Oklahoma has been an NFL pipeline throughout the program's history, boasting at least one player drafted into the NFL in every year but two since 1936.
The Sooners most recently produced back-to-back first-round selections with OTs Anton Harrison and Tyler Guyton, but have produced numerous successful players throughout every round of the draft.
In Week 1, Oklahoma's NFL pipeline showed out. Former Sooners' quarterbacks led the NFL in passing yards, while former OU running backs combined to lead the NFL in rushing yards.
Let's look at some of the best performances of the week
QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arguably (or perhaps inarguably) the most important Sooner of the 2010s, Baker Mayfield's NFL career has been a roller coaster since he was selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, he's seemingly found his footing with the Buccaneers, who rewarded him with a hefty contract extension in the offseason. Mayfield responded with a lights-out showing against the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
Mayfield passed for 289 yards and four(!) touchdown passes on the weekend. The chemistry between him and WR Mike Evans was on full display and the duo look poised to continue where they left off of Tampa's deep playoff run last season.
RB Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
After spending his entire NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason. It took one game for Mixon to begin to look like the playmaker he was a few seasons ago, gashing the Indianapolis Colts for a whopping 5.3 yards per carry. Mixon earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in Week 1.
Mixon leads the NFL in rushing yards after Week 1, posting 159 on 30 carries this week. It didn't take long for him to assert himself in Houston's backfield.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Not to be outdone by Mixon, Stevenson played a critical role in the Patriots' 16-10 upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Stevenson ran for 120 yards on 25 carries this week. His power and effort as a runner saw him post eight earned first downs on the ground and a whopping 10 missed tackles forced, including a first down that iced the game for New England at the end.
He finished the weekend fifth in the NFL in rushing yards after Week 1.
OT Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
Lane Johnson is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, so it's no surprise he put out a dominant clinic this week and helped ensure the Eagles' victory over the Packers in Sao Paulo last Friday.
Related: NFL Offensive Line Analyst Compares Former Oklahoma Sooner to Hall of Famer
Squaring mainly off against talented former first-round pick Rashan Gary, Johnson didn't allow a single sack or pressure all game, maintaining his elite status despite being well into his 30s.
DT Jordan Phillips, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' new-look defense under Mike Zimmer put on a clinic against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, and Phillips played a big part in that.
Phillips finished second in the NFL among DTs with a 27.3% pass-rush win rate and repeatedly blew up the Browns' talented interior offensive line throughout the game. Phillips didn't boast elite production metrics with just two pressures and zero sacks, but his efforts helped open up plays for Micah Parsons and other Cowboys.
The Cowboys traded for Phillips last month, plucking him from the New York Giants for Day 3 pick exchanges in 2026. So far, that move has already paid dividends.
OT Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
If Lane Johnson isn't the best tackle in the NFL for you, it has to be Trent Williams.
Despite holding out virtually the entire offseason, Williams stepped up against a talented Jets defensive line and shut them down. Williams was his usual dominant self and it's clear why the 49ers rewarded him with such an outstanding contract despite his age.
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