Russell Okung, OT

04/25/2010 - Schneider said the team had opportunities to move down from the No. 14 overall pick, just chose to stand pat once they realized Thomas would fall to them at 14. "There was temptation to move back," Schneider said. "Earl was identified early as a player that if he made it to us we would not move back, unless somebody came with something incredibly strong. Our cut off was really at Earl."Okung, who turns 23 in October, was a four-year starter at Oklahoma State, earning All-American honors and finishing as an Outland Trophy finalist his senior season. The 6-foot-5, 302-pounder started 47 contests for the Cowboys, including his final 39 at left tackle. Okung said he's excited about being selected by Seattle, and looking forward to coming to town this weekend. "It's definitely just a blessing to even be considered," Okung said. "And I believe Seattle made the best choice."

04/25/2010 - A closer look at the Hawks' picks: Round 1/6 -- Russell Okung, OT, 6-5, 300, Oklahoma State: The Seahawks were lucky to have their replacement for cornerstone OT Walter Jones fall into their laps here.

04/23/2010 - Seattle offensive line coach Alex Gibbs said Okung will be the starting tackle for the Seahawks the first day he steps on the practice field. Thomas will pair with starting strong safety Jordan Babineaux to patrol the back end of Seattle's defense. "We've got two guys that we know are going to impact the future of this club," said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. "And also two guys that we just love their nature." Schneider said the team had opportunities to move down from the No. 14 overall pick, just chose to stand pat once they realized Thomas would fall to them at 14. "There was temptation to move back," Schneider said. "Earl was identified early as a player that if he made it to us we would not move back, unless somebody came with something incredibly strong. Our cut off was really at Earl." Okung, who turns 23 in October, was a four-year starter at Oklahoma State, earning All-American honors and finishing as an Outland Trophy finalist his senior season. The 6-foot-5, 302-pounder started 47 contests for the Cowboys, including his final 39 at left tackle. Okung said he's excited about being selected by Seattle, and looking forward to coming to town this weekend. "It's definitely just a blessing to even be considered," Okung said. "And I believe Seattle made the best choice."

04/22/2010 - Assuming the Redskins hold tight at No. 4 and don't acquire the No. 2 selection from the Lions for Haynesworth, look for them to take Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung to fill the gaping hole opened when six-time Pro Bowl pick Chris Samuels suffered a career-ending injury in Week 5 of 2009. It seems that the Redskins have consensus All-American Okung rated ahead of Oklahoma's Trent Williams, Rutgers' Anthony Davis, Iowa's Bryan Bulaga and Maryland's Bruce Campbell, the other tackles expected to go in the first round. If one of the teams ahead of them surprises and takes Okung, the Redskins, who have relinquished their second-, third- and sixth-rounders, would likely try to move back, add more picks and choose one of the other tackles.

04/06/2010 - With everything that's happened since Sunday night, there's a lot we simply haven't had time to address - left tackle Russell Okung's visit atop the list. The former Oklahoma State offensive lineman left Redskins Park on Monday afternoon after a "fantastic visit," his agent, Peter Schaffer, said Monday night in a phone interview. "He really liked the coaching staff, the entire environment and everything about the organization. We'll see." The team's stunning trade for former Philadelphia Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb would seem to indicate Coach Mike Shanahan is adept at concealing his true intentions for the roster. The Redskins currently hold the fourth overall pick in the April 22-24 draft and just acquired a potential Hall of Fame quarterback, so drafting Okung, if he is available, would appear to be the prudent move, especially since the Redskins do not currently have a left tackle on the roster. But will Shanahan lead the Redskins down that path? "You don't control that," Schaffer said of the Redskins' draft plan. "Whoever drafts Russell is going to ... get an exceptional young man and player." - Jason Reid, Washington Post

