DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2015 NFL Season The NFL Draft 2015 Owa Odighizuwa

So I noticed the other day that we have either signed, visited or have been "reportedly" connected with every position of need in FA except one. OLB.

While I liked Soloman's short time with us, for him to be our only reserve at this point is something to take note of. So what could that mean?

Many believe in the process of eliminating "need" from the equation of drafting by filling positions with guys such as Tramon, Starks, McCown and possibly Bowe. It's an understandable philosophy and makes for safe drafting. So again why do we still need 2 legitimate OLB with no word of interest.

Maybe the FO has a great trust in Mingo to heal. Maybe we'll still add on in FA. Or maybe we like the early prospect pool. This post will focus there.

After realizing this I dove into tape. IMO this is a veryrough class of OLB prospects. But I still found Owa. While Raw as a technician I like what he can bring to the table. He may be over drafted at 19 and a steal in the 2nd so it might require movement but I'm curious how you guys feel. This is his profile on Walter. I urge anyone to watch his growth on tape via Draft Breakdown. I think he offers us a new skillset that would couple well along with Mingo to give us some versatility in the short and long term. I envision him in the role that Jerry Hughes played for Pettine in Buffalo. A Joker of sorts.

Height: 6-3. Weight: 267.
40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
3/7/15: Odighizuwa has a nice skill set of size, speed and athleticism. That was apparent with his impressive performance at the Combine. He also showed the agility and flexibility to move as a standup outside linebacker. Odighizuwa would need some development for that role, but he has the potential to do it.

At the Senior Bowl, Odighizuwa had a quality week and did well in the one-on-ones. He looks like a solid base end for a 4-3 defense. Odighizuwa totaled 61 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and five passes batted in 2014, He was phenomenal against Virginia in the season opener and was far more disruptive than the numbers indicate during the season. Odighizuwa also had a good game against Washington with a ton of heat on the quarterback.

Odighizuwa missed the 2013 season with an injury and was a backup in in 2012. He totaled 44 tackles and a sack as a backup. Odighizuwa hasn't played a lot of football for a senior and has upside to develop in the NFL.

I do like him as a player, which is why I was previously mocking him to us at 19, but there are a couple things about him that concern me.

One thing is if you look at his combine numbers, they look great, except for his three cone drill. He's near the bottom of the position group at that drill while being near the top in just about every category. What that tells me is he's not recovered from his two hip surgeries, and I can't imagine those things getting better at this point. The three-cone drill actually seems like it would translate pretty well to being an edge rusher to me. Add that to he doesn't get off the line really fast and I'm not sure I'd like him in the first round anymore.

I think he is a good run defender and he can close really well, I'm just worried he'll be too one-dimensional. I still think he'd help our run D, though.

I might draft him just to hear Doug Dieken try to pronounce his name.

Thanks steve I hadn't noticed that. Very important info

I literally opened this thread just to make a comment like that! Good one Dave!

I always pictured Odighizuwa putting on some more weight and playing end in a 3-4.

he's kind of like Armonty in that he has the frame and athleticism to do either. like I'm sure you already know having watched UCLA as much as you have, that was his role there.

Yeah, I am actually kind of surprised that some people seem him as a pass rusher.

Owa Odighizuwa: The man. The myth. The legend...

What no


What's a ..... ?

what is wrong with this world?

Like I said I view him as a Joker type

Ok........

What's a Owa Odighizuwa??????????

ahhhh.... the planets are back in their respective orbits...

thanks.

We need him, Chimdi Chekwa, and a couple of Somoans on the team.

Well, we had a Tongan in Fua last year.

Pio Sagapolutele 1991 thru 1995,one Somnoan.

Tim Manoa 1987 thru 1989,the "Tongan Tank" for Martyball and Bud Carson.

Oh, I remember the names.....but I think we need Odighizuwa, Chimde, and some new Somoans for this coming year. The more vowels, the better. (and Chimde Chekwa - that's just a cool name........)

- Things that Sounds Dirty but Aren't © 2015

Didn't we sign a guy late int he year last year .....

Yeah, I don't know what Tupou's background is ... but maybe he is part Samoan?

Best run defender in the draft as a OLB / DE.

It's an excavated outhouse in the South Pacific with an "opening" that is way too large. "Oh, wah almost fell in:...

Just watched the USC tape on draftbreakdown. Owa was very disruptive and that's what I want from an edge player. If the hips check out medically, I'd be ecstatic if he's there in the 2nd.