With both the college and NFL seasons coming to a close, the intersect steps into focus. It’s about to full on NFL Draft season from now until April.
But it started well before the Super Bowl wrapped up for prospects who declared or graduated. This includes none other than former Oklahoma offensive tackle Walter Rouse.
“The draft process has been crazy, honestly, but it’s been great,” Rouse said. “I’ve never been through this before, obviously, so I’m just taking it day by day and rolling with the punches, but it’s truly been amazing.”
Rouse took a major step towards the draft as a participant in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Recognized as the oldest college football all-star game in the country, 2024 marked the 99th edition of the game. Not only is its purpose to provide potential draftees exposure to NFL coaches and scouts, the East-West Shrine Bowl has supported the life-changing mission of Shriners Children’s, a global healthcare system that has provided world-class care to more than 1.5 million children.
“This is really the reason why we play the game,” Rouse said. “I know that we were out there to get looked at by scouts and whatnot. But to truly be there for these kids who may not have the best lives, may just be stuck in the hospital or at home, to be able to come out here for an event like this and hang around people who are going to be future NFL stars, it’s truly worth it.”
“If I can make one kid smile, then it’s all been worth it,” Rouse added. “Because they’ve truly made my day and, hey, some of them can even throw better or run better than me. There’s a reason I’m an offensive lineman. But it truly was awesome and I’m so thankful to be a part of it, help these kids, they may not know it but they’ve helped me as well.”
As for the week from an on-field perspective, Rouse impressed each day. The first-team left tackle for the East squad who also took reps on the right side in some drills, it was a productive opportunity for a player who’s likely rising on boards.
Rouse was recently selected to be an NFL Combine participant. Next to his name on the list, of course, recognized as a product of the Oklahoma Sooners.
“I will say, going to Oklahoma is one of the best decisions I could have ever made,” Rouse said. “It really helped my draft stock and things like that as a prospect.”
Rouse’s collegiate career spanned five years. Four spent with the Stanford Cardinal, his one year and final season with the Sooners changed everything according to the veteran lineman.
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