04/02/2010 - The Bucs focus on the NFL draft already is producing some results. Tampa Bay has completed 20 of their allotted 30 visits with potential draft picks. The list of elite players who have visited One Buc Place recently includes several offensive linemen - Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung and Idaho guard Mike Iupati. Okung is considered the top offensive lineman in the draft and certainly worthy of a top five selection. The Bucs own the third overall pick in the draft. If the St. Louis Rams pull the trigger on Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the first overall selection, the Bucs figure to have a chance to land either Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Both Suh and McCoy are expected to visit the Bucs later this month along with Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant and Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Other players who have visited Tampa Bay include Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes and Oregon LaGarrette Blount. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound Okung already has visited with the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, He is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins, who own the fourth overall pick, on Monday. Aside from defensive tackle, Okung might have the most value to the Bucs. Both starting tackles - Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood - will be unrestricted free agents in 2011. The 6-foot-5, 331-pound Iupati would provide the Bucs with another hulking guard to place opposite Davin Joseph. The Bucs are still uncertain about the status of Arron Sears, who spent last season on the reserve, non-football injury list. - Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times

04/01/2010 - The Chiefs are spending time with potential top picks this week. According to a source close to the situation, Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung is visiting Kansas City on Wednesday. The Washington Post reported that Tennessee safety Eric Berry was visiting Kansas City this week prior to heading to Washington on Wednesday. It is not a surprise Kansas City is spending time with Okung and Berry. Both are expected to be seriously considered by the Chiefs if they are available at No. 5, where the Chiefs select. Left tackle is one of the Chiefs' greatest needs and Okung is considered the best left tackle prospect available. Visits don't necessarily mean anything, but it does confirm interest. - Bill Williamson, ESPN

03/26/2010 - TOP RATED NFL DRAFT SCOUT OFFENSIVE TACKLES: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 307, 1: The all-Big 12 offensive lineman of the year and one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, presented to the nation's top interior lineman, Okung was a key part of the Oklahoma State offense for four years. In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Redskins in 2009. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism that melds well as a pass blocker; he allowed one sack and two pressures on 336 pass plays. But he also helped the Cowboys capture their fourth consecutive conference rushing title (187.8 yards a game) as well as finish sixth in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (0.92 a game). - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com/CBS Sports/USA TODAY

03/25/2010 - At least one team is expected to give the Detroit Lions a chance to trade down from No. 2 overall in the NFL draft, general manager Martin Mayhew said today at the NFL owners' meetings. The questions are whether that comment will generate more interest in the pick and whether the Lions actually will pull the trigger on a deal. "I feel confident that we'll have an opportunity to move back," Mayhew said. "Now, will that be an opportunity we want to take advantage of? Will it be a situation where we feel we'll get the appropriate value? I couldn't answer that question right now." Asked whether that would encourage more action concerning the pick, Mayhew said: "We'll see." Does it depend on what the Rams do with the No. 1 pick? "I didn't really get into that," Mayhew said. "By my way of thinking, if we go back, we have to have a comfort level with going back. It doesn't matter what happens ahead of us, if there's somebody there that we think we're going to draft." Mayhew said he had a good idea of how far down in the draft order he was willing to drop. He also said a lot of reports he had read are "premature" concerning what the Lions plan to do with the No. 2 pick. The top three candidates appear to be Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung, all of whom visited Lions headquarters last week. But asked whether Okung clearly is the top left tackle, Mayhew said there are two left tackles ahead of the pack. He declined to name the other. - Nicholas J. Cotsonika, The Detroit Free Press

03/15/2010 - Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung visited Detroit Lions headquarters in Allen Park today as the team began its off-season conditioning program. Okung is a candidate to be the Lions' pick No. 2 overall in the NFL draft, along with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma. He met with the Lions' brass in Indianapolis, and general manager Martin Mayhew attended his pro day last week. "Very sharp guy," Mayhew said at the combine. "Very intelligent. He's a leader on their football team. He was an impressive guy." Suh and McCoy are expected to visit Allen Park as well. NFL teams are allowed to bring in 30 prospects before the draft. - Nicholas J. Cotsonika, The Detroit Free Press

03/13/2010 - PRO DAY RESULTS: The presence of potential top-5 pick Russell Okung at Oklahoma State's pro day may have just helped a couple of his teammates along the offensive line. Okung, the star of the show with WR Dez Bryant working out in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas on March 25, checked in at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. He stood on his workout numbers from the combine, and ran positional drills, which were orchestrated by Falcons scout Bob Kronenberg. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

