Jason Taylor II Declares for 2023 NFL Draft, Braydon Johnson Too

(publisher Robert Allen contributed to this story.)

STILLWATER – One of the best Oklahoma State football players the past two seasons is headed to the NFL. Redshirt senior safety Jason Taylor II took to Twitter Saturday afternoon to announce he’s declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Taylor II has been an integral piece of the Cowboys’ defense the past two seasons.

Despite making big plays throughout his career, Taylor II had a breakout season in 2022. He finished the year with 99 total tackles, 80 of which were solo stops, including 3.5 tackles for loss. He also finished with an impressive 13 pass break ups, six interceptions and one forced fumble, two of which interceptions came in the win over Texas.

Taking over the starting role when Tre Sterling missed most of the 2021 season with an injury, Taylor II immediately made an impact. He blocked a field goal in the win against Boise State, followed by an 85-yard touchdown on a interception in the win over Texas. He’d finish the 2021 season with 48 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, six pass deflections, two picks one forced fumble and blocked kick.

Following the season, he was tabbed a Big 12 honorable mention.

Taylor II has been a ball magnet since the 2020 season, combining for eight total interceptions in two seasons, one of which he brought back for a touchdown against Texas in 2021. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown against Kansas State and kickoff for a touchdown against Texas Tech in 2020.

Braydon Johnson was out of eligibility, but a recent report had Johnson looking into another year of eligibility from the NCAA. The Cowboys receiver, who had 31 receptions for 561-yards and three touchdowns this season, ended that speculation as he too declared his intention to participate in the NFL Draft process.

Johnson and Taylor Ii will both participate in the Pro Day this spring at Oklahoma State. Now that Taylor II has announced he should get an invite to the NFL Combine and possibly the Senior Bowl Game as his six interceptions this season and his ability to steal the ball in his career will get him a lot of attention.

He played in all 13 games in 2019 as a redshirt freshman, finishing with 16 total tackles, 12 of which were solo stops, which included eight tackles in the Texas Bowl against Texas A&M, seven of which were solo stops.