Azeez Ojulari Scouting Report
In a pass rush class that lacks a lot of high end talent, Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari looks to be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Dive into the Azeez Ojulari Scouting Report below.
School: Georgia / Position: EDGE / Height: 6’3” / Weight: 240 / Class: rSo.
Games Watched: Alabama (2020), Auburn (2020), Cincinnati (2020)
Pass Rush:
A quality pass rusher, Ojulari is still developing in this area which makes him all the more exciting. While he is known as a pass rusher he has some work to still do to become an elite player in this regard. The good news is that he has good athleticism and gives a high amount of effort with elite level bend. This bending ability gives him a massive trump card in the NFL.
Run Defense:
A better run defender than I expected, has a great ability to anchor down especially in short yardage. At times will take himself out of his contain by performing inside moves against the run and losing as he doesn’t always have the athletic ability to get back into the play.
Athleticism:
Not an incredible athlete, but provides enough athleticism to be a serviceable player at the next level. Will be about as athletic as most of the tackles he faces which will cause him to have to rely on his technique.
Strength:
Has decent strength but it is hardly game changing in the passing game. Does a good job of anchoring in the run game and tackles well. Would love to see him add a bull rush to his pass rush repertoire as well.
Burst:
Has good burst but does not always use it to his advantage. At times appear to be hesitant at times on passing plays instead of just allowing himself to play free and hunt QB’s. Feels like this may be more due to Georgia’s defense.
Bend:
Has incredible bend with a low center of gravity, capable of turning the corner without losing any speed. Had great hip and ankle flexion making this a possibility. By far his best tool as a pass rusher.
Hand Usage:
Has shown the ability to use his hands violently and quickly and possess a great two handed rip move that is dominant when deployed at the right time. Needs to add more moves to his arsenal and has the natural ability to do so.
Motor:
Has a high motor at all times but is specifically passionate about the run game where he is always giving maximum effort and often makes tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Speed:
Has good speed. Quicker then he is fast, explodes into the backfield on run plays but rarely will he be able to chase runners from behind.
Pursuit:
Gives a high level of effort at all times in this area. His athletic profile fails him at times however as he does not possess the speed to chase down most running backs. Will always give high effort in this regard however.
Assessment:
A well built defensive end, Ojulari is a talented EDGE prospect. While he clearly has good natural ability, he does not always seem as if he knows how to deploy it which makes him an exciting player due to his potential. While he has a fantastic two hand rip move, he does not use it nearly enough and will need to add more moves to his arsenal at the next level. The biggest reason he will succeed at the NFL level is due to the fact that he is so bendy. His flexibility is great. Ojulari has plenty of room to develop as a prospect and I see him as a second rounder with the potential to add more juice to his game in the NFL. It would not be surprising at all to see him taken in round one due to this potential.
Grade: Second round
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