03/12/2010 - Speculation continued to swirl when the Lions took Okung to dinner at Shula's Steakhouse in Indianapolis during the first night of the NFL combine and Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was at Okung's pro day in Stillwater, Okla., Wednesday. Mayhew also has talked about the possibility of drafting an offensive tackle and moving veteran left tackle Jeff Backus to guard, which throws more fuel on the speculation fire. "(Backus) has the ability to go inside and play guard. But we'll see how it all plays out," Mayhew said. "It's hard to say if we are going to ask him to do that at this point or if we're going to leave him at left tackle." But despite all that, don't count on the Lions taking Okung. Mayhew and the Lions are doing their due diligence by taking a close look at all the top prospects. The smart money, however, is still on them taking one of the dominant defensive linemen - Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy - at the top. It's still hard to see them taking Okung, even with the additions of Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch along the defensive front. Lions center Dominic Raiola also expects a defensive lineman to be selected. "I wouldn't speculate on drafting that guy Okung yet," he said. "If Suh is there, I don't think there's any doubt who they'll take." On the possibility of Backus moving next to him at left guard, Raiola said Backus could easily make the transition, but he's not sure that's in the cards, either. "He's excelled at tackle," Raiola said of Backus. "We've been through, I don't know, how many head coaches and offensive line coaches, two managements, and he's still getting paid. There must be something he's doing right. - Tim Twentyman, Detroit News

03/11/2010 - Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was among 40 representatives from 27 NFL teams who watched offensive tackle Russell Okung during Oklahoma State's pro day Wednesday in Stillwater, Okla. Okung recorded a vertical jump of 32 1/2 inches and a broad jump of 8 feet, 9 inches - both of which would have ranked in the top 10 at his position had he done them at the NFL scouting combine. - Nicholas J. Cotsonika, The Detroit Free Press

03/10/2010 - With representatives of 27 NFL teams ??? including three general managers ??? watching, left tackle Russell Okung was the star attraction at Oklahoma State's Pro Day. The highly regarded Okung is expected to be drafted in the first round and says he hopes the scouts who watched him liked how he performed. During the NFL combine in Indianapolis late last month, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Okung suffered a minor groin injury and skipped some drills as a result. At his home stadium Wednesday, he performed the four drills he missed at the combine but didn't run the 40-yard dash or do the bench press. Two other Oklahoma State players projected as potential high-round picks, receiver Dez Bryant and cornerback Perrish Cox, didn't participate Wednesday. - AP Sports

03/10/2010 - On a day when several high profile players struggled during Pro Days, Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung was characterized as having an "excellent" workout that will certainly solidify his stock as a likely top ten pick. Okung's impressive performance was not a surprise to scouts in attendance. After all, the All-American has a history of stepping up his performance in critical situations and gave up only one sack last season. Okung did not do all of the timed drills, as he completed many of these at the Combine. However, a pulled groin halfway through his workout in Indianapolis kept him out of the vertical and broad jump, the short shuttle and 3-cone drill. He did complete these drills in Stillwater today, though his results in these drills were not immediately known. It was the positional drills, however, that left scouts so impressed. According to those in attendance, Okung was smooth and balanced during pass blocking drills, showing a deep kick-step and a forceful upper body when punching the bag. Unlike some prospects, whose workouts and game film don't necessarily jive, Okung's performance was indicative of the athleticism and physicality with which he plays. Okung was certainly the headliner today, as wide receiver Dez Bryant (injury) and cornerback Perrish Cox (suspension) were not available. Representatives from 27 teams, including three general managers, where on hand for the Pro Day. - Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com

02/24/2010 - 2010 NFL DRAFT SCOUT PRE-COMBINE TOP 64: 4. Russell Okung ??? T, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 302, 1: A big man who plays best in big games. Shows advanced skills as a pass blocker and should be able to play left tackle in the NFL. In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Redskins in 2009. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism as a pass blocker but seems to lack the level of aggression scouts like to see in a run blocker. He appears too satisfied to merely maintain a position on run blocks rather than trying to obliterate defenders. - Frank Cooney, USA TODAY/NFL Draft Scout

01/02/2010 - COTTON BOWL, MATCHUP TO WATCH: Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung vs. Mississippi DE's: Despite playing in the rugged SEC, Lockett probably has not faced as good a blocker as Okung. The OSU senior allowed just one sack all season and also was key in springing the Cowboys' potent run game.

