Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
It’s feeling more and more like a redshirt season for [Obo]. Much like a young player like Sebastian Joseph-Day, sense is #Rams believe there’s a future role. If someone got hurt, they’d be comfortable playing them. But for now, I think Rams” really like the Fowler/Ebukam pairin
So who are these guys.
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Sebastian Joseph-Day
NT
Rutgers
6′ 4″, 305 lbs
Analysis
Lance Zierlein
Overview
Three-year starter with an excellent motor to go along with above average toughness. Joseph’s athletic ability and quickness serve him well as a run defender, but he is unlikely to be much of a factor as a pass rusher on the next level. Joseph will need to add mass, but he’s got a shot to fit into a rotation as either a three-technique or shade nose in a 4-3 defense.
Strengths
Plays with very good quickness off the snap. Impressive 4.97 forty at his pro day with a 10-yard split to match. Quick hands, strong hands. Flashes two-gap sensibilities with ability to punch, spy, and disengage. Plus agility to scrape along the line to mirror the runner. Explosive lateral burst to snare running backs from the backside. Never stagnant with relentless motor. Good feel for blocking schemes and attacks his attacker. Makes impact tackles near the line of scrimmage
Weaknesses
Lacks pass rush production relative to his athletic ability. Was often subbed out on obvious passing downs. Has played nose at Rutgers and could face move to three-technique in pros. Could use more mass and anchor at the point of attack. Can be stalemated when facing quality strength across from him. Was unable to impose his will against Michigan State’s Brian Allen. Needs twists and games to help him get off the mark as a rusher
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Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
OLB
Oklahoma
6′ 2″, 253 lbs
Analysis
Lance Zierlein
Overview
Okoronkwo doesn’t possess the height, weight and length teams usually want on the edge and he doesn’t have the bend or athletic traits to supersede his deficiencies. With that said, he’s solidly built and plays with good aggression and motor. He lacks the physical and athletic traits that would make him a more dangerous NFL rusher, but he flashes some explosiveness and has enough room for improvement that he should develop into a solid NFL backup with eventual starter potential.
Strengths
Compact build with thick shoulders and well-built legs
Flashes NFL power when it’s time to lock horns
Gets off ball and up the field with some juice
Attacks the pocket with natural instincts as a rusher
Uses hesitation moves, changes pace and alters his path to the quarterback
Leg drive and leverage allow him to play through soft edges at top of his rush and attack pocket from flat angle
Looks to play under the block if tackle over-sets
Lauded for growth and maturity since first coming into the program
Plays with decent strength at the point of attack
Posted impressive tackle numbers thanks to quick disengage and finish
Able to accelerate to the flanks to help run down the ball
Weaknesses
Lacks the length teams will look for from a full-time 3-4 OLB
Needs to improve technique and consistency setting edge
Needs faster punch to prevent edge blockers from owning his frame
Gets flattened out by quality run blockers
Doesn’t take a stand early on
Tight-hipped, face up rusher
Beat inferior Big 12 tackles with power and effort over athletic traits as rusher
First rush step is a false step
Counter moves get thwarted when he’s too tall
Needs to work on becoming more slippery as a rusher
More violent than skilled with hands
Lacks experience in coverage and will get lost at times
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Agamemnon
