in multiple roles will be particularly drawn to Bowman. His success at the next level will largely depend on landing with a team that can maximize his strengths while minimizing his physical limitations. With the right coaching and scheme fit, Bowman has the tools to become a reliable NFL defensive back and potential starter down the line.
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