2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Emmanuel Ogbah

Emmanuel Ogbah, 6-4/273 Defensive End Oklahoma State

Emmanuel Ogbah Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Dangerous pass-rusher

Strong hand slap to shed blocks

Quality get off

Can dip around the corner

Quick off the edge

Can close on the quarterback

Speed to power

Creates splash plays

Athletic

Has some instincts

Thickly built

Has a bull rush

Skilled at batting passes

Flashes strength to shed blocks

Has enough speed to beat tackles around the corner

Flashes in run defense

Can hold his ground at the point of attack

Gap integrity

Pass-rushing awareness

Rushes from a variety of spots

Displays some natural pass-rushing skills

Upside

Good character

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent from play to play

Straight-line rusher; not much twitch

Should continue working on pass-rushing moves

Stiffness

Runs hot and cold

Motor

Summary: Over the past two years, Ogbah was one of the most productive pass-rushers in college ball. As a freshman in 2013, Ogbah had four sacks and 20 tackles while rotating into the game. He broke out in 2014, starting with the season opener when he was furious against Florida State and terrorized Jameis Winston. Ogbah had his way with the Seminoles' offensive linemen, including Cam Erving, a first-round pick of the Browns. Ogbah continued his strong play throughout the season, finishing with 11 sacks, 49 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.

Ogbah recorded sacks in all but two games in 2015. The junior totaled 61 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, three forced fumbles and 13 sacks for the year. Aside from the sacks, Ogbah also is skilled at batting passes as he has a total of nine the last two years. While his sack production was steady, he wasn't consistent in games as he seemed to turn his play on and off.

At the combine, Ogbah was excellent in the field work. He had an electric time in the the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.63 seconds. It was surprising that he ran that fast.

For the NFL, Ogbah projects as a dangerous pass-rusher off the edge. He has a quick get-off and can turn around the corner, but he isn't a great bender and is somewhat stiff. Ogbah uses a strong hand slap to get blockers off him when turning around the corner and closes on the quarterback in a hurry. His hand strength to slap off lineman is very impressive. He also uses a rip move and a bull rush.

Most of all, Ogbah has to get more consistent on a snap-by-snap basis. That comes in the pass rush and in run defense. He has a lot of athletic upside and the skill set to be a good NFL pass-rusher. Sources say that Ogbah has good character and they like him off the field. However, he needs to land with a team that can put him in position to succeed with strong coaching and motivation.

In terms of defensive scheme, Ogbah could fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. In the latter, he could be an edge-rushing linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, Ogbah could move around as he has the size to go against right tackles, and the speed for left tackles. Staying in a 4-3 defense could be his best fit. At Oklahoma State, he lined up at left end, right end, and rushed from the inside, so he has some versatility for a 4-3 set.

For the 2016 NFL Draft, sources from a few teams said they could see Ogbah going from the middle of the first round to the second round.

Player Comparison: Tamba Hali. Ogbah is similar to Hali, and they are almost identical in size. Both are dangerous edge rushers who can win with strength or quickness. Hali (6-3, 275) is faster off the edge, but Ogbah has upside to develop. Hali was a late first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and Ogbah could go in the same range.

NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Detroit, Oakland, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Jacksonville and Baltimore

In the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, there are a lot of teams that could consider taking a pass-rusher. The Bucs badly need an edge rusher. If Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner are off the board, sources say Tampa Bay could give consideration to Georgia's Leonard Floyd. If the Bucs move down, Ogbah could be in play for them.

In the teens and middle of the second round, there are some options for Ogbah. The Lions could use an edge rusher to pair with Ziggy Ansah, while Buffalo could use a replacement for Mario Williams, who departed for the Dolphins via free agency.

Miami has Cameron Wake and Mario Williams for next year, but they're both aging. Adding a young defensive end will be necessary very soon. Oakland tried Aldon Smith, but obviously can't count on him to stay on the field. The Raiders signed Bruce Irvin recently, but they could consider more talent at defensive end.

The Falcons badly need an edge rusher to go with Vic Beasley as Atlanta had the smallest sack total in the NFL last year. Ogbah could be in play for the Falcons.

The Colts could use a difference-maker and a young pass-rusher to replace Robert Mathis. Cincinnati could use a pass-rusher to go on the other side from Carlos Dunlap.

Cleveland could use a pass-rusher to replace the bust known as Barkevious Mingo. Paul Kruger had only 2.5 sacks in 2015, so if Ogbah is there at pick No. 32, the Browns could end his fall.

The Jaguars could use an edge rusher to go with Dante Fowler as their pass defense has been a real weakness. If Ogbah slips in the second round, he could be in play for them if they take a defensive back with their first selection. Baltimore needs a young pass-rusher as Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are aging. Ogbah would be a good value at the Ravens' second-round pick.






RELATED LINKS:


2016 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's


2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports