Oklahoma Football: Sooners moving on from Baker Mayfield

Defense

The biggest loss for the Oklahoma defense in 2018 is undoubtedly the departure of linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. A two-year starter on the edge, Okoronkwo was a disruptive force in opposing backfields. Okoronkwo finished with eight sacks, twice as many as the next person on Oklahoma’s list, and had more than twice as many tackles for loss as the runner-up in that category.

Replacing Okoronkwo is next to impossible, but there is enough talent that the Sooners should be fine this year. After all, it wasn’t like Oklahoma won on the strength of a dominant defense. The Sooners ranked in the 60s in both total defense and scoring defense, giving up an average of 27 points and nearly 400 yards per game.

As long as the offense holds firm, the Sooners should be fine despite losing four starters on this unit. Lincoln Riley only needs the defense to keep opponents in check, not to completely dominate them. And the unit will oblige, bending but rarely breaking along the way.

Focusing on the Sooners secondary

Where the Sooners need the most help is against the pass. Last year they ranked 85th in the FBS in terms of opponents’ passing efficiency. Oklahoma gave up an average of 238 passing yards per game. That was good enough to rank third in the Big 12, but only 87th overall nationally.

The loss of cornerback Jordan Thomas and safety Steven Parker won’t make improvement easier to come by for the Sooners. Finding new players to step up quickly will be paramount for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

One who looks ready to step up immediately is Brendan Radley-Hiles. The five-star defensive back could line up at either safety or cornerback for the Sooners and should make an instant impact for the unit.