Despite how well the Oklahoma Sooners play on Saturdays, it’s no secret the program does a good job of getting players to the NFL. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The latest USA TODAY Sports 2027 NFL Mock Draft also indicates that. Experts studied prospects from across the nation and updated their draft projections for the first round in 2027. They cite using ESPN's current average draft position for each team to establish a first-round order.

In their latest mock draft, USA TODAY Sports predicts that with the 17th pick, the New York Giants will take Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone. Here’s their reasoning:

John Harbaugh casting a net for Jeffery Simmons shows just how interested the Giants are in recapturing a highly disruptive defensive lineman. That effort in the draft could continue with Stone. Production still lags well behind potential when assessing the 6-3, 312-pounder, whose stock could slide if he doesn't display more consistency down the stretch. Nevertheless, there likely will be no shortage of coaching staffs eager to coax out the best of him.

Stone’s best two games since committing as a five-star recruit in 2024 have come this season. The first was against New Mexico, where he cemented his status as one of Oklahoma’s most valuable players by posting a career-high eight tackles and two tackles for loss in the Sooners' 14-6 win. His next-best performance came two weeks ago against Mississippi State, when Stone recorded seven tackles and 1.5 sacks. Through eight games this season, Stone has recorded 33 tackles (14 solo), 3.5 for loss, and two sacks.

Oklahoma is 4-4 on the season and is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss against South Carolina last week. The Sooners are set for their first game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against the No. 24 Florida Gators.