Dorial Green-Beckham Declares For NFL Draft & Other Oklahoma Sooners Player News

Initially, the Oklahoma Sooners recruited Dorial Green-Beckham out of high school hoping to bolster their receiving corps. By the time signing day rolled around, the top prospect chose Missouri over the other suitors. After a rough patch, the decision to transfer was made as the Oklahoma coaching staff took the receiver on with an outside chance of immediate eligibility.

The layover in Norman lasted a mere semester before DGB officially declared for the NFL Draft. Some may label the move as a surprise but upon further inspection, it should not be.

DGB had a strong connection to the position coach, Jay Norvell, at Oklahoma and could have easily been a difference maker in shallow pool of wide outs. On Saturday, the Sooners made the decision to part ways with Norvell while the future of Green-Beckham was tossed into the air. Needless to say, by the time it floated back down to earth OU lost out on experience and depth, not to mention an extreme talent, as the receiver never suited up in the crimson and cream.

Make no mistake, 2015 was never on the table for DGB and Oklahoma. As mentioned above, the idea for Green-Beckham was to provide much needed experience and playmaking ability for 2014. That's why the university pursued immediate eligibility. The wish was never granted and the rest is history.

Currently drawing comparisons to the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson due to his size and athleticism, Green-Beckham could land at a number of receiver-needy franchises on the next level. The question we must ask is: Would an extra collegiate year done him a favor?

In my opinion, the answer to that question is a resounding yes! Not only would the 6-6 receiver have distanced himself from the mishap while at Mizzou further but DGB could have also put together the breakout year everyone expected of him. A second year away from the allegations and off the field trouble should have eased the minds of pro scouts and franchises. But, on the field, Green-Beckham could have solidified himself as first round talent. Instead, franchises must weigh the risk versus the reward while making the most educated choice with the available information.

Joe Mixon and Frank Shannon Expected To Return in 2015

A highly recruited all-purpose running back, Joe Mixon ran into a bit of trouble before the season ever started. The off-the-field issues landed Mixon a suspension while a realistic possibility of the California product never appearing in a Sooner jersey crept up.

Frank Shannon amasses 92 tackles during the 2013 season and led Oklahoma in tackles during the Sugar Bowl. Looking to build upon the success, Shannon's career took a downward turn receiving a suspension himself. Petitioning to be reinstated, the linebacker's appeal failed while others made the most the absence.

Now, Stoops stated that he expected both to return and be ready to play in 2015.

Taylor McNamara To Transfer

During Tuesday's press conference called by Bob Stoops, the Oklahoma Sooners announced the departure of another receiving target. This time it would be tight-end Taylor McNamara.

Constantly calling for a resurgence of the tight-end position, many fans thought McNamara possessed the potential to remedy the problem. Through injuries and other circumstances, the talented kid never found a place on the field record a single catch in 2013 and zero in 2014. That led to a request for a release from his athletic scholarship at Oklahoma.

McNamara joins David Smith in looking to transfer elsewhere.

Regardless of where the kid lands, CCM wishes McNamara the best in any future endeavors.

No Surgery for Sterling Shepard

Stoops: Surgery for Shepard isn’t on the table "not right now." #Sooners

— Ryan Aber (@ryaber) January 6, 2015