2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Danny Stutsman (LB – Oklahoma)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Danny Stutsman

Danny Stutsman (LB – Oklahoma)

6-foot-4 | 241 Pounds

Background

Danny Stutsman was a three-star recruit who stepped right into the defense, with 37 tackles over 141 snaps as a freshman. Took over a starting role the following year and had a huge line of 125-10.5-3.0.

The linebacker posted a similar 2023 season (104-16.0-3.0, with an interception returned for a touchdown). He then surprisingly decided to return to school. Was named an All-American in 2024, with a 109-8.0-1.0 line.

Positives

Stutsman has stuffed the stat sheet since his arrival, with three highly productive seasons in a row. Big and long for a modern linebacker. Can line up as a traditional off-ball player and occasionally off the edge. Works hard through the whistle and brings a tough temperament. Reads keys pretty well and generally flows toward the play direction, showing patience.

Has more of a conservative temperament than that of a gambler. Willing to step in the hole and take on blocks to stuff the run. Plays off of blocks with effective knee-bend and good extension. Active hands to disengage. Does a nice job of using his length to work around congestion to make tackles.

Stutsman shows some ability to bring down the ball-carrier while engaged. Is active in pursuit toward the sidelines. Has controlled balance/footwork in zone and can do a little bit of pattern-matching, with somewhat loose hips. Length allows him to disrupt passing lanes. Some ability to overpower backs with a bull rush on passing downs, either as an A-gap blitzer or occasionally from the edge. Could be a core special-teams player.

Negatives

Overall athleticism is adequate, but Stutsman’s range is more based on his motor. May not be a true sideline-to-sideline player at the pro level. Can struggle to diagnose misdirection and play fakes at times. Lacks the recovery speed to get back in-phase. A few instances where he lets his shoulders get turned and gets washed away from the ball.

Stutsman has improved since but missed nearly 15% of his tackles in 2022. May struggle to run with opponents in man coverage and has allowed completions on just fewer than 75% of his career targets. Doesn’t always look like he has a clear plan when rushing the passer.

Summary

A highly productive linebacker who combines a big frame with relatively advanced instincts and technique. Stutsman plays off of blocks well in the run game and looks especially good when he’s working downhill between the tackles due to his combination of key-reading, contact balance and length.

While his technique and length allow him to do some work in zone coverage, Stutsman may not have the ideal athletic profile for man coverage duties at the next level. A pretty good player who could sneak into the second day in a linebacker class that’s not the strongest.

Projection: Round 3/Round 4

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