01/02/2010 - PLAYERS TO WATCH: OT Russell Okung - One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, Okung allowed just one sack and two quarterback pressures all season. He was credited with 127 knockdown blocks and 58 domination blocks. OSU led the Big 12 in rushing for the fourth consecutive season.

12/30/2009 - The playing status of Oklahoma State All-American tackle Russell Okung is questionable heading into the AT&T Cotton Bowl. The Tulsa World reported Wednesday that unnamed sources have indicated that Okung suffered a knee injury during the Cowboys' closed practice session Tuesday at Cowboys Stadium. Okung has started 46 straight games for the Cowboys during his illustrious career. He was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and is considered to be the best blocker in the Big 12. If Okung can't go, he would be replaced by Brady Bond in the starting lineup. OSU coach Mike Gundy declined comment when asked by the World whether Okung was hurt and would be ready for Saturday's game. "I really can't even comment on it," Gundy told the paper. Okung is projected as a likely high first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. His presence helped the Cowboys allow only 10 sacks this season to rank sixth nationally and lead the Big 12. Bond made 39 consecutive starts for the Cowboys at right tackle before he sustained a sprained ankle last month. - Tim Griffin, ESPN

12/24/2009 - 2009 ASSOCIATED PRESS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: Tackle???Russell Okung, senior, 6-5, 301, Oklahoma State, has been selected First Team All-American for the 2009 college football season as voted on by The Associated Press. - AP Sports

12/14/2009 - 2009 WALTER CAMP FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: OL Russell Okung, Oklahoma State Sr. 6-5 300 Houston, TX, has been selected First Team Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American, the 120th honored by the organization. Okung, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound left tackle from Houston, has anchored the Cowboys' offensive line for four seasons, starting in 46-straight games. He earned 2009 Big 12 Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and was a first-team all-Big 12 selection for the second consecutive year. In 12 games this season, Okung has 127 knockdown blocks and 58 domination blocks. He's played 836 snaps and has allowed only one sack and two quarterback pressures. Earlier this season, he held the nation's sack leader, Texas A&M's Von Miller, without a sack. With Okung helping pave the way in 2009, OSU led the Big 12 in rushing offense for the fourth-straight year and had a 1,000-yard running back for the third year in a row, which ties a school record. The Cowboys have allowed just 10 sacks this season, which ranks among the nation's best marks. - Oklahoma State football

12/04/2009 - 2009 AFCA COACHES' ALL-AMERICA TEAM: OL Russell Okung 6-5 300 Sr. Oklahoma St., has been selected to the 2009 AFCA Coaches' All-America Team announced by the American Football Coaches Association. The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best ??? the coaches themselves. Okung, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound left tackle from Houston, has anchored the Cowboys' offensive line for four seasons, starting on the offensive line in 46-straight games. The 2009 Big 12 Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year and an All-Big 12 First Team selection for the second consecutive year, he is also one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the nation's top interior lineman. In 12 games this season, Okung has 127 knockdown blocks and 58 domination blocks. He's played 836 snaps and has allowed only one sack and two quarterback pressures. Earlier this season, he held the nation's sack leader, Texas A&M's Von Miller, without a sack. With Okung helping pave the way in 2009, OSU led the Big 12 in rushing offense for the fourth-straight year and had a 1,000-yard running back for the third year in a row, which ties a school record. The Cowboys have allowed just 10 sacks this season, which ranks as the seventh fewest in the country. - Oklahoma State football

12/02/2009 - 2009 ALL-BIG 12 FIRST TEAM (COACHES): OL Russell Okung Oklahoma State Sr. Houston, Texas/Bush, has been selected All-Big 12 Conference First Team for the 2009 college football season as voted on by the Big 12 coaches. - Oklahoma State/Big 12 football

