Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

No. 23

Beal

Jeremy Beal emerged from an injury-riddled rotation last season to become Oklahoma's most consistent pass-rusher.

After losing Auston English and Frank Alexander for extended periods last season to injury, Beal was a constant producer for the Sooners. There will be more potential players at his position this season. But if Beal progresses like he did last season, it will be hard for coach Bob Stoops to keep him out of the lineup.

Player: Jeremy Beal
Team: Oklahoma
Position: Defensive end
Vitals: 6-foot-3, 253 pounds; Jr.; Carrollton, Texas (Creekview)

Why he was picked: Beal took advantage of an unsettled rotation at his position to become Oklahoma's most productive pass-rusher last season, notching team-leading totals of 8.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries and 14.5 tackles for loss. He remained one of the most consistent players in Oklahoma's dominant defensive front throughout the season, producing at least five tackles in eight different games last season.

What 2009 will hold: Beal might play fewer snaps but become an even more valuable player for the Sooners. With the expected return of English and Alexander from injuries and the continued development of David King, the Sooners' defensive ends might be one of the team's biggest strengths. One of the biggest reasons should be the play of Beal, one of the most underrated players in the conference. His continued growth along with his teammates and the Sooners' strength at defensive tackle could help the Sooners develop into one of the most dominant defensive fronts in Big 12 history.

The countdown:

24. Kansas S Darrell Stuckey
25. Texas Tech RB Baron Batch
26. Kansas WR-QB Kerry Meier
27. Texas T Adam Ulatoski
28. Oklahoma State S Andre Sexton
29. Missouri G Kurtis Gregory
30. Missouri RB Derrick Washington
31. Texas Tech LB Brian Duncan
32. Texas S Earl Thomas
33. Kansas State WR Brandon Banks
34. Oklahoma LB Keenan Clayton
35. Baylor S Jordan Lake
36. Oklahoma State CB/KR Perrish Cox
37. Texas C Chris Hall
38. Texas Tech DE/DT McKinner Dixon
39. Kansas State DE Brandon Harold
40. Oklahoma FB Matt Clapp