With the 2022 NFL Draft process fully underway, we’ve already seen several prospects rise up draft boards. Earlier this year, Michigan outside linebacker David Ojabo was one of those players. With just under two months until the 2022 NFL Draft, Ojabo has been able to enter the conversation as a first round draft pick. In this 2022 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown David Ojabo, as well as his 40 time and results from the NFL Combine.
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David Ojabo 40 Time
David Ojabo ran a 4.55 40 time at the 2022 NFL Combine. Additionally, his 10-yard split, which is much more representative of his explosiveness off of the line of scrimmage, was 1.65 seconds. Ojabo’s quickness is best seen on film when he’s attacking the run off the edge. The average 40 time for the defensive end position is 4.81, while the average for outside linebacker is 4.68. Meanwhile, both of which are much slower than Ojabo’s official 40.
David Ojabo NFL Combine Results
Height: 6040
Weight: 250
Arm: 33 1/2
Hands: 9″
Wingspan: 80 3/4
40 Time: 4.55
Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 122
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.45
David Ojabo Scouting Report
Pros
- Processes And Attacks The Run Quickly
- High-Motor Player Rushing The Passer
- Capable Of Mirroring RB With Good Change Of Direction
Cons
- Needs To Speed Up Attack When Coming off The Edge
- Lacks Elite-Level Body Lean
- Timing Of Pass Rush Moves Needs Improvement
David Ojabo is a two-year contributor for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He typically plays the outside linebacker position, but is capable of playing defensive end as well. Ojabo has solid height and weight for the outside linebacker or defensive end positions in the NFL. His official 40 time of 4.55 is above average for both positions as well.
Ojabo has a full utility belt to beat offensive linemen and penetrate the pocket. He’s able to process and attack the ball carrier quickly at the line of scrimmage. His change of direction is good as he’s capable of mirroring the running back in close quarters at the point of attack. Additionally, his ability to leverage the ball and force the ball carrier inside when out in space is good. Displays great hand placement to drive through offensive linemen and push them back towards the quarterback. Ojabo is a high-motor player that plays to the whistle. Furthermore, his motor allows him to circle back and attack the ball when he’s pushed wide and outside of the pocket. When dropping into coverage, he has fluid movements and solid range to attack in the flats.
I’d like to see David Ojabo speed up his attack when coming off the edge. He may struggle to win consistently when pushed wide and forced to rely on his body lean. Finally, while he possesses a full utility belt to beat offensive linemen, he will need to improve his timing with pass rush moves.
David Ojabo NFL Draft Projection
Ultimately, I have a mid-first round grade on David Ojabo, as evident in our Top 200 Big Board Prospect Rankings. While there are some areas that Ojabo needs to improve upon, he’s a day one contributor on defense. I believe that he fits best as an outside linebacker, but I could see him succeeding as a defensive end as well.
When compared to teammate Aidan Hutchinson, I firmly believe that David Ojabo has to develop more. However, Ojabo has a high ceiling in my opinion.
I could see David Ojabo coming off the board as high as 7 to the New York Giants or 9 to the Denver Broncos. On the other side, I could see him fall as low as 21 to the New England Patriots.