12/01/2009 - 2009 BIG 12 OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR (COACHES): Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy presented to the nation's top interior lineman, Okung has been the anchor of the Cowboy offense all year. Through 12 games this season, he has 127 knockdown blocks and 58 domination blocks. With 836 snaps played this year, has allowed only one sack and has yielded only two quarterback pressures. During his career, Okung has paved the way for three different 1,000-yard running backs, clearing a path for Dantrell Savage in 2007, Kendall Hunter in 2008 and Keith Toston in 2009. The Cowboys have led the Big 12 in rushing offense in each of Okung's four years as a starter and each of those three running backs were recognized as first-team all-Big 12 selections running behind Okung. One of the most durable players in the country, Okung leads all OSU players with 46 consecutive starts dating back to his freshman season. Twice in his career, Okung has tossed a shutout against the NCAA's sack leader. Texas A&M's Von Miller entered the OSU game as America's top pass rusher with nine sacks. Against Okung, he did not record a sack. In the 2007 Insight Bowl, Okung held Indiana's Greg Middleton, another NCAA sack leader, without a tackle. - Oklahoma State football

11/23/2009 - 2009 OUTLAND TROPHY FINALIST (BEST INTERIOR LINEMAN): Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State left tackle Russell Okung is one of three national finalists for the Outland Trophy, it was announced today. The Outland Trophy is presented to the country's top interior lineman. As a finalist, Okung will attend the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 10, where the winner will be announced as part of ESPN's national broadcast of the event. Okung is generally regarded as the top offensive lineman in America. With Okung leading the way, OSU has led the Big 12 in rushing each of the last three seasons and is doing it again for a fourth time this year. More remarkable is this: He has paved the way for three different 1,000-yard running backs in as many years. Okung leads all Oklahoma State players with 45 consecutive starts entering this week's game vs. Oklahoma. Through 11 games this season, has 121 knockdown blocks and 55 domination blocks. With 778 snaps played this year, has not allowed a sack and has yielded only two quarterback pressures. The other two finalists for the 2009 Outland Trophy are Nebraska DL Ndamukong Suh and Idaho OL Mike Iupati. - Oklahoma State football

08/24/2009 - Top 10 Senior Prospects: Big 12: 4. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State, 6-6, 305, 5.26: A three-year starter in Stillwater at left (2007-2008) and right tackle (2006), Okung's size and athleticism make him a legitimate first-round prospect. Some league personnel men question his ability to stay with elite defensive ends on the edge, however. He must improve his footwork and balance in pass protection or else his future might be on the right side of the line - and that could drop him from the top 10 to mid-first round. - Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com

08/20/2009 - 2009 PRESEASON ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD WATCH LIST: Russell Okung 76 Oklahoma State OL Sr 6-6 305 Fort Bend, TX, has been selected one of 153 players named to the preseason watch list for the 40th annual Rotary Lombardi Award, presented annually by Houston's Rotary Club to the nation's top college football lineman - offense or defense - who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi. - The Rotary Club of Houston

08/11/2009 - 2009 PRESEASON OUTLAND TROPHY WATCH LIST: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, has been selected one of 40 players on the preseason watch list for the 2009 Outland Trophy, awarded to the best college football interior lineman. Okung helped lead OSU to its third straight Big 12 rushing title and top 10 national rankings in scoring and total offense as well as rushing. One of America's top linemen, he has been a starter in the offensive line since his true freshman season. - Oklahoma State football

07/10/2009 - Top 32 Seniors (07/10/09): 11. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: A starter in 34 consecutive games, the first-team All-Big 12 pick has the size (6-6, 305) and athleticism to man the left tackle position in the NFL for a decade. - Rob Rang, The SportsXchange, NFLDraftScout.com

05/27/2009 - Offensively, the Cowboys only need to roll out the football and watch the team take up where it left off. They achieved the best offensive balance of any Big 12 squad last season, leading the league with a 245-yard rushing average that ranked sixth nationally. Of the 530 points Oklahoma State, 512 were by players who return. Returning playmakers include QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, RB Keith Toston, WR Dez Bryant and WR DeMarcus Conner. In addition, one of the Big 12's top linemen, OT Russell Okung, anchors the front line. TE Brandon Pettigrew, a likely first-round draft pick, will be missed.

05/27/2009 - STARS OF 2009: OT Russell Okung cracked the lineup as a true freshman and carries a streak of 34 straight starts as a senior. Considered one of the nation's top linemen. Protects Robinson's blind side and helped the Cowboys rank in the top 20 nationally last season for fewest sacks allowed.