2015 NFL Draft Profile: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE UCLA

UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa is tough and aggressive. Many scouts see him as the kind of player that could be a defensive end in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense because of his specialty in stopping the run. While Odighizuwa isn’t a terrible pass rusher, that is one situation where he could use some improvement to be a complete player.

Medical issues are also a question mark for him. Owamagbe Odighizuwa has had to surgeries on his hip that caused him to miss the entire 2013 campaign at UCLA. However, his speed and athleticism on the college level could convince some teams that he has moved past those injuries and is ready to compete in the NFL.

A hugely successful combine will likely shoot Owamagbe Odighizuwa’s stock up on draft day. He was a top performer in the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 20 yard shuttle, and 60 yard shuttle. Because of this, I expect him to be selected near the middle of the 2015 NFL Draft’s first round.

Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa (94) rushes past Washington Huskies offensive linesman Micah Hatchie (72) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 267 pounds
Arm Length: 33.75″
Hand Size: 11″
40 Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
Bench Press: 25 reps
Vertical Jump: 39″
Broad Jump: 127″
3 Cone Drill: 7.36 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.19 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.75 seconds

Draft Projection

Owamagbe Odighizuwa is projected as the #24 overall prospect according to CBS Sports and is their #4 defensive end available in the 2015 NFL Draft class.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Sam Acho, Arizona Cardinals
CBSSports.com: Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for a rotational and backup defensive end to possibly compete for the starting spot opposite the emerging Everson Griffen.

My Take

I really like what I see in Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Although he’s a bit of a project when it comes to rushing the passer, he has flashed the kind of speed and physical nature to be able to develop into a complete player. I don’t see Minnesota using their top pick on him, but they could consider him with their second pick if he falls in the 2015 NFL Draft.

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